"\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=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d383afe1fe3a405d9223259cdc05db5f\u0022\u003EWednesday, 19 February 2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022baef390793fe43919ecdfb47ab3ec92c\u0022\u003EWednesday, 19 February 2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000002\u0022\u003EMr Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000004\u0022\u003EPrayers.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002207015075c007415e8ee8c901b3948a01\u0022\u003EVisitors\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229fa543b54ef74644a63abdc73033de53\u0022\u003ECanada\u2014Minister of Foreign Affairs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u002263aae61d6b9f465a84310cb932c5d4de\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002263aae61d6b9f465a84310cb932c5d4de\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I have much pleasure in informing members that the Hon John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Canadian House of Commons, is in the precincts of the Chamber. I am sure that members would wish that he be welcomed and accorded a seat to the left of the Chair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003EThe Hon John Baird, accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, entered the Chamber and took a seat on the left of the Chair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022931de1f673fd4c4b8568a8adc218feda\u0022\u003ETabling of Documents\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002203208cd1ce2e4079a8ff94624311b50d\u0022\u003EVeterans\u2014War Disablement Pensions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022 data-id=\u0022172d6d375df147339df9cc2b74a9897b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022172d6d375df147339df9cc2b74a9897b\u0022\u003EANDREW WILLIAMS (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave of the House to table an open letter to members of Parliament from John \u201CDoc\u201D Mountain, retired Viet Nam veteran, in relation to an ongoing miscarriage of justice regarding declining war disablement pensions\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u0022cf6f79baca1349c2a6674157b7dea473\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cf6f79baca1349c2a6674157b7dea473\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Leave is sought for that document, that open letter, to be tabled. Is there any objection? There is none. It can be tabled.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ee8a59b4374342c597b2b2b8a5b90c28\u0022\u003EQuestions for Oral Answer\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00224f8ec7c0f6d74ea6b80b5a088b2f9380\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226a120b096572444eaee968fab5c0a683\u0022\u003ESouthern District Health Board\u2014South Link Health and Fraud Allegations\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022 data-id=\u002229597d7d1ca345f482201336c2b9fc30\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002229597d7d1ca345f482201336c2b9fc30\u0022\u003EKEVIN HAGUE (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: Does he think fraud in the publicly funded health sector is serious and if so would he investigate any allegations of fraud if they were raised with him?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022 data-id=\u0022bf8b035f2d1b469782c1d500efd32356\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bf8b035f2d1b469782c1d500efd32356\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, and yes. In relation to the dispute between the Southern District Health Board and the Dunedin general practitioner organisation South Link Health, this matter has been under dispute for over a decade. It involves an argument over $5 million or $6 million of savings generated through laboratory and pharmaceutical contracts during the 1990s and whether there was an agreement on how those services would be reinvested back into health services. This has remained a complex dispute. The district health board has advised me that it has received advice that it is best to pursue this as a commercial matter, but it has also referred the issue to specialist forensic accountants to see whether any illegality was involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224080b51592a04b4397859ff3071bad5e\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: When did the Minister first become aware of concerns that South Link Health may have misused public funds in excess of $5 million that were intended for patient services but were instead spent on other things without authorisation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224935525e1d0f48dba8505c2ceae21200\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: To the best of my recollection and the advice that I have received, I became aware of that issue in November 2013 as a result of a management letter from the Auditor-General. On the wider issue of the dispute, I have been aware of that for quite some time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c05994742bdc4e1e89bc203434017661\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister quite sure that he was not made aware of it in 2010 and briefed on the legal advice that had been received by the Southern District Health Board that suggested there was the possibility of fraud?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264816cf07a954c89a0a32718f19e3e84\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: I have no recollection of that, and we have got no record in our office of such a briefing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d9501429a8aa4002bc6974d674bd4f6f\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: Is it not true that even though he knew that the Southern District Health Board had legal advice that fraud may have occurred, he as Minister personally discouraged the district health board from taking this allegation to police in 2010?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223304885dad5d458bbf90c5963e00b1af\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: I do not have any recollection of being aware of it, so I cannot have actively discouraged the district health board. What I would have required, of course, would have been for the district health board to act on whatever advice it had. I am advised that that letter of November 2010 was not clear-cut. It actually says there could be elements of fraud or there could be elements of commercial dispute.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221fe60ee72f246ac8fb7474024188165\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: Is it not true that even though the district health board had repeatedly asked for assistance from the Ministry of Health on this matter, beginning in December 2010, no ministry action was taken at all until it became clear that the Office of the Auditor-General was going to refer to potential fraud in its report on the Southern District Health Board in 2013?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f4d3746d51b4a0fa994a1e7f19475f6\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: That is not the information I have received. My understanding was that the matter was considered by the audit and compliance people at the Ministry of Health and that there were negotiations that I think the ministry was involved in trying to facilitate in 2011 but that did not go anywhere.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f7fb35522d394957ac1b371588f932fd\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: What interactions did the Minister have with the Office of the Auditor-General over its management letter to the district health board in 2013, and what was he seeking?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c3c6663f34541418633600815c10bbb\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: When I received that management letter, I then asked for a meeting with the Office of the Auditor-General to discuss its concerns further and to get a better understanding of the information and concerns that it had. I was able to discuss those with the chair of the district health board, and, as he advised the Health Committee today, my strongest advice to him was that if it believed there was sufficient evidence of fraud, then it should refer that to the Serious Fraud Office.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cca2639139a54257815d9feccfdbe386\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: What dealings has he had with South Link Health since he was made aware of these allegations of potential fraud in 2010?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220dbbc32216c641ec9eff20d1a25ef8d3\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: I have no recollection of being made aware of those, and there is no record of that. What I can say to the member is I have met South Link Health on a number of occasions, since it is a leading general practitioner organisation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2c366f1ce0d4e229ff7fecd835fa79f\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: Why, given that a massive question mark ought to have remained in his mind about a potential fraud, did he, in June 2012, describe the executive director of South Link Health, Professor Murray Tilyard, as having \u201Cgreat entrepreneurialism and innovation\u201D and being a \u201Cprophet in his own land\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022604c422b416e457aa99670d199215f8c\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: The member can sort of cast as many aspersions as he likes and make allegations. When I became aware of the management letter on the issue of fraud, I met as soon as I could with the Auditor-General, and I have made it very clear to the chairman of the Southern District Health Board that if he believes there is sufficient evidence of fraud, then that must be referred quickly to the Serious Fraud Office. And, as the member will know from my earlier answer, it has been referred to forensic auditors for that very purpose.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f93e3a1d6e274a8e8ecaf6608d7fbf76\u0022\u003EKevin Hague\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table a page from the New Zealand Doctor website. It is protected behind a paywall, so most members will not have access to it. It is entitled \u201CSouth Link groups in growth phase\u201D, and it refers to the Minister\u2019s interaction, as in those quotes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022623ed6989a0340378d67c4829494f570\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought to table that particular document that is not easily available to members. Is there any objection to that being tabled? There is none. It can be tabled.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202e4e9e45c494ca1b4c6b4396d8ebbc5\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: In this meeting with the Auditor-General, did he seek at any time to have any mention of the word \u201Cfraud\u201D removed from the Audit Office report to the select committee?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002232c7464bbf594df18e0279faf075ddfa\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: It is not the responsibility of the Minister of Health to direct the Auditor-General in what they do. [Interruption] No, no, I have no recollection of asking them to remove the word \u201Cfraud\u201D. The member can cast as many stones as she likes but, actually, she was the Minister at the time that most of this contract stuff was happening.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d5468a8adf26471e878d3ee21686be18\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293bf437ca00544b5bb8d8f83c22010df\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I have a point of order, which I want to hear in silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f3ea36c226e647aa987b5c9b90edd872\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to show that, in fact, this problem started in 1995-96\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022acca95ea2e2d4fadb4a888959554db8c\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! [Interruption] Order! That is using the point of order system simply to continue a political debate. The member has got a question coming up shortly. She should use that opportunity, with supplementary questions, to continue the debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ac9dfbd5de7149ff9c308d0ce4f394c7\u0022\u003EHealth Services\u2014Funding and Delivery\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022 data-id=\u0022ac0e60c1ccef493dbc99395bae185caf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ac0e60c1ccef493dbc99395bae185caf\u0022\u003EHon ANNETTE KING (Labour\u2014Rongotai)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: What recent reports has he seen on inadequate standards of health care in New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022 data-id=\u002272043b83cce94b4590b7dc543b75db13\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002272043b83cce94b4590b7dc543b75db13\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E The vast majority of reports I receive on the standard of health care in New Zealand are very positive. However, I have seen a recent report about a small group of women whose experiences with maternity services in Counties Manukau were disappointing. It is unacceptable if any mother feels unwelcome or disrespected by maternity services, and I have asked the district health board to report to me on what action it is taking to address these concerns. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002296041e6ea0a3488b9f8292799eecfd31\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Why was the so-called increase in funding to Hutt Valley District Health Board not sufficient to prevent a recent audit report showing that conditions at the maternity ward, the mental health unit, and the children\u2019s ward were so concerning that they were labelled as high risk, with staff shortages, overcrowding, and a recurring flea problem that had been there since he became the Minister?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f8f90f6ce4b404fabef932780f46929\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: Our Government has given the Hutt Valley District Health Board an additional $59 million in the last 5 years. We have also supported much stronger auditing processes in district health boards. I am advised in respect of Hutt Valley District Health Board that it is addressing the issues that have been raised. New lino has been installed and the maternity unit has apparently been fumigated. I have to remind the member that fleas were reported at another hospital back in 2007 and in a hospital facility back in 2002. Who was the Minister of Health then?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266ec4eedcb97459c8e9a4d6967c02fb3\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Why was the so-called increase in funding to Counties Manukau District Health Board not sufficient to address the serious shortcoming in maternity care, including bed shortages, inappropriate care, overcrowding, and vulnerable women being sent home 4 hours after giving birth, after his promise for longer stays for mothers in hospitals\u2014the promise he made in 2008-09?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e52a880f439f4f0fb1792627aaf33c5a\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: Over the last 5 years we have given the Counties Manukau District Health Board $265 million worth of additional funding. There was a major review of maternity services that was commissioned in 2012. It identified that there were significant problems with dealing with vulnerable mothers, particularly new, Pacific, and M\u0101ori mothers. This research has been undertaken to inform the district health board, and I am sure we are going to see improved services as a result.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221cbda6b269d34ddaa8365ace05b98162\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table a document sent to me under an Official Information Act request from Counties Manukau, showing that over 4 years there has been no improvement in the length of stay for vulnerable mothers\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e74d3b8f4eed465489a1c28e07ff091a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Leave is sought to table an Official Information Act request that has been sent to the member\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226373f31c5804442b8a3365aa1fddc40c\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: No. A reply, not a request.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022de0dd8c51ede4c6fbf56dbf8113c159b\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: It was a reply.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022da229fc9c5ad4a5e92abcc7ade23c4c8\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A reply. I apologise. Is there any objection to that particular document? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002286113b3d83844a828e9c5be5fec2bc10\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Why should mental health patients in Christchurch be forced to live in Portacom and caravans, which both health professionals and board members are concerned about, even going\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e21c8bb7e10c4e3e9bb988cfccbd9561\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I do not want your colleague there to continue holding up pieces of paper, which is leading to disorder.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c792fa02b3ee4fe4b5382002e0488d6e\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re allowed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d20b92673de943cfac79520d31542032\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I have asked the member to desist from doing so. That is the end of the matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022478e0a22a0484836bfac00e92290fb0d\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. For the many, many years that I have been in this Parliament, the use of visual aids\u2014including your allowing me to use them only a few weeks ago\u2014was permitted. Why is it not permitted now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ee884e23a10640979a998309640c0998\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Because it is leading to disorder. A visual aid might be one thing. To hold up lots of pieces of paper\u2014copies of the newspaper\u2014is not helping the order of this House. I have made a ruling. If the member wishes to carry on with her supplementary questions, I suggest that she do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002267afd3c8c21c42a0a6e3fa3d33049c4f\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022661a14a4581a4a67a1da8d0cbe6459bf\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! This is a point of order. It will be heard in silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a5f98ed871454317b39628c545c61f2c\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Could I point you to Standing Order 109\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223ac6d6418ce64aafab19d2d7db73e316\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: 109?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002273ea7e18cae44b2d97308e7c819bf07c\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014109, Mr Speaker\u2014and it says this: \u201CA member may use an appropriate visual aid to illustrate a point being made during the member\u2019s speech, provided that the aid does not inconvenience other members or obstruct the proceedings \u2026\u201D. The second point says: \u201CSuch an aid may be displayed only when the member is speaking to a question before the House and must be removed from the Chamber at the conclusion of the member\u2019s speech.\u201D I would put it to you that the visual aid itself was innocuous. It was directed at the member\u2019s question that was being asked, and it has been a tradition to use visual aids as long as they are removed relatively quickly after the speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209b3a59b46044140952208a52ef5f485\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I invite the member to look very carefully at that particular Standing Order. What it says is that the member can use a visual aid, if the member specifically needs a visual aid to help that member make a point with a supplementary question. What we were seeing was an additional member of Parliament, not the member asking the question, using the visual aid, which was, in my opinion, leading to disorder. If\u2014[Interruption] Order! If the member asking the question finds that it is absolutely critical to making the point she is making, I will allow that member but not any other member to use that aid to assist the Hon Annette King.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227847fb48aa054cce8f1a4070594551e4\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is critical to my question. Why should mental health patients in Christchurch be forced to live in Portacom and caravans, which both health professionals and board members are concerned about\u2014even going so far as to label the proposal as a \u201Clow-life ghetto\u201D\u2014when he was aware of the unprecedented demand for mental health services in Christchurch since the earthquake and has washed his hands of the problem?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc73c075c94e4acab4141ae6be327137\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: We have been strongly supporting the Canterbury District Health Board since the earthquake. In the last 5 years $201 million worth of extra funding has gone into the Canterbury District Health Board. There are significant housing issues in Christchurch, which are being dealt with and work is under way in that area, but I do welcome any thinking the district health board can have about how it might be able to provide services for some of those more vulnerable people in the community on a temporary basis until more permanent accommodation can be provided.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fbe64e6e5f73431f81fc4b416f1fcd4b\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Has he received\u2014[Interruption] Yes, yes, we have just heard from the \u201CBrains Trust\u201D. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224810cd213ffa4ab3887f11a0dadf9571\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Does the member want to continue with her question?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ada5f29c3914755980dad8fd1b22466\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Has he received any reports from front-line health professionals that on numerous occasions patient safety is compromised due to care rationing, patients missing out on care or having their treatment delayed, and reports that reportable events are often not getting past front-line managers? Has he received any of those reports?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022de90e9d3b4854ab5980ff655a9c34f87\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: I am sure that I have read some of the newspaper clippings that the member is using for those reports, but also I have seen reports of people waiting 3 days on end under bright fluorescent lights at hospital emergency departments during the term of the previous Government. Next week, we will be announcing the best performance ever by emergency departments in the New Zealand public health service.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e00795f05343406da3a2a83b63f44be3\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table an email I have received from a health professional working in a tertiary hospital, setting out exactly what I have just put in my question. I am sure that the Minister has also received it\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2b9be9a430d4b9299420e3568bb4569\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Then we do not need any further explanation. Leave is sought to table an email received by the member from a health professional. Is there any objection to that email being tabled? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ea83eb1bf3c448dfa968488a148d4cd2\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table a set of statistics from New Zealand Doctor. I am advised that it is similarly limited in its availability as Mr Hague\u2019s information from New Zealand Doctor was, from behind a paywall. This is a set of statistics that notes as its headline: \u201CLabour\u2019s King gains as Ryall slips in popularity\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225455f9f57d844dc598a1338fca7860bd\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I am going to let the House decide. Leave is sought to table that particular information from behind a paywall. Is there any objection? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227f578ad93dea4b7095a198325011565e\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: They don\u2019t like it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e31f577ebd784646872a02d5cd59c382\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! And I do not like the noise levels of the interjections, either.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223ae69f149f5c405fbdc35de508c81052\u0022\u003EEconomic Programme\u2014Social Issues and Support for Vulnerable New Zealanders\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022 data-id=\u0022c7e7f4654c754304a52c0030008591f6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c7e7f4654c754304a52c0030008591f6\u0022\u003ESHANE ARDERN (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government balancing its focus on responsibly managing its finances with addressing some of the most challenging social issues facing vulnerable families?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022 data-id=\u00225fa201cba0424eb9a58640bf7f1e711a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225fa201cba0424eb9a58640bf7f1e711a\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E The Government has been clear since it became the Government that the 50 percent jump in Government spending in the 5 years to 2008 was unsustainable. In setting a path back to surplus, we rejected the option of aggressively cutting spending. Instead, we took the time to understand the drivers of existing spending and whether the spending was delivering results, and to ensure that results were delivered. At the same time, we put significant resourcing and effort into improving the lives of the most vulnerable New Zealanders, particularly children. We are not doing that by throwing taxpayers\u2019 money around indiscriminately. We are attempting to resolve the complex and persistent problems that mean some of our children have lives that sap their sense of opportunity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ffaa4bf2743945b7a9e7e903764790d0\u0022\u003EShane Ardern\u003C/span\u003E: What are some of the social issues the Government is addressing to improve the lives of the most vulnerable New Zealanders?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d33362f617dd49d6a974bd0334be4db7\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH\u003C/span\u003E: The Government has set out what it believes those social issues are, but, more than that, it is publishing results in order that the public can hold us and the Public Service to account for achieving something for the most vulnerable New Zealanders. The Better Public Services targets are particularly challenging because they cover some of New Zealand\u2019s most persistent problems, like long-term welfare dependency, vulnerable children and the amount of violence that they suffer, the need to build skills and employment so these young New Zealanders have real opportunities, and also crime reduction and making our communities safer. Overall, we are making good progress towards meeting these results, and further updates will be published tomorrow.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022707f0994c67347dfb5ea63d5315b745d\u0022\u003EShane Ardern\u003C/span\u003E: What kinds of social issues affecting the most vulnerable New Zealanders did this Government inherit in 2008?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002204264dd93e904de0becd8b16c2d8e131\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH\u003C/span\u003E: There were a number of longstanding social issues making the lives of New Zealanders miserable in 2008. They are set out clearly in the Salvation Army\u2019s state of the nation report of February 2008. It said: \u201CThe social outcomes which we as New Zealanders have achieved over the past five years\u201D\u2014that is, under the previous Labour-led Government\u2014\u201Cwere somewhat mixed and in some areas quite disappointing.\u201D The report noted that in 2008 more children appeared to be at risk of harm, more young people were engaged in petty crime, there was more violent crime, and the number of people going to jail was rising at a significant rate. I do not think that any of those trends could be seen as progress. The Salvation Army noted in 2008 that New Zealand households were chronically indebted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221c818ce2-6ca3-4c4a-9e6a-2e3a67d070e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aa2264db307744ce8cd8974dcb304bcc\u0022\u003EShane Ardern\u003C/span\u003E: What else do reports say about the serious social challenges facing New Zealanders when this Government took office, and particularly the fiscal policy approach to dealing with those issues?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244a59151aaf8450b885d7dbd11169bd5\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH\u003C/span\u003E: The Salvation Army said in its report in 2008 that perhaps the most disappointing aspect was that New Zealand had invested huge amounts of money in core areas of social spending but the spending seemed to have contributed very little to New Zealand\u2019s social progress. This was not said by the then Opposition\u2019s spokespeople; this was from the people from the Salvation Army. The report listed billions of taxpayers\u2019 dollars that had been spent, and then listed many indicators that were going backwards\u2014rising numbers of referrals to Child, Youth and Family Services, more children in Child, Youth and Family Services care, rising youth offending, rising teenage pregnancy and abortion rates, continuing educational inequality, and early childhood enrolment rates lower than 65 percent. Funnily enough, in 2014, almost all of these indicators are turning positive, when the Government has been very careful about its spending but instead has focused on its effectiveness.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d6fc763434584b2a9b963c46b13c11e2\u0022\u003EJacinda Ardern\u003C/span\u003E: In light of the Deputy Prime Minister\u2019s line of questioning around the Salvation Army report, I seek leave to table a graph from the Salvation Army demonstrating\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b56e27240134b6ab4e187831ac47b08\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member will resume her seat. That report was certainly available to all members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f7e66fbcce594028aa3382a41f9194d5\u0022\u003ECommerce Legislation\u2014Passage\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022 data-id=\u0022b70838c680a5484981786ee5b4231bcc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b70838c680a5484981786ee5b4231bcc\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Commerce: When does he expect the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to be passed into law?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022 data-id=\u00226be9ae16d0af4914a0421ea5118c0534\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226be9ae16d0af4914a0421ea5118c0534\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Commerce):\u003C/span\u003E It is my expectation that this bill will be passed this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285e7627f1d004f71a9e8b4e3e1a826a9\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Given the serious concerns of supermarket suppliers that were raised last week in the House by the Hon Shane Jones and subsequently by the Food and Grocery Council, and given that he admitted yesterday in the House that he knew of concerns regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers well before it was raised here last week but did nothing, why has he not expedited the passage of this bill?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226212a7ce99c34bceb73d05f4fd4b7447\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: The serious concerns raised by the Hon Shane Jones of alleged blackmail, of alleged extortion, of alleged retrospective payments are not part of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Some of those allegations actually should be referred to the police, as I advised the member yesterday, but they are ongoing matters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb2bdd891e14433c95f396eb06f3f63f\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Given that he is not prepared to expedite this legislation and that he admitted, and I invite him to check his Hansard from yesterday, that he knew of these concerns prior to Mr Jones raising them in the House, what is he prepared to do, if anything, in the interim to ensure that supermarket suppliers and, ultimately, consumers get a fair go and are protected?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251e4175e027d41eab3c9ed31f471da6b\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: As I have answered in this House, I was not aware of any commentary about blackmail, extortion, or retrospective payments a week or so ago before the member raised them in the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222d2625edb01d44e593a91c6bbae3d74c\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Will he accept the offer I made to him in writing prior to Christmas last year and support my Supplementary Order Paper 408 to the cartels bill, which amends section 36 to ensure that when excessive market power is wielded, based on consequences regardless of intent, it can be acted on by the Commerce Commission?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002286210d2c7c9b4b17a2b65ea65818ba13\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I thank the member for the Supplementary Order Paper and his letter. I also look forward to him replying to my various letters to him. I am still considering advice on this one, and a similar issue was raised at the Commerce Committee as this bill went through the select committee. The committee, as a whole, unanimously agreed with the officials\u2019 recommendation that such a proposal as outlined in the member\u2019s Supplementary Order Paper probably should go through a full policy process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236c3dce1eca840758a4fe0cb0f9d40a2\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: Given that the Minister continues to drag his feet on legislation he is responsible for, such as the Insolvency Practitioners Bill, which has languished on the Order Paper for 46 months, the Consumer Law Reform Bill, which languished for 25 months, the Financial Markets Conduct Bill, which languished for 23 months, and the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which was introduced 28 months ago and counting, when can I expect a decision on a simple matter of support or otherwise for a Supplementary Order Paper?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022582d652c4a14402d998d068bd86ced89\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: The member mentioned the Financial Markets Conduct Bill. That was passed last year. The Financial Reporting Bill was passed last year. The Patents Bill was passed last year. The legislation on international cooperation between the Commerce Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was passed last year. The biggest consumer law reform in decades was passed last year. We are working currently on the consumer credit legislation as well as the bills the member mentioned. I look forward to Labour\u2019s continuing support for these bills, although I am not sure of that support because that member has yet to reply to one letter from me seeking Labour\u2019s position on these bills.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279b0de212d4442718b9758028f22b119\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Although I accept there were some lengthy examples\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c0f8d30250441c59903dbc5856aa2e8\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: If the member is going to argue\u2014[Interruption] Order! If the member had asked that question, I could have helped him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220b5a2c66cbcd4676aff2f3c53a4a8a0b\u0022\u003EState and Social Housing\u2014Building, Redevelopment, and Maintenance Initiatives\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022695678cf-542a-4616-9e0a-86990caec192\u0022 data-id=\u00222ac318e776ac4cb5a259815f5a578bb3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022695678cf-542a-4616-9e0a-86990caec192\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222ac318e776ac4cb5a259815f5a578bb3\u0022\u003EALFRED NGARO (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Housing: What progress is the Government making in growing the Community Housing sector and redeveloping Housing New Zealand homes to better match today\u2019s housing needs?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022 data-id=\u0022b5f617ad1aa74506ab6dfdb71c5cde0b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b5f617ad1aa74506ab6dfdb71c5cde0b\u0022\u003EHon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister of Housing):\u003C/span\u003E We are making excellent progress in growing the community housing sector, with an all-time record number of houses to be built this year. We have got projects like Weymouth, with 282 homes; like the Matanikolo Housing Project, which I opened last week with the Pacific Islands Minister, Sam Lotu-Iiga; and around a dozen others that through the Social Housing Fund will enable us to treble the size of this sector over 3 years. Housing New Zealand\u2019s redevelopment projects are also gaining real momentum such that the Government will this year directly build more houses than in a decade. This includes the Infill 500 project in Auckland, the new developments at McLennan and Hobsonville, and the 700 new houses that are being built in Christchurch over this year and next year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022695678cf-542a-4616-9e0a-86990caec192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ba7ed9f76aaf4633a8998751c1c4cc0a\u0022\u003EAlfred Ngaro\u003C/span\u003E: What specific initiatives is the Government taking to improve the quality and safety of homes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e71753b5b30041eeb639cadbeea4b05c\u0022\u003EHon Dr NICK SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Our first major goal was to insulate every State house that could be, and we successfully completed that project last year, with 48,000 homes done. That is on top of the 244,000 homes that have been insulated under the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. We also last year embarked on a $30 million driveway safety programme, where over the next 4 years we will install fences, signage, gates, and mirrors on 13,000 State houses to address New Zealand\u2019s poor record of hospitalising a child every fortnight and killing a child every 10 weeks in vehicle driveway accidents. We are also trialling a Housing Warrant of Fitness scheme on Housing New Zealand homes to ensure we have a far more systematic approach to ensuring the quality of our State houses.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022695678cf-542a-4616-9e0a-86990caec192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263f273ce5a1d45729d3836d3b9c31af6\u0022\u003EAlfred Ngaro\u003C/span\u003E: How are his housing agencies assisting the Government to achieve its goal of reducing the incidence of rheumatic fever by two-thirds by 2017?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227424ef1758724134b04c40bc12ba96c7\u0022\u003EHon Dr NICK SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: New Zealand\u2019s acute rheumatic fever levels are 14 times the OECD average, and the rates are 25 times and 44 times higher for our M\u0101ori and Pacific Island families respectively. I noted the interjection from Labour members opposite, but I note that in 9 years Labour did nothing. Poor housing contributes significantly to the risks, and that is why the Government has changed the social housing allocation system to support this important health goal of reducing the incidence of this disease by two-thirds. In August we set up a fast-track system in Auckland for families at high risk of rheumatic fever. We had planned on extending it after 1 year to other high-risk areas, but on Monday Cabinet decided to bring this forward. On 1 March this fast-track system will also apply to eight further district health board areas, covering tens of thousands of families.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c95e398c1be4f49bdff8cdfa6325b47\u0022\u003EPhil Twyford\u003C/span\u003E: What advice has he received on the number of non-functioning power points in State houses, or the number of dripping taps or smoke alarms that go beep in the night, and, if these are in fact a problem, why does he as Minister of Housing not just issue an instruction that they be fixed, instead of announcing a pilot scheme; and why will he not tackle the real problem here, which is substandard housing in the private rental market?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002298bc672e26ce40b093caf7c0d2513150\u0022\u003EHon Dr NICK SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: I want to say that substandard housing in the State sector was a huge problem for this Government when we came into office in 2008, and the last members in this House whom I am going to get a lecture from about the quality of housing are members opposite. In respect of the member\u2019s claim that all we need to do to get quality housing across those 69,000 State houses is write a letter to the Housing New Zealand, actually, what you need is a proper system for measuring quality. That is why what we have announced in the trial today ensures that up to 50 different areas of houses are checked on a 3-year rolling basis\u2014so that we can ensure that our State houses are of a high quality.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226d387ab6421d4a9a85c93871c83047ab\u0022\u003ESupermarkets\u2014Relationship with Suppliers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u002255fe578a9b6e43d6804a3b17146d40bb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002255fe578a9b6e43d6804a3b17146d40bb\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E What documentation, if any, did he and his office prepare prior to 12 February 2014 regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers, and when was that documentation prepared?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fbdfbd685917464fbd3b2c1b0faa5587\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: Who\u2019s the question to?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u0022b8e2d64302204207ab69dc8f32f7a875\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b8e2d64302204207ab69dc8f32f7a875\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is to the Minister of Commerce. [Interruption] Order! If the member wants an answer to his question, then I suggest\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022627d549f572d48dea480117f5657516b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022627d549f572d48dea480117f5657516b\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I will gladly ask this question, and my four other questions, to the Minister of Commerce.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u002286aad5f3a86e433c8be4e0667ac732cf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002286aad5f3a86e433c8be4e0667ac732cf\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. Order! The member will resume his seat. He should have done it correctly in the first place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022c742a92567f042e396802f6a2a1acbee\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c742a92567f042e396802f6a2a1acbee\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Commerce: What documentation, if any, did he and his office prepare prior to 12 February 2014, regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers, and when was that documentation prepared?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022 data-id=\u002212f7719919ac48b28a55bf343bdbc1d6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002212f7719919ac48b28a55bf343bdbc1d6\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Commerce):\u003C/span\u003E I am not aware of any documents prepared by my office regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers. However, I have received reports from officials on supermarket issues. These reports did not contain information about the behaviour raised by that member alleging blackmail, alleging extortion, and alleging retrospective payments in the New Zealand supermarket sector.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227fd177574b6243c4b9b9110ba09c06b0\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: When he makes contact with the Commerce Commission, what will he do to ensure that the Commerce Commission vigorously embraces section 98 and protects the anonymity of New Zealand - based suppliers, given that they are being leaned upon over in Australia?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002227a2bef960e04aaa8b07a2d01cc1be2e\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: The Commerce Commission is perfectly able to carry out its duties as prescribed in the Commerce Act in and around issues such as confidentiality, as the member raised just then.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278011716c6af47d1ad6cc5c9323b97ea\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: When will the Minister exercise his powers under section 99 and secure Australian assistance to ensure that this Commerce Commission investigation does not falter because of threats and intimidation by Australian-based supermarket owners?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022685559855efd477a9fa988d44c3f49f7\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: Once again, I understand the member has made a complaint to the Commerce Commission. I, for one, follow due process. I look forward to the outcome of that due process from the Commerce Commission, and we will see what comes of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ff84f7c0a0ab4c43a7ca359dcf533caa\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think it enhances or undermines the Commerce Commission processes if Woolworths\u2019 Australian chairman, Mr Ralph Waters, is found to be calling New Zealand suppliers and discouraging them from participating in this legal process lest they face dire consequences in his supermarket in Australia?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022458f1757395d4483ba174d1c9631911b\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: What enhances the Commerce Commission processes is due process and not members grandstanding on issues that they will not repeat outside the House and making serious and inflammatory allegations of blackmail, of extortion, and of retrospective payments that, quite frankly, we are yet to see backed up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002292b8b996e99247a382c29e3b5e096d91\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. That was a very clear question, which went to the actions of a particular individual Australian\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d792973d5b9d4fe78c7cac12b3e1a66b\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! [Interruption] No. Order! The Minister addressed that question to my satisfaction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb467621a93743a89bd01de06c62dfdb\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Name one single action this Minister has effected to stand up for New Zealand - based suppliers in the face of adverse action from the supermarkets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002229bc79658ded414e8cd090e06aa463bd\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: At least one: adherence to the Commerce Act, in which, actually, the particular section we are talking about was last addressed by the Labour Government in 2001, was considered in 2008, and was actually left alone. Adherence to due process is absolute, and I await the outcomes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e3f76113ca5d4460a8b9b3b56a3c50a7\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7 to Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022e63aba8c49f84e818d6cf0de4e7f0c3c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e63aba8c49f84e818d6cf0de4e7f0c3c\u0022\u003EHon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour\u2014Hutt South):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I know this question has been approved by you, but I ask that you look at it carefully and see whether it does meet this House\u2019s standards for acceptance.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u0022aa1a7e32bd854465ab9eb53d855974ce\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aa1a7e32bd854465ab9eb53d855974ce\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I think on this occasion there is a question around the wording of the question. It should have been raised with me a lot earlier, and I might have made a decision. But at this stage it has been accepted on to the Order Paper and I am going to allow the question to proceed as it is written.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022700d4c8b3d7b46c796576398c87139fa\u0022\u003EStreet Racing\u2014Deterrents\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022721a14ca-e9d5-4c2e-b3ef-03d03e4fea07\u0022 data-id=\u00227a19532cf6dd44d6b8fe3439af16914f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022721a14ca-e9d5-4c2e-b3ef-03d03e4fea07\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227a19532cf6dd44d6b8fe3439af16914f\u0022\u003EMIKE SABIN (National\u2014Northland)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Police: What results have Police recorded since new laws were introduced by the Government in 2009 to combat illegal street racing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022 data-id=\u002210bd69a933374bfda5ff23df09f82f27\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002210bd69a933374bfda5ff23df09f82f27\u0022\u003EHon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police):\u003C/span\u003E More good news. I am pleased to advise that the legislation introduced by this Government in 2009 to deter illegal street racing and antisocial boy-racing behaviour is working very well. The number of infringement notices issued by police for illegal street racing has fallen from around 2,700 in 2009 to 1,380 in 2013. That is a reduction of nearly 50 percent\u2014a 50 percent reduction. Over the same period the number of 15 to 24-year-olds killed on our roads has fallen from 105 to 66. This Government\u2019s crackdown on boy racers has resulted in our streets being safer and fewer young lives being needlessly lost on our roads.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022721a14ca-e9d5-4c2e-b3ef-03d03e4fea07\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022932223c3849345d682a369871cfabdbd\u0022\u003EMike Sabin\u003C/span\u003E: What changes did this Government make in 2009 to deter illegal street racing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d9ecdc9db6504bb79c2e7364a347779d\u0022\u003EHon ANNE TOLLEY\u003C/span\u003E: The 2009 law changes gave the courts the power to seize and destroy the cars of repeat offenders. It gave local councils greater powers to outlaw boy racers cruising in the streets, and made it easier for police to impound vehicles caught racing. We made these changes to send a strong message that antisocial and dangerous driving behaviour will not be tolerated by our communities. Of the 10,000 offences since 2009, only 242 offenders are now on the second strike.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220edc180f614644f8b3640d9cbb82291b\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: How many cars crushed so far?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222060312dd07845218fc1e1d0befe7ce9\u0022\u003EHon ANNE TOLLEY\u003C/span\u003E: Just patience, Mr Peters, just patience\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e6412cdc2fe44b58a9421a7ca14ccfc3\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c4d114fdf414487923cad3a64bcb917\u0022\u003EHon ANNE TOLLEY\u003C/span\u003E: Thirteen drivers have received three convictions and three cars have been destroyed. This shows that the changes that we made in 2009 are having a strong deterrent effect, and the young drivers know that there are consequences.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002226910557727e4c9a8c586cede904ef40\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4 to Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022 data-id=\u00223e997a0b8c384561affc8b475e454984\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223e997a0b8c384561affc8b475e454984\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave to table two letters. The first is a letter to the Minister of Commerce of 20 February 2013 regarding the Financial Markets Conduct Bill. The second is a letter of 9 March 2013 regarding the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. He may want to read his correspondence file.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e2c51a2243d5496187fb41a4c7187b42\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Can I assume both those letters were written by the member?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002243f42b5ff5ed487db4755aa9380a7095\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE\u003C/span\u003E: Correct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u002266b0c2572bd142a897147ba6a91c5760\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002266b0c2572bd142a897147ba6a91c5760\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought to table two letters written by the member to the Minister. Is there any objection? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002284ac04550e0646bdafb8c2ccc4eeb1f1\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4 to Minister\u2014Amended Answer\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022 data-id=\u002264fd57e31b57414d9b2fd798a16a6ed1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264fd57e31b57414d9b2fd798a16a6ed1\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Commerce):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. In light of that information, if that is correct then I need to correct my earlier answer\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c276a81275184cd49d3e60323d00077c\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Can I just ask the Minister to stick to the rules. He is asking to raise a point of order. Would he simply get on and raise the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c403b51d9de546e4af655b67e4308ff8\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: I seek to raise a point of order regarding my earlier answer to question No. 4 from the honourable member.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022241dc6d5a5054277826eaa49f704d0d8\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I take it that now the Minister is seeking leave to correct an answer. Leave is sought to change an earlier answer given in this House. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is none.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022659f6556-09a1-4ead-bc52-05cbdb4eaab8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f370430b271745138e8273fa08210b7b\u0022\u003EHon CRAIG FOSS\u003C/span\u003E: I thank the House. In the light of that information, obviously I have received some replies from the Hon Clayton Cosgrove.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b6af99d641c04fc1a5fbdc2b62809362\u0022\u003EForeign Affairs and Trade, Ministry\u2014Investigation into Leaked Cabinet Papers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022 data-id=\u0022e83d12642d8843339652700f657f5997\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e83d12642d8843339652700f657f5997\u0022\u003EHon MARYAN STREET (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of State Services: What was the total cost of the Rebstock inquiry into the leaking of internal documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and how much of that was paid to Paula Rebstock?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022 data-id=\u002218415e33a8334927aa3392363740002d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002218415e33a8334927aa3392363740002d\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of State Services: The Minister is advised that the cost to the State Services Commission of the inquiry is $513,434.95, including litigation costs. Of this total, $208,916.79 has been paid to Paula Rebstock. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002219ec5259ebf54482940ce2a01787b2e1\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: Does he consider the report to have been robust and worth the expenditure?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295ecaec1ee9f4a38acf322facc33bc34\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON\u003C/span\u003E: It is important to note that the inquiry was initiated not by Ministers but by the commissioner in accordance with section 8 of the State Sector Act. As to whether the findings were robust, yes, the Minister believes they were, because it confirmed that the leak had come from a former Labour Party staffer working for the State Services Commission. It found that person X had the papers, that person X scanned the papers of the exact same size as the Cabinet papers when they were in his possession, that person X could not explain what he had scanned or why it was saved into the system, and when asked whether he gave Cabinet committee papers to someone who was not authorised to receive them, he responded: \u201CI don\u2019t know.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276146e3510534258901f8c9abcc9c5e2\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: Have any issues of natural justice or other shortcomings in the report been raised with him, given a QC\u2019s opinion that the report \u201Cis quite unfair from a legal perspective, contains numerous flaws, contains what we see as basic errors of fact, is often misleading, has omissions, and was flawed and unjust.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227c7b00f2c1b148b9bc7ed2c0573a24c6\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON\u003C/span\u003E: There have been issues that have been aired in public on those particular points, which could be the subject of judicial review. The Minister is sure that the Attorney-General would feel that it would be inappropriate to answer those questions, but on the core issue about politicisation of the Civil Service by the Labour Party, the report is very robust indeed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223cc2e5fb32424efd9f6060100fa0f1f3\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table a memorandum from Bruce Corkill QC to Derek Leask, dated 8 November 2013, which contains all of those quotations that I just mentioned to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226af5e059399149e18acc52abfb37c6e0\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just to clarify\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d445c4948254999b7dad02c55a4fb0a\u0022\u003EHon Christopher Finlayson\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. It would appear on the face of it that she is leaking a document that is subject to legal professional privilege. She would at least have to say in this House that Mr Leask gives her permission to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022758fa2d0f94e413b802a29282858421a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I will just clarify for the benefit of the House before I put the leave to table this memorandum. Has Mr Leask has given his authority for it to be tabled?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022deb72a33e02a49eabb95584aa533e909\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: On 27 January this year, Mr Leask released a public statement and attached to it was the memorandum from Bruce Corkill QC.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb9f99b3f745409eb4a8fc61893944ee\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Then if it has been released publicly, I fail to see why it is necessary for it to be tabled in the House today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e0bc0cf5e5f42bf8915fdf0c259bcb6\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: It is not available publicly in the common understanding of things. It has been reported in the media\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002289587eb94e554c1cb2fd0fd414c08eea\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The quickest way of moving this forward is to say that leave is sought to table a memorandum from a solicitor\u2014whose name I have now forgotten\u2014but it concerns Mr Derek Leask. Is there any objection to that memorandum being tabled? Yes, there is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221511369bf191456789f9e083fbb69280\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: Why was the evidence presented to the Rebstock inquiry by the prestigious senior civil servant Sir Maarten Wevers that communications from senior heads of mission to relevant departments, chief executives, and even Ministers was common practice, appropriate, and even important ignored by Paula Rebstock, when the reputations and careers of two senior officials have been curtailed or seriously compromised through unfounded accusations in her report?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022394f31153cdb4f509ad39e621a908ace\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON\u003C/span\u003E: It is important to note, as I said earlier, that this was an investigation initiated by the commissioner. It was an independent inquiry. The findings were independent. It would be inappropriate to start commenting on it. If people have a grievance, then they can always seek judicial review.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb6fd5ebcd7a4a52b48d74564e6a7265\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table the statement by Sir Maarten Wevers tabled to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade investigation dated 12 February 2013.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad1cb33a0a054d7f909c1b0c4ac08fab\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought to table the statement by Sir Maarten Wevers to that inquiry. Is there any objection? There is objection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022041e71d5b403432da792cbd47eeb1799\u0022\u003EHon Maryan Street\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister uphold the need for free and frank advice from civil servants; if so, how does he reconcile the Rebstock report and its chilling impact on senior public officials throughout the Public Service with that fundamental principle, and does he still believe that the report is worth the money spent on it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002254a57ae1024e438e8229582f3dd9fadf\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, indeed the Minister does. The Minister also upholds the core principle that we have an independent Civil Service, and it would be really good if the Labour Party could talk to its activists and tell them not to politicise the Civil Service and use TVNZ headquarters as campaign headquarters, because it is their disgraceful behaviour that has caused this problem. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002262cc1da03caf4b96bb363d1ec8215ce8\u0022\u003EHealth Services\u2014Patient Information Portals and e-Health Ambassadors\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022 data-id=\u0022973486421348480f85e6982a96cb483e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022973486421348480f85e6982a96cb483e\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON (National\u2014Hunua)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: What announcements has the Government made about e-Health Ambassadors and their role in promoting patient portals?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022 data-id=\u00225be5b48d559d4817b7caf41d7329fc14\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225be5b48d559d4817b7caf41d7329fc14\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E Last night we announced seven e-Health Ambassadors, and these e-Health Ambassadors are general practitioners who will work closely with the National Health IT Board to encourage other general practitioners to establish patient portals in their practices this year. A patient portal is an online service that allows a patient to securely log in and do things like check their latest laboratory results, order a repeat prescription, or send a message directly to their GP\u2014all from the convenience of their home.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e9af0dc091d43208009b0cb1f9c799d\u0022\u003EDr Paul Hutchison\u003C/span\u003E: How will these e-Health Ambassadors assist the roll-out of patient portals?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a83ea07a-806c-45ad-95bb-eb2c481cd0e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6ec2cc7cf794ff7a71ae57e64f5616f\u0022\u003EHon TONY RYALL\u003C/span\u003E: All of the e-Health Ambassadors either are using a portal in their own practices or are in the process of introducing one. The ambassadors will be able to talk to fellow general practitioners about the benefits of the portals for patients in clinics and provide guidance and support to these general practitioners as they establish their own portals. Currently, we know that about 15 to 20 percent of practices are offering a patient portal service, and with the leadership and guidance of these e-Health Ambassadors we hope to get around half of practices offering this service by the end of the year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227a3b1b7ecc4f48a2a43fe92e4a8bb003\u0022\u003EInternal Affairs, Minister\u2014Actions Prior to Appointment and Confidence\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00229bc505e39bf742af948742c2a3983e1c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229bc505e39bf742af948742c2a3983e1c\u0022\u003EHon TREVOR MALLARD (Labour\u2014Hutt South)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Further to his response of \u201CNo\u201D as to whether he received an assurance from Mr Dunne that he had not made a copy of the draft Kitteridge Report on the GCSB available to a Fairfax reporter, in Oral Question No 11 on 12 February and that he \u201Caccepted him at his word\u201D, in a supplementary answer to the same question, in what context did Mr Dunne give his word that he did not make said report available to the reporter?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022 data-id=\u0022c52b2d978b514a9385720381137d0405\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c52b2d978b514a9385720381137d0405\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E It is \u201CGCSB\u201D. I will save you having to read it out. As I advised the House last year, I was aware that Mr Dunne had made statements to the media where he categorically ruled out that he played any part in leaking the report.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db48421676614987afd9ae105c7f5cdc\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: So, therefore, did he rely on a media report or media reports of Mr Dunne denying making the Kitteridge report available to a Fairfax reporter to establish that Mr Dunne had \u201Cgiven his word\u201D on this matter; if not, how did Mr Dunne give \u201Chis word\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002239e0cf58a5824ddf9ffd1a4ec7c80eae\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: I saw the statements the member had made to the media and in the House and accepted them as good enough.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222aad79b64d7749f080c3f1e913ba0117\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: Did he say on 7 June 2013 that he could not accept Mr Dunne\u2019s assurances made earlier that day to the media that he had not made the draft Kitteridge report available to a Fairfax reporter?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cf148e4b6e1b4c82820db73b2733653b\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: Most probably, but a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e512950c14b4effa694faab310c74ac\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister stand by this statement: \u201CI want to believe him, but the problem is unfortunately the inquiry doesn\u2019t rule him out and I can\u2019t dismiss the possibility that he has because of the information contained in the report.\u201D? Does he stand by those comments, and what has changed now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227dcc87abd562491c8ccb13d0d0292ba5\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: I do stand by those statements, in the same way that I want to believe all the comments the member made about the Owen Glenn donations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4ed896aee1443ab97112f1f8ef85697\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: Did the Prime Minister decide not to seek Mr Dunne\u2019s direct answer on the question of whether he made the draft Kitteridge report available to a Fairfax reporter because if Mr Dunne told the truth and admitted making it available, he could not reappoint him, and if he denied making it available, Mr Dunne would have been misleading him and therefore equally unappointable; if that was not the reason, why did he not ask Mr Dunne?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b842e60c1bed4e62af6384a860ea6b3c\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: I say to Chief Inspector Clouseau, no.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022170be0a13e5d4a3b9344215f4124e69b\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister stand by this statement: \u201CHe has advised me that he remains unable to fully meet the inquiry\u2019s requests and, accordingly, he offered, and I have accepted, his resignation as a Minister.\u201D? If he stands by that comment, what has changed now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209882ac10ed74c2f95f3979f4cdc3d91\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I stand by that statement. As I say, I also relied on the assurances the member gave in the House, in the same way that I am relying on the assurances that Mr Peters has given over the Owen Glenn affair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002211838f01d5664444aa22450ff13e5e9f\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. That is the second time the Prime Minister has introduced extraneous matters into his answers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cd7f06910b3742179e5e660769067c76\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: Oh!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002229a1e550310d4b0cb2fc3c042000270c\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: No, no; let me finish. Let me finish. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222d88995ddaf4497fbc7b5b7d86a03dbd\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! It is a point of order. It is required to be heard in silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f167aade10a42eb8206f444253636cd\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: That answer does not fit the parliamentary requirement to be terse and to the point when it comes to answers. But, more important, as we all know, he went out and made all those allegations before the 2008 election, but we are back now, and it is too late.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f09a22cb77142db8786722643254ace\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member was doing marginally well when he started his point of order; he certainly was not by the time he finished.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002298841219687047f98bc6601787ac2a41\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: Does he feel more comfortable having his Government propped up by a member currently before the High Court following a prima facie case of electoral fraud being established, or by one who has repeatedly declined in this House opportunities to deny being the person who made the draft Kitteridge report available to a Fairfax reporter because to do so would involve telling the same lie he told to reporters? [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002267020c22ea31474f8b3171f3e7256185\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225cf96c64ac3840c79fab44e39c4f1d72\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1cba346fea543eb86d451d7a27561fa\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! This is a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276b5d9039fa643cb9c102d7c08ebc13f\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I would ask you to think very carefully about whether or not it is in order for the last part of that question to be introduced to the House. It is an unreasonable accusation. All members in this House are to be treated as honourable members at all times. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022631a05183b734ab092d8f9c4d5edb74e\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, I do not need the assistance of the member Trevor Mallard. Because of the noise, I could not actually hear the part to which I know the member is objecting. I would have thought the Prime Minister would actually be able to respond quite satisfactorily to the question. I call on the right honourable Prime Minister to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220083bcaa-f44d-4b70-97de-d091a209b88c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225de8573e5dfe43a1a2a7a7bd7ff0f758\u0022\u003ERt Hon JOHN KEY\u003C/span\u003E: I refute the assertions made in the member\u2019s question, but I do say this. At least we have actually got a Government, which is a lot better than that member has in Opposition, because none of them is here today. Goodness knows where they are.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022440fdc11af15471baa3905e7da66b02d\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. During that exchange of comments a bit prior to Mr Key answering that question, Mr Banks made a thoroughly unparliamentary statement. He should be asked to withdraw and apologise audibly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002265477dff7dc24b82a55f2aa061ca6472\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I certainly did not hear any comment that I considered unparliamentary coming from the Hon John Banks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a47443d8876c4507b5a11edde952d0a0\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. With respect, what has that got to do with it? We heard it, I heard it, this member back here heard it\u2014we all heard what he said, and you should be relying upon my complaint. If you want to get to the bottom of it, I will tell you what he said, but that is what he did.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229255d75d530544db95df3b7cf88df04c\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, that will not be necessary. The best way forward is that I am going to ask the Hon John Banks, if he did make a remark, to withdraw that remark for the benefit of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b53f8451-a5f8-4e92-851f-9ca381f19343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d798f0d8233435c95c5c7071602bf95\u0022\u003EHon John Banks\u003C/span\u003E: Definitely not. Definitely not, Trevor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ab87275a26c94072b25c4c22c8f9fda5\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Then I can take the matter no further. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d951e6e5e5c24c0487badb6bc94bf826\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Mr Banks called Mr Mallard a liar. We all heard it and he should be asked\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b53f8451-a5f8-4e92-851f-9ca381f19343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222a7be17e21294009b6de6d9b974e224f\u0022\u003EHon John Banks\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s true.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225153064258994a1487f06137de5292af\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Now he says it is true. Now he says it is true. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ed5f83c39a794bffa61acaf22637309e\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: This clearly goes right to the point of the question. The question itself made a very similar assertion. There is no proof one way or the other. The member asking the question therefore left himself open to the same suggestion that he had just made about another member\u2014my point I raised before. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c640de7ade74516a3294210f0dbe3b1\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: And I think that is a reasonable point, but the more important point is that I asked Mr Banks whether he made an unparliamentary comment. He said he did not, and Mr Banks\u2019 word will be taken. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002248e67cb6e3b545959dc5a4bea9a80a1a\u0022\u003ETracey Martin\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022af3ad2248d954de1a63fbfc3241b6eb7\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! [Interruption] Order! This is a point of order. It will be heard in silence, but I just want to caution the member. If we are relitigating the matter that has been discussed, that is a direct challenge to a ruling I have given, and the member would give me no choice but for me to then ask her to leave the Chamber. Does the member want to raise a fresh point of order?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229e8da2c92e8e47838b7461bc42a970a4\u0022\u003ETracey Martin\u003C/span\u003E: I do. Can I please seek clarification from you either now or after question time, as a new member of Parliament. When a member of the Opposition rises and gives their word that a statement was made and that is not accepted, yet when a member who is accused gives their word and it is\u2014I am not seeking clarification now, but it would be helpful for those of us who will be here after 2014.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022693720df648a4924bdfb21ed74ccf465\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I am happy to take the member through this matter after question time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002288b9b777cf654430bda8336980180a17\u0022\u003EHon Trevor Mallard\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Following Mr Banks\u2019 interjection, I called him a liar. I withdraw and apologise for that because I, unlike him, am an honest member.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223519cd09460e4696b507342f8ca0c26a\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I thank the member for trying to assist the order of the House. Question No. 11\u2014Gareth Hughes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c28385aa7a154591acd6d5d23cd1c835\u0022\u003EGareth Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s time to go back to the real issues, eh? [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022133532d2baa748ba98e0d3ceb2adb129\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! It is members\u2019 day that the members are using up. I have called Gareth Hughes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1c917823a324addaa4d88c3a1b63c88\u0022\u003EGareth Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226dbb619b0d26431aae2592ae84f8ba45\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Can we please get back to continuing with question time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ae0856f0f0cc4f1d9b572bee57953124\u0022\u003EPower Prices\u2014Electricity Market and Alternative Policies\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022 data-id=\u002207e1c9eba3ca4e9e8af7d27c562486f4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002207e1c9eba3ca4e9e8af7d27c562486f4\u0022\u003EGARETH HUGHES (Green):\u003C/span\u003E My question is to the Minister of Energy and Resources and asks: does he think New Zealanders are paying too much for their power? [Interruption] I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. This a primary question on notice. I am trying my best to hold the Government to account and to focus on real issues to New Zealanders, and no one can get a look-in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u00227283ebf6a96a44efb2c98d7e4b7d3991\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227283ebf6a96a44efb2c98d7e4b7d3991\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The difficulty is\u2014[Interruption] Order! The member is making a reasonable point. He has the privilege of asking question No. 11 today, and it will be heard in reasonable silence. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022 data-id=\u0022c53bd6e3df134f3599fb8ac0ea2f2499\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c53bd6e3df134f3599fb8ac0ea2f2499\u0022\u003EGARETH HUGHES (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he think New Zealanders are paying too much for their power?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022 data-id=\u0022db589f68ed7e48f5810bd42246ccde28\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022db589f68ed7e48f5810bd42246ccde28\u0022\u003EHon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Energy and Resources):\u003C/span\u003E Obviously consumers will always want to pay less for electricity, but I think that prices reflect the environment we find ourselves in, with increased\u2014significantly increased\u2014investment in transmission and infrastructure. If consumers are worried about price, they should look back to the last Labour-Greens Government, which saw steep power price increases that this Government has halved since taking office.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222137750efb2e40a6b9ceba4faa95655c\u0022\u003EGareth Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: Does he support the idea of Kiwis generating their own power rather than having to pay rising electricity prices and paying for the electricity companies\u2019 profits when bills have gone up 22 percent under his Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d28020b925f4d698c61c515ee9dc307\u0022\u003EHon SIMON BRIDGES\u003C/span\u003E: Well, of course, solar has got its place, but the reality is that the Green Party\u2019s policy of wishful thinking just does not stack up. This is a Government that has invested significantly and seen significant investment in transmission and lines and has, of course, halved the steep increases we saw under the last Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bea6c16d0f4a4f6ba0cb33b82ed064f5\u0022\u003EGareth Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: Is he telling families like the Hugheses\u2014no relation\u2014in Nelson, who recently received a monthly power bill of $1.80 after installing solar on their roof, that they have made a bad decision?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002259dad222fd4a4801b47f1f329e4eb5bf\u0022\u003EHon SIMON BRIDGES\u003C/span\u003E: What I say to the Hugheses\u2014I am glad they are no relation\u2014is that if they shop around they will see increasingly sharp competition, which is not reflected in the quarterly survey prices. Meridian is offering $100 credit and 10 percent to 12 percent prompt payment discounts. Contact is offering similar 10 percent to 15 percent prompt payment discounts. But I can only agree with Mr Binns of Meridian, when answering questions from Mr Hughes, that he simply cannot follow the economics of solar and it just does not stack up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022576b78ab950f456ea2fc5c1ec409b9b1\u0022\u003EGareth Hughes\u003C/span\u003E: Is this Minister, who is off tonight on his oil-drilling world tour, going to spend election year standing up for big oil and power companies\u2019 profits at the expense of cleaner, cheaper, smarter electricity for New Zealanders and thousands of green jobs?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002217985128b147412fb6fb74775822a83c\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am sure that that outburst was entertaining for the member, but where was the question? There were assertions all the way through that question that are totally unreasonable. It might be member\u2019s day and people will waste time. Once we start these things, then we seem to have trouble getting off the treadmill. [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022df805b1ac511462aa5de3d0eead2ce01\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! No, I do not need the assistance of the member. The question was way off the mark and made allegations that are not helpful to the order of the House. I was not, and I am not, going to rule the question out of order, but if the Minister gives a relatively political reply, I will not be surprised.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cd06f31abc464c3899688fdc219f2f05\u0022\u003EHon SIMON BRIDGES\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I am very disappointed in those snide remarks from the member given that a core value of the Green Party is to engage respectfully without personal attacks. But let me come back to those important issues that the member talks about. We have halved the steep increases in the power prices that we saw under Labour and the Greens. We have seen significant\u2014in the billions of dollars\u2014investment in transmission, in lines, and we are seeing increasingly sharp deals from the power companies, which actually are not passing on their increasing costs in their prices.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226d91a2148aed4291ae4b380092feeb26\u0022\u003EAged Care, Residential\u2014Standard of Care\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022 data-id=\u00227002061eb319494ab4f2f68a46ef5b1b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227002061eb319494ab4f2f68a46ef5b1b\u0022\u003EBARBARA STEWART (NZ First)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister of Health: Is she satisfied with the current level of care in rest homes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002260200136-9d63-4a82-b4f5-c00411adb1fd\u0022 data-id=\u0022f2e68931e8354cf69b7ae4b619d6cbd8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002260200136-9d63-4a82-b4f5-c00411adb1fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f2e68931e8354cf69b7ae4b619d6cbd8\u0022\u003EHon JO GOODHEW (Associate Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E The majority of providers do a very good job. However, when issues do arise the Ministry of Health and district health boards respond swiftly to make sure that the immediate situation is addressed and the risk of it happening again is minimised. To support the aged-care sector in providing higher-quality care, today I announced that all aged residential care providers have signed up to the use of the comprehensive clinical assessment tool interRAI 6 months ahead of the deadline. Already 720 registered nurses have been trained in the use of this tool and have completed over 10,000 assessments. This will lead to more consistency and higher-quality care.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d8879aa4e5949dfac6172478cd824f1\u0022\u003EBarbara Stewart\u003C/span\u003E: Is she aware of recent reports of elderly rest home residents in the Waikato who have received care \u201Cnot more than that of a concentration camp\u201D and have sustained \u201Cwounds conducive to physical abuse\u201D, as reported in the Waikato Times recently?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002260200136-9d63-4a82-b4f5-c00411adb1fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f343bf9b0e24dc687aa23701e4d737b\u0022\u003EHon JO GOODHEW\u003C/span\u003E: I am aware of a recent article in the Waikato Times that did outline 12 complaints that had been made. I am able to say that some of those complaints were substantiated and that, in fact, it was the swift response on the part of the auditing agencies that actually brought about an improvement in each of those facilities. Regrettably, sometimes situations that none of us would want do occur. What is important is how we respond to that and that we make sure they cannot continue to occur.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad064531703446e89ec88da2594a800b\u0022\u003EBarbara Stewart\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation that \u201CA lack of regulation around staffing levels was a major concern\u201D; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002260200136-9d63-4a82-b4f5-c00411adb1fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c881e5512ef437ea69098a5c8553d90\u0022\u003EHon JO GOODHEW\u003C/span\u003E: No, I do not agree with that, and the reason I do not agree with that is that when a rest home is audited, it is audited on whether, irrespective of how many staff are used, it is providing high-quality care to the residents. In fact, that is the bottom line for these residents\u2014whether they are getting quality of care. I can, however, also add to that that the Waikato District Health Board funding into aged residential care has gone up by 22 percent since 2009-10. So it appears that, in fact, extra money is going into the situation. But it is the quality of care, not the numbers of people providing it, that really counts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220daaf9fb-1a1f-4d31-848a-fd13cb1a2c5a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e9a25214f6c444eaaf27905f3103a53\u0022\u003EBarbara Stewart\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with the Service and Food Workers Union that aged care is undervalued and underfunded; if so, what is she doing about it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002260200136-9d63-4a82-b4f5-c00411adb1fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b5341e9123374a1b8fb747d16530228b\u0022\u003EHon JO GOODHEW\u003C/span\u003E: What I am able to tell the member and this House is that spending on aged residential care since 2008-09 has gone from $744 million to $953 million forecast for this year. That is a 28 percent increase over 5 years. So what I am saying is that in the end it is the quality of care that counts, because certainly any lack of quality is what causes complaints in our system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002249af749f78a9418a864b97edd82e4474\u0022\u003EGeneral Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220ca8934a2a4d4714a65b7949cf0f813e\u0022\u003EGeneral Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022 data-id=\u002294561435f38649d79f6f190e99f58594\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002294561435f38649d79f6f190e99f58594\u0022\u003EHon Dr PITA SHARPLES (Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the House take note of miscellaneous business. T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tau. Kei te p\u012Brangi au ki te k\u014Drero e p\u0101 ana ki t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo M\u0101ori, k\u014Drero i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo n\u0101 te mea, n\u014D Aotearoa tonu t\u0113nei Reo, n\u0101 t\u0101tau katoa e noho ana i Aotearoa n\u0101 reira, t\u0113nei au e t\u016B atu ki te k\u014Drero e p\u0101 ana ki t\u014D t\u0101tou Reo M\u0101ori. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EN\u0101, kua puta mai te p\u016Brongo Wai 262 o Te Taraipiunara, i roto i t\u0113r\u0101 p\u016Brongo ka kiia, kei te ngaro haere t\u014D t\u0101tou Reo. \u0100, n\u0101ku i whakat\u016B t\u0113tahi komiti, ng\u0101 tohunga matatau ki te k\u014Drero M\u0101ori, ki te whakaako i Te Reo M\u0101ori kia haere ki roto i ng\u0101 iwi ki te kimi i \u014D r\u0101tou whakaaro, me aha t\u0101tau ki te whakaora i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo M\u0101ori. An\u0101, kua \u0101rahina t\u0113nei r\u014Dp\u016B e T\u0101 T\u0101mati Reedy. He komiti tokowaru kei roto i t\u0113n\u0101 r\u014Dp\u016B. I haere r\u0101tau ki ng\u0101 iwi ki te kimi i \u014D r\u0101tou whakaaro m\u014D t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo, me p\u0113hea ka taea e t\u0101tau te whakarauora i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo. Ahakoa t\u014D t\u0101tau kaha ki te whakat\u016B k\u014Dhanga reo, puna reo, kura kaupapa, kura \u0101-iwi, wh\u0101re w\u0101nanga, whare kura, \u0101taarangi, kura reo, \u0101, Panekiretanga. Ahakoa t\u014D t\u0101tau kaha ki te whakat\u016B i \u0113nei \u0101huatanga, ngaro haere tonu t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo. Ka mate t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo nei i t\u0113nei w\u0101. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EN\u0101 reira, ka tipu te p\u0101tai me aha t\u0101tau, me aha t\u0101tau? N\u0101 reira, kei roto i taku mahi Minita m\u014D ng\u0101 take M\u0101ori, tukuna atu t\u0113nei r\u014Dp\u016B, Te Paepae Motuhake, ki te kimi i ng\u0101 whakaaro o ng\u0101 iwi o te motu nei. Kua hoki mai r\u0101tau, kua whakatakoto ai i t\u0101 r\u0101tau p\u016Brongo, Te Reo Mauriora, te ingoa. Kei roto i t\u0113n\u0101 p\u016Brongo \u0113tahi k\u014Drero kia whakat\u016B t\u0113tahi rautaki kia whakaora ai t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo M\u0101ori. \u0112ngari i te mutunga ake mehemea k\u0101re m\u0101tau, t\u0101tau r\u0101nei e k\u014Drero M\u0101ori i ng\u0101 whare, i ng\u0101 k\u0101inga, tamaiti ki te koroua, koroua ki te tamaiti, ka ngaro hoki t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo. N\u0101 reira, t\u0113nei ahau e t\u016B nei ki te k\u014Drero p\u0113nei ki a t\u0101tau me te p\u0101tai, kia whakarau ora i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo kei roto i t\u0113nei w\u0101. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EN\u0101 t\u0113nei p\u016Brongo, ka k\u014Drero r\u0101tau kia whakat\u016B t\u0113tahi waka hou, ko Te M\u0101t\u0101wai te ingoa mai i ng\u0101 mema o ng\u0101 rohe Reo. Kia whakat\u016B t\u0113nei r\u014Dp\u016B, kia riro te mahi o te Minita M\u0101ori m\u014D t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo ki a r\u0101tau, kia whakahokia te mana i runga ake i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo ki te iwi M\u0101ori n\u0101 te mea, n\u014D wai t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo, t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo M\u0101ori? N\u014D ng\u0101 iwi, n\u014D ng\u0101 hap\u016B. Ka heke iho i ng\u0101 t\u012Bpuna M\u0101ori m\u0101tua, \u0113hara no konei i t\u0113nei w\u0101 \u0113ngari, n\u014D ng\u0101 t\u012Bpuna m\u0101tua heke iho; he taonga t\u0113nei. N\u0101 reira, n\u0101ku i haere ki roto i ng\u0101 iwi i t\u0113nei wiki, ki Te Tai Tokerau, Te Tai R\u0101whiti, Te Wai Pounamu, Taranaki, Parihaka, \u0101, Te Arawa. \u0100p\u014Dp\u014D ki Te Tai Tokerau an\u014D, \u0101, T\u0101maki-makau-rau \u0101 te Paraire kia tuku atu aku whakaaro, ng\u0101 whakaaro o Te Paepae Motuhake hoki ki te iwi, ki te kite m\u0113n\u0101 e tautoko ana r\u0101tau i t\u0113nei rautaki M\u0101ori. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003E\u0112hara m\u0101ku e whakaroatia ng\u0101 k\u014Drero e p\u0101 ana ki te rautaki, heoi an\u014D kei te k\u014Drero au m\u014D te pai o te whakahoki ki te iwi M\u0101ori, te k\u012B m\u014D t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo. Te mana, ka pupuritia e te Minita M\u0101ori, ahakoa, ko wai te Minita, he M\u0101ori, he P\u0101keh\u0101, he Hainamana, he aha r\u0101nei, kei a ia te mana i runga ake m\u014D te whakahaere i Te Reo m\u014D te K\u0101wanatanga, ar\u0101, Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo, Te M\u0101ngai P\u0101ho, Te Pouaka Whakaata M\u0101ori me \u0113r\u0101 atu. N\u0101 reira, \u0101kuanei ka whakahokia t\u0113n\u0101 mana ki te iwi m\u0101 r\u0101tau e kawe t\u0113nei. N\u0101 reira, he t\u012Bmatanga t\u0113nei k\u014Drero i roto i t\u0113nei Whare m\u014D t\u0113nei w\u0101, \u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koe, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tau e whakarongo ana ki a ahau. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003E[Greetings to you and to us. I want to speak about our M\u0101ori language, our language, because this language actually belongs to New Zealand, to all of us living here. So this is why I rise to talk about our M\u0101ori language. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EThe Wai 262 report of the Waitangi Tribunal has been released and in that report it states that our language is on the decline. So I set up a panel of experts fluent in the language and skilled at teaching the M\u0101ori language to go out amongst the M\u0101ori people and seek out their views on how the revitalisation of our M\u0101ori language might be addressed. Sir T\u0101mati Reedy leads this panel, which is made up of eight members. They went out amongst the tribes and sought out their opinions about our language and how we might rejuvenate it. Despite our efforts to establish language nurseries, language pools, M\u0101ori-medium schools, tribal schools, Cuisenaire methodology learning schools, language schools, and Excellence in M\u0101ori Language Institutes, these kinds of institutions, our language continues to decline. In time and at this rate our language will become extinct. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EAnd so emerged the question of what we should do, how we address it. So in my role as Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs, I empowered this panel Te Paepae Motuhake to seek out the views of M\u0101ori tribes from this nation. They have come back and presented their report called Te Reo Mauriora. In that report are some recommendations about establishing a strategic plan to restore our M\u0101ori language, but, ultimately, if we or all of us do not speak M\u0101ori in homes and houses, a child does not speak M\u0101ori to grandad, and grandad to the child, our language will disappear. So this is the reason why I am standing here and addressing you in this manner with the request to have some input in reviving our language at this point in time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EAs a consequence of this report, they talked about establishing a new governance body with the name Te M\u0101t\u0101wai, comprised of members of language regions. This governance body would take over the role that the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs has in terms of our language and returning the mandate over it to the M\u0101ori people, because who does our language, our M\u0101ori language, belong to? It belongs to the tribes and subtribes. It was passed down to us\u2014it is not from here and now, but was handed down from ancestral fathers. This indeed is a treasure. Therefore, I have personally gone amongst tribes this week, to Northland, East Coast, the South Island, Taranaki, Parihaka, and Te Arawa. Tomorrow I am going back again to Northland and then to Auckland on Friday to impart my views, and those of Te Paepae Motuhake as well, to the people, and to ascertain whether they support this M\u0101ori language strategy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219767ece-60f1-4014-9855-74afaa34e699\u0022\u003EIn regard to the strategy, I will not labour on about that, and instead I will talk about the positive effect of returning the mandate over our M\u0101ori language to the M\u0101ori people. That control is held by the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs, regardless of who is the Minister\u2014be it a M\u0101ori, a New Zealander of European descent, a Chinese person, or whatever\u2014they have the mandate to administer the M\u0101ori language in Government entities such as the M\u0101ori Language Commission, the M\u0101ori Broadcasting Funding Agency, the M\u0101ori Television Service, and so on. Therefore, that mandate will soon be returned to the tribe for them to administer. And so this address to this House at this point in time is just the beginning. Thank you, Mr Speaker, and to us all for listening to me.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022 data-id=\u002279192dbe87bf41ae968c2e87500f3ed9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002279192dbe87bf41ae968c2e87500f3ed9\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH (Deputy Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Twelve months on, some things have not changed about the Labour Party. I think I have said this before. The leader is still called David. Most of his caucus still do not support him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002254bc4935c1f64725ac8898c44da723a5\u0022\u003ETim Macindoe\u003C/span\u003E: Probably more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002256f141af8f1b46158de2796ee2460087\u0022\u003EHon BILL ENGLISH\u003C/span\u003E: Probably more, actually. Grant Robertson is still going around the country undermining a leader called David. But one thing has not changed: this David is a tricky David. With the other one, you at least kind of knew what he was\u2014and at least he knew. But, of course, David Cunliffe is not quite so sure. This is a man who is a unionist with the unions, a M\u0101ori with the M\u0101oris, and a farmer with the farmers. But one thing that he tried not to be was a leafy suburb guy in the leafy suburbs. But what happened? He got caught standing in front of a yacht\u2014a picture he could not get them to delete in Taranaki, unlike the other ones. It turns out that for all of his references to large homes in leafy suburbs, he has one. And, of course, being the working-class hero with the working class does not quite fit with being the leafy suburbs guy in the leafy suburbs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003ESo what I thought I would do is have a quick look at the latest update on his CV, because, as we know, that is a dynamic document, to say the least. Bits appear on it and then disappear. He is the founder of Fonterra\u2014actually, he is not; he is something else now. I came across this thing called DavidCunliffe.com\u2014a digital identity. He is a digital guy when he is with the digital natives. This is a DavidCunliffe.com website, and I thought maybe I had found him. It says: \u201CDavid has guided and supported individuals with matters of the soul for decades,\u201D. I thought maybe he is a monk with the monks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003EBut then his CV goes on to say he has \u201Cbecome a respected figure \u2026\u201D\u2014well, that does not sound quite like the person we are after. It says he is \u201Coften described as a \u2026 insightful individual,\u201D\u2014and he is, in his CV, described that way often. But the next one killed it: \u201Crefreshingly humble\u201D. That was when we knew this was not the real David Cunliffe, because although he may be refreshing, it is not with humility. That is absolutely sure. Then I knew for sure when it said: \u201CSurprisingly, his spiritual path has remained \u2026 refreshingly unboastful.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003EThis is a party that cannot boast about its leader\u2014that is for sure\u2014and does not want to. But usually in the Opposition when the leader is having a bad patch like he is, the front bench does the work. It actually took Shane Jones to show everybody just how weak and lazy the Labour front and middle benches are, because when they should be carrying their leader\u2014because he is going to need a lot of that\u2014by running issues that put pressure on the Government and attract the public\u2019s attention, they are not doing any of that. They are not focused on anything that matters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003EIn fact, it is infecting David Cunliffe. On my little phone I got a tweet from David Cunliffe that was about a big issue of the day. It said something like: \u201CI am very sorry to see the end of @massivemagNZ.\u201D What the hell is that? It is the big issue\u2014and not for just the Leader of the Opposition, because he also says to refer to Grant Robertson.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003E I think it must be a student magazine. That is the big issue of the day. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bb158206-360b-4757-8d72-f7d0994e1fb3\u0022\u003EI know that Grant Robertson never really left student politics, so the end of Massive Magazine from Massey\u2019s campus probably is the biggest single issue that has preoccupied him all week. But he should be doing more than that to carry his leader, who needs guidance, who needs to be carried, and who needs a team around him to feed him issues instead of him making them up as he goes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022f25a597db1874ae69d4dbc4572ba2bbe\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f25a597db1874ae69d4dbc4572ba2bbe\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E \u0100, t\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. He kupu hei t\u012Bmata. Ka nui noa atu taku whakah\u0113 ki te t\u016B mai o t\u014D t\u0101tou Minita Take M\u0101ori me \u0113n\u0101 kaupapa \u014Dna, ka ora t\u014D t\u0101tou Reo i roto i \u0113nei t\u016Bru e whakanekenekehia ana e ia. He kupu whakarite n\u014Dku t\u016Bpuna o Ng\u0101puhi: ka oti tetahi mahi ware, ka kainga e te hau. Me p\u0113n\u0101 taku whakam\u0101rama.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E[Greetings to you, Mr Speaker. Some words to start with. I utterly condemn our Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs greatly for standing before us with those proposals of his that our language will survive in these pews that he is merely moving around. My Ng\u0101puhi ancestors have a saying to compare it against: when something completed is substandard, the wind gobbles it up.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EAfter having just reminded our M\u0101ori listeners that anything Dr Sharples believes he is doing to save the Reo is sadly misguided, I cannot wait to have the opportunity to dismantle whatever other foolish notions he is going to proceed with. I have been accused of being intemperate. I have been accused of abusing parliamentary privilege. But I want you, Mr Speaker, and my fellow parliamentarians to know that this privilege is a key feature of our culture, of our tradition. It is traceable right back indeed, I should say, to Thomas More, along with our Westminster traditions. So I know it is fair enough that we must not use or abuse this position of bringing issues of significance. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EBut it is not this side of the House that has had secret meetings with the chairman of Woolworths; it is the Prime Minister. It was not this side of the House. When the Prime Minister met with the chairman, he unfortunately came home empty-handed from meeting with one of the most powerful commercial men in Australia and New Zealand. That is his problem. Our problem, our challenge, is to highlight issues but avoid any suggestion that we are being excessive in what we say and do under the cloak of privilege. People from Countdown went on national television last night and accused me of lacking specifics. They sought to derogate what I was saying. They know exactly whom I have been talking to. They know exactly who the shadowy characters are in that windowless Countdown room, putting the squeeze on our fair-minded, garden-variety New Zealand businessmen. It is not Dave Chambers; he can warble all he likes. I want to remind those people that they have managers who will face the music. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ELet me just give you an example of three specifics so I can move beyond these gratuitous criticisms that I lack specifics. Specific No. 1 is an email I look forward to handing on to the Commerce Commission, subject to suitable anonymity protections. Countdown demanded tens of thousands of dollars from a supplier by 5 o\u2019clock that day as payment for insufficient sales achieved in the previous month from the supplier\u2019s product lines, or it was goodnight Irene. Specific No. 2 is that my source told me that even to get into Countdown\u2014to get anywhere near there\u2014he had to pay 7 percent of his turnover back to the company. When he spoke to the Aussie supplier\u2014to Countdown\u2014it said it had never heard of this policy. Do not, out there, accuse this parliamentarian of not having detail. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ESpecific No. 3 is a family-owned business with a $4.5 million turnover\u2014[Interruption] Now, that side of the House might sneer at these people with small businesses. I accept that National is the party of big business, but do not sneer at undercapitalised small businesses trying to make an honest living and gain access into what is a tolling operation, the duopoly structure of our supermarkets. The business had a $4.5 million turnover and 30 employees. What happened when they stood up to Countdown tactics? The result is that they lost their business, have now moved, and are living in Australia. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThey would love to come back, but they are fearful because of the inability\u2014the disinterest\u2014of the Minister of Commerce to grapple with this problem. What did he say today? He has done absolutely nothing as the New Zealand Minister of Commerce in dealing with his counterparts in Australia. He did not know that sections 98, 99, and 100 of the Commerce Act actually enable him to get the Commerce Commission to work collaboratively with the Australian equivalent, which is now conducting that investigation. The person at the centre of these allegations fled from Australia. He fled from the investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. He fled into Woolworths and Countdown here in New Zealand. He is the person who has caused these dramas\u2014an Australian merchandise manager\u2014and I look forward to providing his identity to the Commerce Commission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022 data-id=\u0022a6f0739e7c184779a0cd8b01a9a5a84a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a6f0739e7c184779a0cd8b01a9a5a84a\u0022\u003EHon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries):\u003C/span\u003E Well, we can see what is happening over there in the Labour Party. There is the true emerging leader of the Labour Party, Shane Jones. Where is David Cunliffe leading off this general debate today for Labour? He is nowhere to be seen. Where are the other front-bench members? There we have\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f332e0a138e487d8d25f4ae3dca025a\u0022\u003EChris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Repeatedly today we have had Ministers questioning the absence of other members. It is well established that that is not acceptable, and I am surprised that you have not stopped them from doing it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022991ed85c75e94e5597cb86866eb00d84\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! It has not been a repeated practice of the day at all\u2014that is the first time I have heard it\u2014but it is out of order to refer to the absence of any member.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226352a4391f55434faff0491a5f1ec5bd\u0022\u003EHon NATHAN GUY\u003C/span\u003E: There we have the emerging leader, Shane Jones. The person sitting behind him today and last week, smiling away there, was the former leader of the Labour Party, David Shearer. Of course, he backed Shane Jones for the leadership bid, so he is loving it now. We heard that Labour had a very robust caucus this week\u2014very intense discussions in there. We know that the blood has started dripping on the floor already. There is a lot of doubt about David Cunliffe\u2019s leadership already emerging, and it is starting to be unpicked by the New Zealand public, starting to be unpicked by the press gallery. There is a lot of doubt emerging now about tricky David Cunliffe. We now have the emerging Labour Party leader of the future, and it might be this year, in 2014, that Shane Jones steps up to the plate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003E Things are not looking good for the Labour Party. What a woeful couple of weeks it has had: a baby bonus policy where every backbench member of this House would get $60 a week\u2014what an embarrassment that was\u2014and, of course, Labour\u2019s poll rating, when we had the Prime Minister out there in a recent poll with a trust rating of around 60 percent and a likeability factor that is very similar. Is that not fantastic? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003EBut, importantly, today what I want to talk about is the backbone of this New Zealand economy, and that, indeed, is the primary industries. Today I released a very significant update: a 6-monthly update for the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report through to June 2014. What did it say? Primary industry exports are up nearly $5 billion on forecast. Is that not fantastic? Of course, the heads go down on the other side of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2f69b44746945758d5e3cc87c62a80d\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: Oh no, they don\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022529a508044264bd69df38d9d4a2d8e1c\u0022\u003EHon NATHAN GUY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, they do. Those members do not care about exports, because they know their policies are going to damage the productive sector of the New Zealand economy. They do not care about and do not support our dairy exports, which are up $2.7 billion. They do not care about the fact that our meat industry and our meat exports are returning more to farmers\u2014$1.2 billion. Of course, logs are up $0.8 billion. Is that not fantastic news? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003EWell, what is Labour all about? National has got a plan. We have got a clear plan. The Primary Growth Partnership is investing with industry in research and development, encouraging irrigation and water storage projects, working hard on more free-trade access agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and lifting the performance of M\u0101ori agribusiness. What have Labour and the Greens proposed? Let us hear it. They are against the Trans-Pacific Partnership. They are against water storage projects. They are already talking about capping the dairy industry and its growth. They are against the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband. They do not want our rural communities or New Zealand businesses to be able to connect not only with other suppliers here in New Zealand but also internationally. They do not have a plan for lifting the performance of M\u0101ori agribusiness. We do. We care about job creation. We care about supporting the regions. We back our exporters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002223de6bd3-0482-495d-88f4-7cc3f75d8442\u0022\u003ELabour is just going to roll out a capital gains tax. It is going to propose this living wage of $18.80, which will lift the unemployment benefit numbers. It does not care about the productive sector. It is not interested in the roads of national significance, in supporting them and getting our products through to ports and airports. It does not care about the Kapiti Expressway in my region. Labour does not give a damn. We do not even know whether it supports Transmission Gully. It does not have a clear plan for the productive sector apart from lifting tax and saddling our exporters with more regulation and compliance. We back our primary industries, the backbone of the New Zealand economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022 data-id=\u0022265102e49216465dae761853796ba2e6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022977cccaf-581d-4f48-924e-32bf6c54a93d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022265102e49216465dae761853796ba2e6\u0022\u003EHon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister of Police):\u003C/span\u003E I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I am sorry to interrupt the member. There is a Standing Order that says that you cannot move from your seat in order to get a better position to barrack. Right through my colleague\u2019s speech, Andrew Little was calling out and barracking and has actually made a change of seat to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022 data-id=\u0022879c9cc8c5da4c2ab749bbeead890eee\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022879c9cc8c5da4c2ab749bbeead890eee\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! It is the general debate, which is normally a fairly robust debate, and to date that has certainly been the case. I will watch further the behaviour of all members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022 data-id=\u00220fe30faaf5724156ab59dc89621b07e6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220fe30faaf5724156ab59dc89621b07e6\u0022\u003EHon ANNETTE KING (Labour\u2014Rongotai):\u003C/span\u003E I am very happy to have as many interjections as that lazy Government over there can provide. I want to start off by asking why this debate included Nathan Guy today, because why would you put up a loser as a member to speak\u2014the losing member for \u014Ctaki? I was in Levin yesterday. I went up there to service his electorate because he does not. Ten members of the public came to see me in Levin yesterday. Why? Because they cannot get an appointment with him. You see, he is too important to see the people of \u014Ctaki. In fact, he does not give a damn. To use his own words, he does not give a damn about the people of \u014Ctaki. Bye bye, Nathan Guy, I say to him. He reflects the week after week arrogance of the National members of Parliament. You know, they are so puffed up these days. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003EThe old egos are very bloated, and they are the know-it-alls of Parliament. We have Judith Collins. Judith is here to give advice on what we all should wear and what our attire should be. She is the know-all of the attire of Parliament. She knows what makes a nice jacket and what makes an ugly one. Then we have Tau Henare. He is here to lecture us about media neutrality. The old talkback host\u2014of course, he knows a lot about that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003EThen we have my cousin\u2014you cannot pick your relatives\u2014Chris Finlayson. Of course, he inherited the nasty gene of the family, unfortunately. I have beaten him twice, and I increased the majority last time. I gather he is going to stand against me for a third time in Rongotai. Bring it on, because the majority will be even bigger. He is here to lay down the rules on where to put your commas and whether you should wear jandals. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003EThen we have Gerry Brownlee. He places a ban on any interview with any media person who happens to question him. Then we have the junior Minister Simon Bridges, who often loses his rag in this place. Now he is so important that he will not even answer questions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003EBut the doozy of them all has to be the Prime Minister, John Key. Well, I have noticed over the last few weeks that he has become totally fixated, manic, and paranoid about the Green Party. He manages to include them in just about every sentence that he uses. But whom do National members listen to for advice? They are certainly not listening to the people you would normally expect that they would listen to. They are experts on everything! But whom are they listening to for advice? It is not the Salvation Army, because John Key said it ought to get out and look at what is happening on the street. He said that to the Salvation Army. I have to say that they are not listening to the Children\u2019s Commissioner, because they are taking no notice of his ideas about poverty. They are not listening to the New Zealand Police, which is telling them that it is short of cash and it cannot fund front-line police. They are not listening to health professionals, who are telling them that there are problems in our health system. In fact, it is reflected, I have to say, in an aid that I am using today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222b2b0da74782433da010535741bb97a8\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: And the member is using it well too, might I add.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d9be5af5f0b64e60b65478e095d10398\u0022\u003EHon ANNETTE KING\u003C/span\u003E: This aid reflects the fact that Tony Ryall is slipping in popularity with our health professionals, because obviously they find his health policies very, very poor indeed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003ESo who are National members listening to? Well, we now know whom they listen to. The Prime Minister told us. They listen to Cameron Slater. For those who do not know who Cameron Slater is, he is that infamous blogger called Whale Oil Beef Hooked. The Prime Minister has admitted that he talks to Cameron Slater a lot about political events because he has got an insightful mind. Cameron Slater is the man who calls people \u201Cferal\u201D when they die, when they are killed in car accidents. Well, he is Paula Bennett\u2019s bestie. Here I have a little photo of them together. He has been advising Paula Bennett on her policy on children. And what does he say about children? Well, here is some of his advice, especially if a child dies. He calls them \u201CSOCKs\u201D. If you do not know what \u201CSOCKs\u201D are, I have to tell you that it is so obscene and it is so offensive that I could not use the word in the House. But that is what Cameron Slater, who advises the Prime Minister and Paula Bennett, says about children when they die in New Zealand. He also says that if children have a silly first name, then that leads to their death, so somehow it is their fault. The last thing he says is that M\u0101ori are not caring for their kids. That advice is what goes to the National Party members from its main adviser, Cameron Slater. They should be ashamed of themselves.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u002261e00e0411f946b6b928ad7ed4b319aa\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002261e00e0411f946b6b928ad7ed4b319aa\u0022\u003EJACQUI DEAN (National\u2014Waitaki):\u003C/span\u003E That was a particularly awful and distasteful intervention from Parliament\u2019s most prominent landlady, Annette King. You know, the truth is that if you cannot run your own caucus, then you simply cannot hope to run the country. It is as simple as that. We on the National side of Parliament are working hard around the traps, day after day, and the message coming back to us loud and clear, day after day after day, is: \u201CWhat on earth is Labour up to? Has it not learnt a thing since the last time it was in Government?\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EAt the very moment that we get a lift in the economy\u2014and that is thanks to John Key and Bill English\u2014Labour just wants to start spending the money all over again. So it is just a couple of weeks into the new year and Labour and the Greens have promised to spend the thick end of three-quarters of a billion dollars a year. That was just their spending promises in January\u2014that was just January. Three-quarters of a billion dollars of extra spending\u2014that is Labour and the Greens. But even with his rather transparent election bribes, Mr Cunliffe simply cannot get it right. Do you remember his baby bonus policy? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b30897a453da43cab79e0def662f43b9\u0022\u003EJami-Lee Ross\u003C/span\u003E: Baby bribe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228e3b1aa538104087a97f37b6c98e60cf\u0022\u003EJACQUI DEAN\u003C/span\u003E: Baby bribe bonus policy\u2014thank you. Well, it certainly sounded very generous. In fact, I was almost contemplating restarting my family. I mean, it is never too late. I could have done with the bonus. But, anyway, it certainly sounded really generous, and he certainly let the media think so. In fact, they printed all the lines. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EBut he got offside with them after that, of course. Read the fine print, and it ended up being just a little bit tricky\u2014and then he blamed his staff. Oh, what a guy. He got found out for being tricky with his policy. What did he do? Did he front up like a man? Did he front up like a true leader? Did he what! What did he do? He blamed his staff. Oh, how appalling. Gosh, no wonder they are all leaving. You know, it must be absolutely gutting to have Shane Jones hogging the media for\u2014how long has it been? Nearly a week\u2014nearly a week with Shane Jones hogging the media. There must be a lot of those in the Labour caucus with absolutely sinking hearts. Do you think that in their heart of hearts they are beginning to realise that, once again, they have just chosen the wrong guy? Well, the latest Fairfax poll has Labour at around 30 percent. That is one off from 29 percent. That is not very good. That is no better than it was under David Shearer. [Interruption] So over on the other side of the House those members must be really worried. You are right\u2014their heads are down. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EDo you know what? New Zealanders are not stupid. They can see what they would get under a Labour-Greens Government. What they would get are big spending promises that mean big borrowing. That would mean big taxes, which, of course, those members would give back to us as welfare and policies that will utterly shut down the productive sector. So mining, agriculture, and fisheries will all have this great, big, green, sanctimonious hand come right down on top of them with policies that are centred around what they cannot do any more for the New Zealand economy. Both parties want less competition in the energy market. So, obviously, electricity prices will go up and, obviously, investment will go down, and they will implement an emissions trading scheme that will put household energy bills up by\u2014how much? By $500 a year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f4992990e3e4e97a6c32dd5ebe55fbe\u0022\u003EJami-Lee Ross\u003C/span\u003E: How much?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229fff98f5e025425f9140068cef8c92e1\u0022\u003EJACQUI DEAN\u003C/span\u003E: By $500 a year. What they should be talking about\u2014what this Government is talking about\u2014is growing the economy, creating new jobs, getting the crime rate down, getting more bang for your buck from our public services, getting more elective surgeries, getting welfare dependency down, and getting more kids leaving school qualified so that they can get further training and have the brighter future that they are having under this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022 data-id=\u00223dc4b489f8c24cb0b14859190ea2fdda\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223dc4b489f8c24cb0b14859190ea2fdda\u0022\u003EANDREW WILLIAMS (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E In this Parliament today, as veterans\u2019 affairs spokesperson for New Zealand First, I tabled the following letter from Viet Nam veteran and medic John \u201CDoc\u201D Mountain, and I would like to now read this letter to the House: \u201CThe Honourable Speaker and Members of Parliament. In October 2013 party representatives stood in this House and lavished praise upon New Zealand veterans who trained to serve in the armed forces. These men and women\u2014ordinary New Zealanders\u2014were prepared to do the extraordinary in the service of their nation. They were proud to be deployed, without hesitation, into harm\u2019s way. In October 2013 MPs promised unqualified support to war veterans. However, I and many other military personnel, both current and veterans, express our bitter disappointment at the ongoing failure of MPs to honour this promise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EUnsatisfactory outcomes include the Nepata brothers\u2019 claim for further compensation being declined and the recent unfavourable decision and despicable treatment of Jason Pore, an SAS trooper disabled in combat whilst serving our nation. Jason Pore received his injuries in combat but was cast aside like unwanted flotsam, without the compensation he was so deservedly entitled to. We believe that distressing outcomes such as these imply that the Ministers and members are not in possession of the full facts and are not receiving the comprehensive advice needed to provide the support veterans have been promised. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EThe military is the only occupation where one loses basic human rights accorded to normal citizens, thereby effectively nullifying any means of redress. Military personnel are required to sacrifice their lives in the execution of their military duties on the orders of an immediate superior. Surely such a profound commitment requires an equally profound response. Men and women in the armed forces must be able to have faith that no matter what happens, they and their families will be looked after. We ask the House to consider the ongoing miscarriage of justice regarding declining war disablement pensions based on incomplete military medical records linking the claimed condition to the claimants\u2019 service. This claim rejection practice continues to be applied by Veterans Affairs New Zealand (VANZ) in spite of the Crown\u2019s formal acknowledgment that medical records were poorly maintained and that Defence let veterans down. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EDuring Tribute 08, a welcome home parade for Viet Nam veterans, in a public apology by the Crown to Viet Nam veterans, the then Chief of Defence and now Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, made a public apology to assembled veterans and Government visitors. He said: \u2018I acknowledge here your concern about the maintenance of your personal and medical records. I believe your expectations around the integrity and completeness of your files were both fair and reasonable. NZDF let you down.\u2019 He then went on to say: \u2018You should not be concerned that this situation will affect you, as you are protected by the War Pensions Act, which provides that any benefit of doubt will be upheld in your favour.\u2019 In such cases any benefits of doubt of a linkage to service are to be upheld in the veteran\u2019s favour, as provided under sections 17 to 18 of the War Pensions Act 1954.\u201D In conclusion, John Mountain said: \u201CWe implore members of this House to honour this promise and revisit these inequitable situations. We respectfully request that any such claims be reviewed and that those declined on the basis of missing medical records be accepted.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EAttached to that letter was an Official Information Act response from Veterans Affairs New Zealand that showed that in the period 2010 to 2013 some 7,412 claims were accepted, but 6,953 were declined\u2014almost 50 percent were declined. Of those, a significant percentage was declined on the basis of the medical records being inadequate, missing, or incomplete. Those veterans deserve better. We have challenged the Minister of Veterans\u2019 Affairs to take this up, to look into this properly, and to find out why many of these veterans\u2019 claims are being declined and why so many of them are not receiving their due entitlements in terms of additional disablement payments. New Zealand First will be following this through with the Minister and with the ministry because we do believe that there are many thousands of veterans out there who have been hard-done-by through this whole process. It is time that this Parliament honoured its promise, as it has in the past, and honoured the commitments that Sir Jerry Mateparae made in Tribute 08.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022 data-id=\u002229f8de46452143af813371e20988bcac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002229f8de46452143af813371e20988bcac\u0022\u003EMAGGIE BARRY (National\u2014North Shore):\u003C/span\u003E There is something really rotten going on in the Labour Party at the moment. No, I am not talking about its leadership, although you do have to ask yourself where its top three are. Cunliffe, Parker, and Robertson are nowhere to be seen today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e4b09a29-dfd3-42c0-8585-11463bd6077b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002280e3bc10843848ea9fade4f44ccfedb2\u0022\u003EMr SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! It is just out of order to refer to the absence of members within the Chamber.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c316b9bbfa63413aad6d96a27aa98a9d\u0022\u003EMAGGIE BARRY\u003C/span\u003E: Certainly. But there is a silence from the Labour leadership, which makes a change from the sorts of gaffes that it is normally associated with. I could talk today about Labour\u2019s total lack of policies that will grow our economy. I could dwell on those members\u2019 financial mismanagement\u2014buying the votes with the baby bonus. It is all very fertile ground for dwelling on their failings, but no. Today I am going to ask them to answer another case. It is one they are trying to duck and distance themselves from, but I think they really need to stand up and answer questions about their role. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EI would like to ask them, and especially their leader\u2014for the time being anyway, for today\u2014David Cunliffe, to explain his role as the puppet master of a Television New Zealand (TVNZ) head of department, Shane Taurima. This is a man who was head of TVNZ\u2019s M\u0101ori and Pacific unit, and at times he was a front-line television news and current affairs interviewer. This is a series of positions that have given him unbridled power, setting the agenda for news and current affairs programmes such as Waka Huia, Te Karere, and Marae Investigates. This is an individual whom his organisation, TVNZ, trusted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EAs you all know, I think in this House at least, he was the unsuccessful candidate for the by-election selection for Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti. Then he went back to his old job at TVNZ, saying, when he was asked by his bosses, that he was putting journalism ahead of politics. Well, that was a Tui billboard moment, because as it turns out that was not so. What he was doing was that he was up to his neck in organising political meetings in the buildings of TVNZ.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022154baa74db3749258f87aa2f93befeab\u0022\u003EDr Cam Calder\u003C/span\u003E: Whereabouts?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277fbfdd2a85a4ff399fa712a9251f661\u0022\u003EMAGGIE BARRY\u003C/span\u003E: Indeed, at TVNZ, in Hobson Street in Auckland. I worked there for many years myself. In fact, I worked in television news and current affairs for the State broadcaster, for both Radio New Zealand and television, for the best part of 30 years. It would never have happened then\u2014absolutely never. We had journalistic principles, we had fair balance, we had integrity, and we did not overstep the mark. This man did. When he was asked by his employers at TVNZ whether he had chosen journalism over politics, he said journalism. Their only mistake in this, in my view, is that they trusted him. They took him at his word because he had been in the job for 12 years, and he was somebody whom they thought knew which way was up. Well, as it turns out, he did not. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EHis staff also have a case to answer because they used their TVNZ emails to organise branch meetings in the building of TVNZ. All of this is terrible. It is a disgrace, actually. TVNZ\u2014because the Minister of Broadcasting, Craig Foss, has asked them as well\u2014are calling a review into this. They are very disappointed, and admit that in retrospect they should not have reappointed him to that job. But I ask the Labour Party this, and in particular David Cunliffe and the leadership, such as it is in Labour: what was their role in all of this? What were they doing, allowing this to happen? We have Mr Cunliffe, an individual who perhaps was about to be the new boss of Mr Taurima. Did he give him assurances that he would get the nod at the next candidates\u2019 selection that he was contesting? Were there undertakings given that his bosses-to-be at the Labour Party would give him favourable treatment? It could really be a battle of two Shanes, could it not, if he does go against Shane Jones. And he has declared pretty much that he is going to be doing that. I think it is \u201CShameful Shanes\u201D times two\u2014[Interruption] It is all of the above, Mr Calder\u2014absolutely so. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EI think that when you have an individual who ought to know better, who has made his living as supposedly an investigative current affairs journalist and news interviewer, it is an absolute disgrace. In the 30-odd years I spent in the business, somebody like him would not have been tolerated. I do not know how duplicitous he must have been or how arrogant he and his staff must have been to think that they could have got away with it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003ESomeone like Paul Henry has been an individual who has a late-night show, and it is a bit of an old chat show. He is a known opinionator\u2014a known guy to peddle his views, and he is someone whom I suppose you could call a bit of a shock-jock, really. Shane Taurima, on the other hand, was a self-styled individual who had integrity and who supposedly held journalistic integrity close. I do not think he did. I think he has let his colleagues down. He has let the profession of journalism down. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EIf Labour is foolish enough to allow an individual like that to be selected, and allows someone as dishonourable as that to become a member of Parliament, then it has outdone itself. I think, and I put it to the House, that Shane Taurima, having betrayed the professional journalism code of ethics\u2014fairness, impartiality, honesty, and integrity\u2014is not a man who should be considered for higher office. David Cunliffe needs to be here to answer those questions about the role that he played in that situation. He has blood on his hands.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022bba7013f49914110a8b59d7e6753e661\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bba7013f49914110a8b59d7e6753e661\u0022\u003ECHRIS HIPKINS (Labour\u2014Rimutaka):\u003C/span\u003E You can see the desperation and hysteria setting in on the other side of the House. This is a Government whose members have become used to the ministerial BMWs and their leather seats and to the ministerial houses, and they do not want to give them up\u2014they do not want to give them up. They can see them slipping away, and as they can see that the hysteria grows\u2014the hysteria grows on the other side of the House, and the desperation grows. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EYou can see how desperate they are simply by looking at whom they are reliant upon and whom they are willing to do deals with. They will do deals with anyone if it improves their chances of holding on to the ministerial BMWs and the Treasury benches. They are willing to deal with that twice-convicted criminal John Banks. They are quite willing to take his vote. They are willing to make a Minister out of somebody who leaked Government information. What did John Key say about him less than a year ago? Less than a year ago, John Key said: \u201CI want to believe him.\u201D He was talking about Peter Dunne. He said: \u201CI want to believe him, but the inquiry doesn\u2019t rule him out.\u201D He used that as the justification at the time for accepting Peter Dunne\u2019s resignation as a Minister. There is a simple question that John Key has yet to answer: what has changed? What has changed? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EPeter Dunne has repeatedly been given opportunities in this House to deny that he leaked the report, and he has repeatedly refused to take those opportunities. Why is that? Why is it that Peter Dunne will not stand up and say that he did not leak the Kitteridge report? Why is it that John Key thinks that someone who leaked confidential Government information to a journalist is an appropriate person to have as a Minister? There is a simple answer: he is desperate. He desperately wants Peter Dunne\u2019s vote, he desperately wants to stay in Government, and he will deal with anyone in the process. He is quite happy to do a deal. There will be a cup of tea deal coming with Colin Craig, that homophobic misogynist who I do not think has any role in this Parliament. He wants to ban unisex toilets. That will be part of the Government\u2019s agenda if Colin Craig gets his way in a future National Government. But John Key is quite happy to deal with him. He is quite happy to deal with anyone, as long as it keeps him in Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThis is a Government and a Prime Minister that have completely lost their moral compass. There was a time when John Key did stand up and rule some lines in the sand around whom he would and would not deal with\u2014but that is all out the window. It has all gone out the window now, as long as he can stay Prime Minister. It does not matter whom he is going to deal with. As long as he can stay Prime Minister, John Key will do a deal with anyone. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI listened before to one of those National members over there talking about fiscal responsibility. It was Jacqui Dean, the one who wants to ban water. She was talking about fiscal responsibility. I will tell you what, I will not take a lecture from the National Government about fiscal responsibility. This is a Government that will leave as its legacy at the end of this term of Parliament the biggest debt in New Zealand\u2019s history. Let me say that again: this Government has clocked up the biggest Government debt in New Zealand\u2019s history. It is bigger than Muldoon\u2019s. At the end of 6 years National will leave a debt for future generations of New Zealanders that will be even bigger than the debt that Rob Muldoon managed to clock up. That will be this Government\u2019s legacy to New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI will not take lectures on fiscal responsibility from that Government, because we know that the last Labour Government left New Zealand with a Crown debt that was net zero\u2014none. The debt was gone. The last Labour Government paid it off, and in a short space of time\u2014in the 6 years that National will have been in power\u2014it has managed to clock up the biggest debt in New Zealand\u2019s history. National members are in no position to be lecturing anyone about fiscal responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EAnd, of course, we know that they have got their priorities all wrong. Take education. They want to spend more money on charter schools than they are willing to put into the State school system. That is simply wrong. They are quite happy to plough money into the ideological experiment that is charter schools as part of their desperate deal with John Banks and the ACT Party, but they are not willing to put that level of funding and that level of support into our existing public school system. That is wrong, and it is simply another example of how this Government is willing to do a deal. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EIt is that desperate to stay in Government that it is willing to do a deal with anyone. There is no principle behind this Government\u2019s decision making\u2014no principle, no moral compass. It is just simply doing whatever it takes to stay in Government. That is the John Key mantra. Whatever it takes to stay in Government, John Key is willing to do it. And, of course, we know he is getting his advice from Cameron Slater. This is the guy who thinks it is OK to make fun of children dying\u2014to make fun of children dying. John Key rings him up all the time, because he thinks he has \u201Cgreat insights\u201D. Those were John Key\u2019s words. He thinks Cameron Slater, the guy who makes fun of dead kids, has got great insights that are useful for the Prime Minister. How demeaning to the office of Prime Minister for him to be ringing up someone like Cameron Slater on a regular basis to ask for advice. He should be ashamed of himself. He should be ashamed of the type of people whom he is willing to associate with. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI think New Zealanders should be able to expect better from their Prime Minister than that. I think John Key should have more respect for the job and the office that he holds than that. Clearly, he does not. He is simply willing to do a deal with anyone as long as he remains Prime Minister. He is willing to talk to anyone as long as he remains Prime Minister. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EOf course, this is not a Prime Minister who has had a particularly honest or robust relationship with the truth in the past. Let us not forget about the Tranz Rail shares, where John Key deliberately tried to mislead New Zealanders about the number of Tranz Rail shares he had, or about him appointing his childhood friend\u2014what\u2019s-his-name Fletcher\u2014as the head of the Government Communications Security Bureau and then pretending he did not know anything about it. They get memory loss over there on that side of the House every time they are confronted with something that is a little bit inconvenient. There is the whole Kim Dotcom saga, and John Key\u2019s and John Banks\u2019 memory lapses. Every time there is something\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022 data-id=\u0022b9c420bc979246fea2e41212e0abfc73\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b9c420bc979246fea2e41212e0abfc73\u0022\u003EDr CAM CALDER (National):\u003C/span\u003E It is an extraordinary pleasure to rise to take a call in this debate. We have to acknowledge\u2014and a number of speakers have alluded to this\u2014that the third Labour Party leader in as many years is struggling. I take no pleasure in saying that. I am not into schadenfreude. I take no pleasure in it but he is struggling. We have noted that he has not been asked to take a call today. He has not been asked to take a call today in this debate. Instead, the debate has been led off by the Hon Annette King, who, it has to be said, is one of the better performers in the House. I think that members of the Labour caucus are probably rueing the day that the Hon Annette King said that she did not want to be leader, because I think that it is possible that they are overlooking one of their more able performers, because the others are in disarray. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003EThe others are in disarray, and the third Labour leader in as many years made a stuttering start to the year. A Best Start? How could it be anything like that? It was nothing like that. It was a stuttering start, talking about middle-class welfare. It was poorly delivered and poorly costed and, of course, it just goes on from there. So are the members of the Labour caucus disheartened? Well, of course they are. Are they scratching their heads? Is there massive debate? Are they saying: \u201CShane, can you take a bit more pressure off the leader?\u201D, or \u201CGrant, what are you going to do about it?\u201D. Yes, we know there are big problems. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003EOn this side of the House, the Government is managing the economy in a fiscally prudent way. We have managed the recession well and now the economy is making encouraging progress, and we are reaping the benefits. This is the stark decision for New Zealand. We have to have the same probity and fiscal rectitude that managed the recession to manage the period of growth that we are entering into. The economy is building good momentum. It is generating more jobs, which lifts people out of welfare dependency, and is providing more opportunities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2567d3e-a09c-47b4-bd50-2f5bb4049762\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220da39b053e31473dae6bc31e49c8a1bf\u0022\u003ESue Moroney\u003C/span\u003E: Come to Hamilton. Come to Hamilton and see.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022182da0a5c9fe4f758cae8a80ff12ace9\u0022\u003EDr CAM CALDER\u003C/span\u003E: It is generating higher incomes, and as the member across the House alludes to, it is broad-based in the regions. It is broad-based in the regions and more and more New Zealanders are reaping the benefits. They are reaping the benefits from that economic growth. From September 2012 to September 2013 growth was 3.5 percent. The OECD is forecasting that in the year ahead it is going to be even better. But it has to be managed\u2014 it has to be managed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003EThe stronger economy, improving business and consumer confidence, has translated into more jobs. We heard that last year in the September quarter there was a huge increase in growth, with 27,000 more jobs for New Zealanders\u2014new jobs for New Zealand. The increase in jobs over the year to last September was 53,700. There were 53,700 more jobs in that September than in the previous September. So employment levels increased by 2.4 percent. This is at the same time as participation increasing to almost 69 percent. So we have been fiscally prudent in our management of the recession and New Zealand now needs prudent management of the period of growth. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003EWe have a plan. We have a plan for this, with key inputs to lift business opportunities, jobs, and growth. I refer, of course, to the Business Growth Agenda, where we are going to grow the export markets available to us. Tim Groser is doing a great job on that. Capital markets are going to increase, we are sponsoring a massive amount of investment in innovation, we are investing in skills and safe workplaces, we are exploiting in an appropriately environmentally sound manner our myriad of natural resources, and, of course, we are building infrastructure. So we have a responsible plan to go forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228cf0fb6b-0b8f-4327-983d-73e1166c220e\u0022\u003EWhat about the Opposition? Well, we have heard from a number of speakers that in the first few weeks Labour, with its Green acolytes, has been promising even more spending. It has been promising $750 million more spending. It is uncosted, untargeted, and it is more spending. It is ill-conceived middle-class welfare. Really, it is a fantasy world that those members are living in. We are back into this tax more, borrow more\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022 data-id=\u0022173b24b06428447b9aa4f445d8022938\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022173b24b06428447b9aa4f445d8022938\u0022\u003EGARETH HUGHES (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Mr Assistant Speaker. Ng\u0101 mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora. Despite all the negative politics, and despite all the doom and gloom and negativity of the National Party, the Green Party has a simple message in this election: here comes the sun. The Greens want to give Kiwis energy choices, more competition, and make it cheaper for them to produce their own power from the sun. I do not know whether members have noticed today but outside we have seen a massive solar spill in Wellington. Unlike a deep-sea oil spill, the only impact we are seeing is a lovely day and Kiwis producing their own electricity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EOn Sunday, as you all know, Green Party co-leader Russel Norman launched the Greens\u2019 Solar Homes package, to help Kiwis access low-cost loans to face the upfront barrier of the capital cost of solar panels. Solar is one of the greenest forms of generation we have and we have ample sunlight in New Zealand. It gives Kiwis independence from the big electricity companies, and with no fuel cost it insulates Kiwis from relentless electricity price rises. We all know about those price rises. We all get that sinking feeling in our guts when another power bill arrives in the post. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EWhat we have seen under National is our power prices increase by 22 percent. This year, despite demand going down, the prices keep going up and up. It must be clear to everyone by now that National\u2019s electricity system is not working for New Zealand and is not working for New Zealanders. Under the Greens\u2019 Solar Homes initiative, Kiwis will be able to go to the Government to access a low-cost loan to be repaid through their rates so they can purchase solar panels or batteries. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EThe loans will be cost-neutral to the Crown. There is a small administration cost to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority of under $1 million, and the net Crown fiscal position is still neutral. Once the loan is repaid, the families own the panels and batteries in full. They can make money by selling excess generation into the grid. I think that this is an example of smarter, greener economics in action. I think that this is an example of energy freedom in action. I think that this is an example of new jobs and clean energy in action. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EWe estimate that we could see 1,000 new jobs created from Kiwis helping Kiwis to go solar. When you look around the world, in America, every 4 minutes a new home or business goes solar. Across the Ditch in Australia there are 1 million homes with solar panels on the top. New Zealand has a tremendous opportunity to grow jobs, help Kiwis save money, and save carbon. So, predictably, the Government came out with its negativity, with its shrill screaming of \u201CSubsidies!\u201D\u2014never mind that it is not a subsidy; it is a loan. I think the reason why the Government screams \u201CSubsidies!\u201D as a knee-jerk reaction is that subsidies are on its lips.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db98d67f6005417dbf871941cfaed469\u0022\u003EHon Annette King\u003C/span\u003E: So what did it give to MediaWorks?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022819d90a8eac843239ed741d38762aade\u0022\u003EGARETH HUGHES\u003C/span\u003E: That is exactly right, Annette King. Subsidies are on its lips\u2014look at the $30 million it has just paid out to Rio Tinto, despite Rio Tinto making a $3.7 billion profit in the last year. When I look at the $46 million in tax breaks and the $25 million in seismic survey subsidies for the oil industry, or the dodgy deals National members are entertaining for the Choruses and the Skycities of this world, I think the word \u201Csubsidies\u201D is on the tip of their lips. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EThen they started to scream about renewables. Never mind that under National Huntly power station has just had a 25-year extension to burn more coal and gas. Never mind that under National the Prime Minister is going around Taranaki opening gas-fired peaking power stations powered by the controversial fracking practice. And never mind that the Government\u2019s own officials advised the Government that it is not on track to meet its 90 percent renewables target. So this policy from the Greens is a good example of smarter, greener politics and it is a bright start towards getting 100 percent renewables. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255bb390e-f6c3-498c-bbf6-ea1a8fc993c7\u0022\u003EWhat we know is that in terms of energy National is stuck in the dark age. But the good news for New Zealanders is that here comes the sun. We are giving Kiwis a real choice this election. Under National there are more excuses for power price rises, more risky deep-sea drilling, more assets flogged off. Or, on the other side, the Green Party is offering cheaper power from NZ Power, insulation under your roof, and a solar panel on the top. If National wants to be the party of big oil and big power company profits, so be it. We are going to be the party offering Kiwis cheaper, cleaner, smarter power, and we are going to give the power back to New Zealanders. We think that is the real brighter future for New Zealand. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u0022a70dae0161784be28735e0b2553e2722\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a70dae0161784be28735e0b2553e2722\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH (National):\u003C/span\u003E It is a great pleasure to have the final slot in today\u2019s general debate. It has been a week of very interesting facts and quotes. The one that I was most interested in was the Fairfax poll that indicated that most New Zealanders do not want more tax and spend. Funnily, there was also a poll that said that National was riding a wave of soaring optimism, which I thought was rather good. The poll said that 67 percent opposed, and only 27 percent were in favour of, raising taxes to fund new initiatives, which must have come as a bit of a shock to the Labour Party and the Greens. But what I found most interesting was the quote from David Cunliffe. He said the question was unfair because the vast majority of New Zealanders would not be affected by its planned tax rises, which would include a higher top tax rate and a capital gains tax. I thought: \u201CWell, there it is. There\u2019s the Labour philosophy in a nutshell. It is perfect: you\u2019re going to give lollies to everybody, but you\u2019ll make only a few people pay for it. There\u2019s the way to win political salvation.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EBut of course nobody believes that. They all know that we all end up paying for it in the end. We already have massive redistribution in this country where we have the top 6 percent of income tax payers paying nearly 40 percent of the tax\u2014more when you take Working for Families into account. And do not forget that about 70 percent of taxpayers in New Zealand pay a 17.5 percent tax rate or less. So this is a Government that has been very successful at keeping taxes down and New Zealanders like it. It is interesting when you drill down to the figures. Funnily enough, it is the under 30s who are strongly opposed to higher taxes and more spending, and, funnily enough, more M\u0101ori. There is 50 percent net disapproval amongst M\u0101ori. More M\u0101ori than Europeans opposed raising taxes to pay for spending. Those with no qualifications at all were most stridently against paying more taxes and having more spending by the Government. Those with household incomes below $50,000 were more opposed to paying more taxes than higher-income ones. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ENew Zealanders have realised that they are better equipped to spend their money than the Government, and that is because money is very hard to find and it is hard to earn, and it is annoying to see it being wasted by councils and Governments. That is why this Government has being so disciplined in its spending, has been so disciplined in the way it has gone about making sure the Public Service gets results for the best prices, and that is why this Government enjoys the level of support that it has. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EI must say I found it positively weird listening to Mr Hipkins\u2019 contribution on debt, saying that National is being bad because it has left a high level of debt. Well, he seems to ignore the Christchurch earthquakes and the billions of dollars that were spent, he has ignored the global financial crisis, and he ignores the lag effect. Yes, Labour inherited a well-run economy in 1999 and held things reasonably firm for a few years. But it left a country pregnant with 10 years of future deficits in 2008 and massively unfunded spending schemes, which has meant that if the Government carried on the policies that we inherited in 2008, we would have massive deficits and massive debt. But National did continue spending to protect the vulnerable and to deal with the earthquake but, importantly, it has set a path back to surplus, which we are going to achieve this year, and it has got a path back to paying back debt, and that is why New Zealanders trust National with the economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EIt is also weird to hear from the Greens. They spend their whole time arguing for measures that will increase the cost of energy in the economy, yet they jump up and down with a couple of gimmicks about somehow subsidising solar energy, as if that is salvation for a problem that they have created themselves by advocating for policies that increase the price of energy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EFinally, I do not want to comment particularly on Mr Shane Jones\u2019 claims. There have been lots of allegations, lots of innuendoes, and not many facts, but I am sure there will be due process. It will be very carefully figured out. All those issues will be taken seriously to get to the bottom of them. But I must say that there is a strong anti-Australian strand coming through everything he said. He was standing there this morning in the Finance and Expenditure Committee going on about Aussie banks and he was going on about Aussie companies all the time. Well, I do not think there is a hang of a lot in favour of this country taking on an anti-Australia campaign such as has been carried out by Mr Jones. There is that old saying that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. I have never really understood that until now, but when we look at Labour, when it is on to the third leader and we have got Mr Cunliffe, it is a bit like the words of the singer Pink.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe debate having concluded, the motion lapsed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002275a44c0473f041f1902e67320c2b7675\u0022\u003ETasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b913fce215c542909404e6809fe87719\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u00224bafa0a5006b4250a68a258073592067\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224bafa0a5006b4250a68a258073592067\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014West Coast - Tasman):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill be now read a second time. Can I firstly thank all the members of the Local Government and Environment Committee for the efforts they made in trying to reach a win-win solution with this bill. I suggest it was more like a win-draw solution in the end, but I do acknowledge the extra efforts they made to try to get a solution. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EIt could be said that what goes around comes around, and there are a number of lessons in this whole process for not only the Tasman District Council and its staff and councillors but also many councils up and down this country. This bill has been subject to much concern and comment\u2014and quite rightly so\u2014from a group of ratepayers from Ligar Bay and Tata Beach who brought this issue to the attention of the Tasman District Council. I appreciate the efforts that they went to to follow through with this, which is effectively leading to the bill in Parliament today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EAs its name suggests, the bill seeks to validate a number of irregularities that occurred in the setting and assessing of rates by the Tasman District Council over a 6-year period from 2003-04 to 2008-09. In this regard I do find myself repeating the words of a colleague in the House at the end of last year. He was saying, with regard to the Kaipara District Council (Validation of Rates and Other Matters) Bill, that no one is a fan of retrospective legislation, least of all the MP who is required to sponsor that legislation. So I bring this legislation to the House somewhat reluctantly but on behalf of the ratepayers in the northern part of my electorate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EAs I say, it is never a good look to have retrospective legislation to rectify failures that have occurred, and this bill effectively validates the actions of a council that failed to follow proper process and to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act. But it is, as the member previously acknowledged regarding Kaipara, the only way to make progress and give some certainty.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe question I would like to see answered on behalf of the Tasman ratepayers is whether it is also the case that the overseers in the case, Audit New Zealand, provided proper safeguards for the ratepayers through those years when, effectively, it approved the process in the Tasman district. And, of course, that was proven not to be valid. Some would say the ratepayers of Tasman District Council had been let down. As advisers told the committee, Tasman District Council failed \u201CRates 101\u201D, effectively, and that is something of a condemnation for a council that has prided itself, I guess, on process. It certainly demands proper process of its ratepayers when they come to make applications, so it does go, as I said, to the situation of what goes around comes around. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EIn regard to the ratepayers of Ligar Bay and Tata Beach, I would just like to say that, firstly, they ended up paying a rate they considered was not valid. They have not been receiving specific water drainage services but, indeed, were asked by the council to pay a rate. They have been angry and frustrated. It was, indeed, their follow-through that alerted the Tasman District Council to the mistakes across other areas of its rate demands. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ETasman District Council, of course, as is prone to happen in councils, absolutely denied any problem with the setting of the rates and denied the fact that these rates were illegal. The origin of the dispute, as I said, lies with the challenge by those ratepayers. When the council denied that anything was wrong, the ratepayers then took that to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman came to an interesting conclusion, and there are a couple of quotes I would like to refer to: \u201CThe procedure for making a rate is set out in section 23 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. I am accordingly not satisfied that a rate has been made.\u201D The Ombudsman went on to say: \u201CI am accordingly not satisfied that a Tata Beach Urban Drainage Area has been established.\u201D And, finally, to take a quote: \u201CI have formed a view that levying a stormwater rate for Tata Beach was based wholly or partly on a mistake of law and fact\u201D. Effectively, the rate was not properly imposed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThese things may seem technical to someone from the outside, but a particular ratepayer in the group decided to follow through with this and was proven to be correct. In investigating it, the Ombudsman said that, actually, there are a whole lot of rates that have not been set properly. I would like to acknowledge Mr Schmuke and a number of people who live over at Tata Beach for their tenacity. They have brought this to a head, and they have probably alerted a number of councils around the country to the technical challenges of setting rates. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EParliament deems rates, levies on industries, and taxes paid to be very sacrosanct, and it is important that there are protections for both the person paying the rate and those people who demand them. Unfortunately, limitations around a local bill and the scope of the notices advertising meant that the request by the local ratepayers at Tata Beach and Ligar Bay to have clause 9 omitted from the bill was not possible. And, in fact, the bill put to the select committee had to be passed in its complete form, or, if there were to be any amendments, there was a requirement to take the bill back for consultation, which the council did not want to go through; I guess officials certainly did not. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThere was a view that even if the bill for all of the rates for Tata Beach and Ligar Bay were omitted, it would have been a big challenge to then go and find the people who paid the rates at that time and subsequent to that, and find out where they are living now and how much they had paid. So the committee, on balance, decided that we should proceed with the bill as presented by the Tasman District Council, without any change. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe people who raised the issue, the people who were proven to be correct, the people who still think they are paying a drainage rate when they should not be, are still a bit sore about this. But I have to say that, on balance, we should acknowledge their efforts and we should assure them that the rates paid by them will protect their properties better than they otherwise would if there was no money. So I think that, overall, we have made some progress in what has been a long and tortuous process for a number of key ratepayers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI would just like to say to Tasman District Council that although I am happy to sponsor this bill and to put it forward, the council should hear the lesson, and that is that officials in councils should listen to ratepayers who come along with queries and with issues, because often they are correct. And this is a unitary council, so the normal tension between resource management of a regional council and the district council\u2019s responsibilities does not exist in Tasman District Council. It is one council for both areas of responsibilities. That tension that often gives better accountability does not occur in Tasman, so we are reliant on the wisdom, the skills, and the judgment of officials in one unitary council. I am not convinced that that is the best way forward. None the less we have a unitary council in Tasman, in part due to the lobbying and cheap politicking of the Hon Nick Smith some time ago. But we will put that to one side and say that the passage of this bill will validate rates that have been claimed by the Tasman District Council. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EWithout this bill\u2019s passage those rates are, effectively, illegal, so the council needs certainty over the income it took. It does not want to be subject to any legal challenge. But in passing this legislation in whole, we should acknowledge the efforts of the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay residents who brought this to the attention of the council first, and then to the Ombudsman. Then legislation in Parliament was required to rectify a problem that was initially denied by the Tasman District Council. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ECouncils up and down this country should take note\u2014there may be some technical problems with rates being set today or yesterday, so double-check. And councils should appreciate the fact that ratepayers, ordinary people of New Zealand, can make mistakes in dealing with councils, and they should not be clobbered for it, just in the way that Parliament is facilitating the passage of this bill and acknowledging the mistake of the Tasman District Council but not making it pay the penalty.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022 data-id=\u0022e3d42ce760ef40af900f0a7aadbbbfe6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e3d42ce760ef40af900f0a7aadbbbfe6\u0022\u003EHon PHIL HEATLEY (National\u2014Whangarei):\u003C/span\u003E I rise to support the member Damien O\u2019Connor on this local bill that he introduced to the House, the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill, in its second reading. We are certainly supporting it as a National Party team. We understand the weaknesses in the bill, but then, as the member so clearly put it, it is a very imperfect situation there in the Tasman district. We are making it better; we are not claiming to make it perfect. The situation there is that, essentially, the rate setting was broken. We are cobbling together the pieces to make the best of what is a difficult situation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EThis bill will validate rates set by the Tasman District Council for the period from 2003-04 through to 2008-09\u2014that 5-year period during which the council did not follow the correct process in setting rates. We want to be clear about that. This bill will also validate rates and penalties paid over the period, authorise the council to recover any unpaid rates, and ratify the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay stormwater rate. This bill will highlight to other councils the importance of proper scrutiny when setting rates. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EI know that Damien O\u2019Connor in his first reading speech introduced this legislation with some angst, and he has repeated those concerns just now. I cannot do better than quote Damien O\u2019Connor in his first reading speech where he said: \u201CI have to say I am not overly enthusiastic about bringing retrospective legislation to the House. However, I am a very proud local member, and I have spoken to the Tasman District Council and agreed to sponsor this bill into Parliament where a select committee can give it due consideration.\u201D The member Damien O\u2019Connor said he was a reluctant sponsor of retrospective legislation, as, of course, we all are. \u201CThe main area where we seem to have this in the House is over fisheries legislation. This is not the case here.\u201D, said Damien O\u2019Connor. \u201CIt is local government.\u201D\u2014it has made mistakes\u2014\u201CMistakes do happen from time to time. I know each and every one of the councillors, in good faith, took advice from their staff and of course assumed that they had put in place valid rating claims on the ratepayers.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EI do not know those councillors. The Hon Damien O\u2019Connor obviously does know those councillors. He felt and he was assured that they, in good faith, had left the role to staff of actually putting together the rates and ensuring that they were brought together properly, and that ratepayers would be legally required to pay those rates. As Damien O\u2019Connor said back then, \u201CSo this is perhaps a long and drawn-out, and quite expensive, process, but it is one that we have to go through none the less.\u201D And that is what brings members to the House today. The National Party is joining Damien O\u2019Connor in passing, I hope, when the vote goes through, the second reading of this piece of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EIt is true that we have seen issues like this arise across the country from time to time. We just recently dealt with a similar issue in Kaipara. National, as the public will know, has introduced Better Local Government reforms, which will help make local government more efficient, more responsive, and better focused so that these types of issues do not arise again. They will help the National Government drive the reform process to ensure that councils focus clearly on their core business, are not frustrated or in any way confused, and are not led to not pay attention to the detail of their core business. The Better Local Government reforms will include a work stream to monitor and improve council performance and to prevent future procedural errors, as we see in this Tasman District bill and we saw in the Kaipara bill as well. So it is quite timely for us as the National Government to drive through those reforms to get better outcomes from local government for their ratepayers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EI was on the Local Government and Environment Committee, which went through the process in committee of looking at the clauses one by one and discussing them with the Tasman District public and the Tasman District Council and others who had a view. We made some changes. For example, for the sake of consistency, technical amendments will be made to clauses 5(a), 6, and 9 to replace the statement \u201Cdeclared to have been\u201D with \u201Cdeclared to be and to always have been\u201D. The committee is sympathetic to proposals to delete clause 9, but found that this course of action would be outside the scope of the bill. Damien O\u2019Connor outlined the issues there. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EAs such, the committee has recommended only the technical amendments. Clause 9 seeks to validate targeted rates set by the council for the 2006 financial year for the purposes of the stormwater works in the Ligar Bay and Tata Beach urban drainage areas, for example. The committee also noted that there would be many practical implications of deleting clause 9, and that is why the intent of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 is for local authorities to address rating errors as soon as is practicable. Under that Act, we are ensuring that when councils come across errors they act swiftly and justly. Leaving those errors, setting them aside, and not dealing with them leads to the problems we have seen in the Tasman District. I would like to emphasise not just to the Tasman District Council officials who are listening but to those in local authorities right across New Zealand that if you come across errors in the rating orders that councils have passed historically, then the council needs to address those errors as soon as is practicable, not just because it is useful to face up to mistakes and, in the end, deal with them but because the law says that councils need to do that immediately. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003EGiven the historic nature of the rating errors in question, it would be difficult without such validation. The council would need to be required to determine which ratepayers had paid the rate in 2006-07 and the amount they had paid\u2014a very difficult task for it to undertake. It would also have to ascertain whether the current ratepayers are the same ratepayers as those in 2006-07, it would have to apportion rates if there were multiple owners, and it would have to write to each ratepayer advising them of the amount of the refund and requesting bank details for repayment. So in making those changes in the bill that we have before us today, if the committee had recommended that, that is what councils would have to go through\u2014not only an onerous task for the council but one that would inevitably result in mistakes and would transfer angst from one group of people to another group of people, from one set of ratepayers to another set of ratepayers. It is not this Parliament\u2019s role to transfer vexed problems from one group to another, and we are making the best, as I said at the beginning of my speech, of what is a difficult situation. The merits of setting a stormwater rate were found to be outside the scope of this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbb83aab-9566-44c4-9029-8bda4aaca7f2\u0022\u003ESo, in summary, this bill is needed to validate certain rates set incorrectly during the period 2003-04 through to 2008-09. Without validation, the council remains vulnerable to legal challenge from ratepayers over incorrectly set rates. No one is arguing that they will. Some residents have objected to details of the stormwater rates that they were not properly consulted on and that they are being charged for stormwater services they are not using, but Damien O\u2019Connor himself acknowledges, as the bill\u2019s sponsor, that he has discussed their concerns and is convinced that the select committee will provide residents with an opportunity to engage and to move on. A key part of National\u2019s Better Local Government reforms is to prevent this from happening again. I support\u2014reluctantly, like Damien O\u2019Connor and others in the committee\u2014this bill in the House today at its second reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022 data-id=\u0022e384d523225c4e68b96864a4d3e3e15c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e384d523225c4e68b96864a4d3e3e15c\u0022\u003ESu\u2019a WILLIAM SIO (Labour\u2014M\u0101ngere):\u003C/span\u003E Malo le soifua, Mr Assistant Speaker. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. I note that following this bill there is a range of members\u2019 bills, including bills that have been put up by my colleagues. I would like for the House to be able to spend time on those particular bills, ushering those through, so my comments on this particular bill are not going to be very long. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EI note also the Local Government and Environment Committee\u2019s report. I am a member of that committee. I regret, however, that as a new member I have not had the opportunity to sit through all of the discussion around this particular bill. I do note that the committee received 14 submissions from interested groups and individuals and it heard four. Like the previous speakers, I too am somewhat reluctant. I am sort of dragging my feet on this bill. I know that my colleague Maryan Street aired it quite well when we were debating the Kaipara District Council situation. But as much as I am a strong supporter of local government, as much as I value the role that local government plays in community development and in nation-building, and as much as I strive and aspire to ensure that, going forward, there is a close working relationship between central government and local government, I have to say that when these rates validating bills are placed before the House, it just makes it harder for those who do not believe in local government to come on board and support the kind of vision that the Labour Party has for local government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EI note, however, that the Tasman District Council, in presenting this bill and asking Parliament to consider it, had this to say. It said that the \u201CTasman District Council failed to set its rates correctly across the District due to incorrect administrative procedures from 2003/2004 to 2008/2009, and we failed to include a map in our 2006/2007 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) to adequately describe the area covered by the Ligar Bay and the Tata Beach stormwater urban drainage area rates.\u201D The council admits its \u201Cprocedural mistakes and are now seeking to rectify the situation through this Bill. Council is very sorry and apologises to our community for our mistakes. We are very embarrassed for the mistakes\u2014and rightly so. We also apologise for needing to take up Parliament\u2019s and this Select Committee\u2019s valuable time in order to correct our errors.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EI do not doubt the sincerity of those words. However, what my colleague Damien O\u2019Connor emphasised earlier in the latter parts of his speech was a call for councillors to treat seriously the roles that they play as elected representatives. Sure, we can call these procedural mistakes, but the fact of the matter is that if we want the public to take an active and participatory role in our local decision-making, then we need to treat our stewardship of local councils with a great deal of care and responsibility. By and large, if most residents are given the opportunity to see the intimate goings-on of councils\u2014as far as the public are concerned\u2014they can rightly make all sorts of allegations when these mistakes are made. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003ESo I recognise that when we look at the 2011 local body elections, we seem to be heading into a new era, a crossroads in our local government system. On the one hand, you have the school of thought promoted by others of wanting to take control of local government. On the other hand, there is another school of thought arising from the strong desire of the public to participate more and the public demanding their right to have a say in those local government decisions. I saw in Auckland how, for example, the Pacific communities put up many representatives to run in the race for those local boards, and I can say that for Auckland, for the Labour Party at least, out of the 18 candidates who ran, 14 of them were elected on either the council or the local board. Out of those 14, eight of them were brand new candidates. I think that in many ways that reflects the strong desire that is held by many sectors in our communities to participate more in local decision-making. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EI note that the committee, when deliberating on this particular bill, had an issue about clause 9. I think that there was a call\u2014perhaps an advancing by some\u2014for clause 9 to not stay as it is, and I understand that the advice received from the officials was that by removing that particular clause they would actually be dealing outside of the scope of this particular bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EIt gives me no pleasure to support my colleague on this bill. I think, as I emphasise again, the councillors, the mayors\u2014you know, from this House at least\u2014must look to how they can avoid these kinds of bad decision-making. And I think that Local Government New Zealand and the Society of Local Government Managers have a role to play in providing training\u2014absolute training. I was a member of the council, and I think it is quite easy for new councillors to come on board, whatever the local authority is, and begin to feel that as new councillors they rely on the officials, that they rely on the senior councillors. That might be OK for some, but I think that when you put yourself up to run for these positions, you have got to be prepared to hit the ground running. I think not only do the councillors have the responsibility to be well prepared for these roles but also our officials on local councils have a role to play to ensure that their advice is of the highest standard. So those are my comments here. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022ac26b1dfdb4c4ab7b24cd5c72fe89c40\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ac26b1dfdb4c4ab7b24cd5c72fe89c40\u0022\u003EJACQUI DEAN (National\u2014Waitaki):\u003C/span\u003E In speaking on the second reading of the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill, I want to, first, commend Damien O\u2019Connor for the way that he has worked with the Local Government and Environment Committee over what has been a very careful consideration of the matters raised in this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EMembers from across the House are expressing their reluctant support for the objective of the bill. I think that is the correct position to take on this bill, because although Parliament is here to enact legislation, I think we all feel uncomfortable with enacting retrospective legislation that picks up the pieces from a lack of due process in local government. It is important that our select committee consideration of this bill, our readings in the House, and the comments we are all making on this bill reflect that but also acknowledge that although you can point the finger as much as you like and point out the deficiencies, what matters, actually, in Parliament and in the bill that Damien O\u2019Connor has brought to the House is that we find a solution for the ratepayers. It is the ratepayers who are the ones who are feeling the impacts of deficiencies in the decision making of their local authority. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EI do hear the comments of the previous speaker, Su\u2019a William Sio, about capability and capacity building within the local government sector, and he is quite right. That is why this Government has brought in a broad programme of Better Local Government reforms to ensure that the kind of situation we see in this bill does not arise again. It is germane also to recognise that local authorities throughout New Zealand come in many different forms and many different sizes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EWe do know that as a result of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, after a process of a commission and then council organisation, we now have, I think, what is becoming an effective Auckland Council. It is not perfect. Of course it is not perfect, but we have a much more efficient large urban local authority\u2014still with the same powers. It does have its own Act\u2014yes, it does\u2014but, essentially, it still has the same powers as the Tasman District Council, just on a vastly different scale. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe Tasman District Council\u2019s activities are Tasman\u2019s activities; they are not Auckland activities, and probably do not want to be. Those people live in a very nice rural corner of provincial New Zealand, on the West Coast, and none of them, I imagine, is going to argue that they would want their council to be any different. The reason I am talking about the differences between local authorities is that although we might have Tasman, we might have McKenzie, and we might have Waimate and other local authorities that are effectively tiny\u2014there might be one full-time planner and one full-time finance officer\u2014when the finance person, for example, goes away on maternity leave, has to be away, or goes on a course, there is simply not anybody to fill the gap.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003ESo I think we need to recognise that although local governments are very, very different in terms of their capacities, we expect them to have the same capability in setting their rates. Why is that important? It is important because we are taking money\u2014tax-paid money\u2014from ratepayers to provide them with council services, such as, in this instance, stormwater drainage and other rating matters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003ESo we have to have every sympathy with the ratepayers of the Tasman District Council and they have to have the confidence, and should have the confidence, that their elected members, the chief executive officer, and the people who work for the chief executive officer have the capability of correctly striking the rates. In this instance they have not done so, and the Local Government and Environment Committee has also dealt with other councils where that has not been done properly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EI want to just talk a little further about the ratepayer. We call them ratepayers, but they include our elderly citizens. We are all, I guess, ratepayers in this House, and everybody who works here is a ratepayer. We all expect our local authorities to provide us with good services in turn for that cheque that we write out every quarter or that direct debit that we provide every quarter. We expect, as ratepayers, to get good value from rates\u2014it does not matter whether we are politicians or whether we are retired and on a fixed income, like my mum-in-law. She is a superannuitant, so she is on a fixed income. She has got to pay rates too and it has a big impact on her life\u2014arguably more so, perhaps, than on a politician\u2019s life. But we all expect to get good value from rates and we expect, absolutely, that if people are going to be taking money out of our wages\u2014our tax-paid wages\u2014that it is done fairly, it is done for a good purpose, and it is done correctly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill puts right those deficiencies in the decision making of the Tasman District Council. I imagine that there has been an election between now and the time when this bill was lodged and Damien O\u2019Connor was working with the council to find a solution. So there might have been a number of changes in personnel, but I can guarantee that from the mayor and the chief executive officer down they will be having a pretty close look at their rate-setting mechanisms. It is all set out for them. It is all set out in the Local Government Act and the Local Government (Rating) Act. It is all set out for them. It is incumbent on them to set the rates correctly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe Better Local Government reform package, which this National Government has been working on since we came into Government 5 years ago, has been introduced to provide clarity around the role of local government. I cannot help wondering whether that focus on providing good services and good infrastructure for ratepayers is long overdue. So we have done a piece of work, the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2012\u2014was it in 2012, Minister Tremain?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002234f038fb4bc04c3ab51dd27da810d0c8\u0022\u003EHon Chris Tremain\u003C/span\u003E: The first one was in 2012.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f93afba3dac34f67b4dd5b483f70bd1f\u0022\u003EJACQUI DEAN\u003C/span\u003E: We are considering an amendment bill from 2013. That is before the Local Government and Environment Committee now. They are all part of that drive to provide better public services to ratepayers. It does not matter whether they are in Tasman\u2014we are dealing with the Tasman bill at the moment but we have dealt with other similar bills. I hope that we do not have to do so in the future, but we may. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003ESo the Better Local Government reforms that this National Government is working hard on\u2014and the Hon Chris Tremain has played an important part in that work\u2014are aimed at stronger governance in the local government sector. They are aimed at providing greater efficiencies for ratepayers, more clarity for ratepayers, and more responsible financial management for ratepayers\u2014and perhaps this comes to the nub of this issue for local government. We also have a really strong desire\u2014and let me just talk about my dear mum-in-law\u2014to keep rates affordable for everybody in our communities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EI acknowledge that it is OK for politicians\u2014all of us politicians\u2014because we can afford our rates. Of course we can afford our rates. We are privileged in all sorts of ways and we must not forget those people on fixed incomes. For them, the rates bill is a big portion of their expenditure and they expect\u2014and they should expect\u2014good performance, clarity, and a real purpose of local government that is there to provide good service for them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EI support the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. I do commend the local member, Damien O\u2019Connor, for bringing it to the House. And I do hope that we can get this bill through in a timely manner so that the ratepayers of the Tasman District Council can move forward with some certainty and confidence in their local authority.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u00220189e889a78d4e2986ca0fdc387040ce\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220189e889a78d4e2986ca0fdc387040ce\u0022\u003EEUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe. I hope that we can get the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill through in a timely manner. I will be taking only a short call. Along with others, I acknowledge the work of the bill\u2019s promoter, the Hon Damien O\u2019Connor. Like everyone else who has spoken, none of us likes retrospective legislation, and it is a concern that both the Tasman District Council and the Kaipara District Council have had to ask Parliament in this term for retrospective legislation because of defective rating resolutions. The Christchurch City Council is suggesting that it may need to do the same. So it certainly might assist if the Department of Internal Affairs provided templates to councils on the form of their rating resolutions so that these are made correctly and we do not have to waste parliamentary time on such matters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe Green Party supports this bill because it corrects the procedural mistakes made by the district council and it is validating something that the council could not have done if it had got the process right. We agree with the council\u2019s assessment that its mistakes did not deprive people of any significant rights. As others have explained, these mistakes were administrative errors between 2003-04 and 2008-09 and a failure to include a map that adequately described the Ligar Bay and Tata Beach stormwater urban drainage area. None of the 14 people who made submissions argued that it was inappropriate for the stormwater rate to apply to their properties. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EIf we did not pass this bill, then the council would be faced with the cumbersome task of unwinding that urban drainage area for Tata Beach and Ligar Bay and finding a different mechanism to pay for the stormwater infrastructure. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EAs the photograph provided by the council shows, it is quite a comprehensive network of about 3 kilometres of pipe and some 50 sumps in a stunning area of New Zealand, Golden Bay. We want to ensure that the stormwater treatment and discharge mechanisms there ensure that water quality is not downgraded. As Mr O\u2019Connor has acknowledged, it was Mr Schmuke\u2019s unhappiness with the proposal\u2014his work and that of others\u2014that brought the defects in the rating resolutions to the council\u2019s attention, which led to this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EOne of the other reasons we are supporting the bill is that all of the residents and ratepayers in the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay areas do receive a benefit from the stormwater services, even if it is an indirect benefit. After heavy rain, the fact that the stormwater system exists potentially reduces the likelihood of flooding on their properties. It is because the council uses quite a progressive approach to funding the stormwater system, where it charges all ratepayers the same rate per dollar capital value of their properties, that you have the cost spread across everybody equitably. If the council had to unravel that, then potentially it would require a much more difficult way of funding the stormwater system and the capital infrastructure improvements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EBut it is puzzling that because of the quite rapid growth in the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay areas, because of their coastal location, the council has not required a development contribution from subdividers and land developers to help fund improvements in the stormwater system. It has relied just on rates. This is where I take issue with the speakers from the National benches and their comments about Better Local Government. A major attack on development contributions, which will have ratepayers feeling the burden that some National speakers said they were concerned about, is the way in which the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3) seeks to restrict the ability of councils to levy development contributions for community infrastructure. That bill has a very narrow definition of community infrastructure and will restrict development contributions from being levied for anything much beyond things like public toilets and planned infrastructure on council reserve land. It means that the council would not be able to levy development contributions for things like libraries or swimming pools. And that means the cost of these community facilities, where you have got growth in coastal communities in Golden Bay and in towns and cities around the country, potentially falls on ratepayers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo the Government members are weeping crocodile tears when they talk about protecting ratepayers, because their changes to the Local Government Act, by narrowing the scope of development contributions for community infrastructure, will put those costs on to ratepayers or mean that infrastructure like swimming pools and like libraries is not provided by councils because it is not affordable when areas grow. So it is crocodile tears from Government members to talk about their concerns for the impact on ratepayers, because councils would then have to turn to them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThis bill is an unfortunate one, but it is one that we will support because it does remedy these procedural errors by the Tasman District Council. But we think that the Department of Internal Affairs should be doing much more to make sure that councils have a template so that there are fewer councils making these procedural mistakes. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022 data-id=\u00228eca7de55f5a4798b3a8df80a23b4ad8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228eca7de55f5a4798b3a8df80a23b4ad8\u0022\u003EHon MARYAN STREET (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I rise to speak again on the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. I just want to traverse a couple of things that have not been covered already, but before I do that I want to acknowledge the speech of the member who has just resumed her seat, Eugenie Sage. I think she highlighted in her speech some of the critical issues around this particularly vexing bill. I do not wish to relitigate that material but there are some points that I do want to make about this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EIt is now a truism to say that none of us enjoys bringing retrospective legislation of this sort before the House. I am one of those who have declared themselves to be pathologically averse to such legislation. But I do want to explain for a moment why the Local Government and Environment Committee arrived at the position it did and why I personally have come to the point of supporting this piece of legislation. Living and working as I do in the Nelson area\u2014part of the Tasman District Council catchment covers the Nelson electorate\u2014I have a lot to do with the Tasman District Council and the mayor and the councillors there, although the particular areas of concern are in the electorate of my colleague the Hon Damien O\u2019Connor, West Coast - Tasman. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EThe controversy around this particular situation arose when the council designated Tata Beach\u2014which is a beautiful area\u2014along with Ligar Bay as one of its urban drainage areas. The area is one of 16 settlements that have to pay towards stormwater works around the wider Tasman District. The Tata Beach and Ligar Bay ratepayers discovered the change only when their rates bills soared by some hundreds of dollars a year. Bob Schmuke, to whom the ratepayers and certainly the Tasman District Council owe a debt, is the person who brought forward the error that the Tasman District Council had made and took the case to the Ombudsman, and he was successful in that effort. He was successful. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EBut at that time the Tasman District Council said that it was going to then take this situation to Parliament to remedy. The Tasman District Council\u2019s Chief Executive Officer at the time, Paul Wiley, was reported to have said in a report that was in the Nelson Mail on 18 February 2010\u2014and here we are with the second reading\u2014that \u201CThe costs of going through a court process, which we believed we would win, are a hell of a lot more than the quite simple expedient of going along to Parliament saying \u2018fix this technicality with some retrospective legislation\u2019, and that is what we are doing,\u201D. That was a comment attributed to Paul Wiley, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Tasman District Council. He said he did not know how much the legislation would cost. In my experience in raising other local bills, I understand that there is a charge by the Office of the Clerk of some $2,000, so certainly that would be all that the Tasman District Council would have to pay as far as Parliament is concerned. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EBut I must just register that it is a somewhat cavalier attitude towards what the taxpayers pay to have this House go through all of the stages\u2014the first reading, the second reading, which we are up to now, the Committee stage, the reporting back, the third reading stage, and the final Royal assent. There is a great deal of expense, actually, in bringing a local bill to Parliament and that falls on all taxpayers. I wanted to make that point because I was a bit concerned that there seemed to be a slightly cavalier attitude within the Tasman District Council. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EHowever, I am supporting the bill, and I want to explain briefly why I am doing that. It is to do with the way the Tasman District Council exercises its ability to rate ratepayers. I support the way it does it, but it made a mistake in this instance, and it would have been a costly mistake to the council had it not been for this legislation before the House. But the principle behind this that I support is that community assets must be paid for by all members of the community for the sake of the community, whether or not one uses those assets. Bob Schmuke\u2019s particular case, which gained a lot of sympathy\u2014and certainly from me as well\u2014was that he was not even hooked up to this stormwater system. He was not hooked up to it, it did not impact on his property, and here he was with these additional rates that he had not been advised about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227df975cd-93d2-4f55-9bc5-d2790e28e043\u0022\u003EBut in the end I came down on the view that the good of the community is borne most equitably by all of the members of the community. I may not use the Nelson libraries\u2014although, in fact, I do\u2014or I may not use the Riverside Swimming Pool in Nelson, but I am very pleased that the facilities are there for the benefit of all who live in Nelson. The same thing applies when it comes to drainage systems and urban drainage systems. They, in the end, provide a collective benefit. In this case, should they have been paid for by the three houses that were linked up to this stormwater drain, they would not have been affordable. By spreading the cost, there is an important piece of infrastructure in place that benefits the whole community, in principle. It is that principle that I support and that principle that has brought me to the position\u2014again, reluctantly but persuasively\u2014of supporting this piece of legislation. Thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u002272f5205eb7224248b5d448a35b34db2d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002272f5205eb7224248b5d448a35b34db2d\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Maggie Barry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022 data-id=\u0022647f5bf5173247b19f82618460ad91f6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022647f5bf5173247b19f82618460ad91f6\u0022\u003EMAGGIE BARRY (National\u2014North Shore):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, indeed, Mr Deputy Speaker\u2014still and always. Thank you very much. I rise to speak to the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. It is at its second reading, and it is a local bill sponsored by Damien O\u2019Connor. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EAs other speakers have noted, this is yet another validation bill. We endured Kaipara and the horrors, the torture, the intense discussion, and the pain of the taxpayers\u2014the ratepayers, I should say. Although, of course\u2014as Maryan Street, who has just resumed her seat, pointed out\u2014because this bill has to be validated through Parliament, it becomes an expense that the taxpayers have to deal with. One would caution all councils, as the member sponsoring this bill did in the opening call in this debate, to learn from this and to listen to their ratepayers. If things are not going well and there are grumbles and complaints, then for goodness\u2019 sake address the issues before they become a problem. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EDamien O\u2019Connor pointed out at the outset that one of the issues around this is that the Tasman District Council is a unitary authority, so it does not have, perhaps, the same checks and balances as are provided by regional councils or other closer councils working alongside it. Perhaps had that occurred, then this silly mistake, really, of not including a map with the rates and therefore invalidating them would never have occurred. I find that when I look at some of the correspondence\u2014looking back over it now, because it was last winter when we heard many of the submissions on this bill. We heard 14 submissions in all. One of them, from the Tasman District Council Mayor, Richard Kempthorne, really does get to the heart of the matter. The council, he wrote in his letter in part of his submission to us, \u201C\u2026 fully acknowledges that we made an error in setting the 2006-07 rate for the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay stormwater urban drainage area. We regret that the error was made.\u201D And so say all of us and the ratepayers of the area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EThe mayor went on to say that \u201CWe also note that if we had included the required map, the rate would have been lawfully made and the rates would have been payable.\u201D So when you peel aside all of the other things that have been a problem in this, it comes down to a basic fundamental error. It has cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars and endless, countless hours, and you cannot measure the cost of the misery that many of the ratepayers have been through in that area over this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EAs others have before me, I would like to acknowledge Bob Schmucke. Without his energy and without his determination and effort, this case would not have got as far as it has. When I call it a case, it almost is that, because there have been so many warring parties that initially tried to say \u201CNot my fault. Can\u2019t do anything about this.\u201D There has been a lot of obfuscation around the issue, and a lot of other issues have come into play. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EI know that there are aspects of this that the Local Government and Environment Committee agonised over, but we were not ultimately able to help some of the people who had issues around whether or not the stormwater pipes should have been laid in the areas that some of the ratepayers wanted them to be in. I will not go into all of the detail of that, because I think others have tracked that over before me. But it is very much a warning to other councils. It is a warning to take heed of what you do, to be very careful about your procedures and processes, to listen to your ratepayers\u2014as I said a moment ago\u2014and also, I think, to embrace the Better Local Government reforms that this Government is putting through. Part of those reforms is that we want local bodies, local councils, to be really careful around their monitoring and improving of their own performances for their ratepayers. Perhaps the publicity around this bill will show other councils that their own processes may and will come under greater scrutiny. So the silver lining to this cloud that is hanging over the Tasman District ratepayers is the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3), which we have started to put through. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EI look back at some of the calls that were taken at that time, as someone who sat on the Local Government and Environment Committee throughout the Kaipara hearings and now on this bill, and there are a number of issues that continue to come up. Maurice Williamson, the Minister for Building and Construction, took a call on behalf of the then Minister of Local Government Chris Tremain, who I must say has done an excellent job of putting this through to this point. He made the point in his call that although the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3) that we are talking about is not specifically aimed at these worst-case scenarios\u2014Kaipara and Tasman District\u2014it is really going to help out in those kinds of situations and prevent them from happening again. That is my absolute belief in this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EWe do not propose, really, to discuss the details of the particular cases, but they do provide salutary lessons for us all, and that informs us as legislators. The bill and the legislation that we are passing around local government will address the lessons, and the changes enacted will allow Ministers to identify potential problems before they get too bad and before they get too expensive and almost insurmountable for the local people to deal with, which is why they have had to come back to Parliament to be validated by us today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EOur local government legislation does introduce requirements for greater transparency in the management of infrastructure, and also a lot more discipline in the documentation of agreements for infrastructure that have to be provided, not just by the council employees themselves and their elected representatives but also by third parties that may be contracting and may be part of the problem. So all of these things are vitally important, and perhaps if the Tasman District Council had had the benefit of this legislation and the scrutiny and the requirements that come with it, it might have made a better job of what it needed to do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EOne of the Green members took a call and said that on this side of the House there were crocodile tears being shed for ratepayers. That is absolutely incorrect. We have a genuine concern for ratepayers and for the rise in rates, as Jacqui Dean pointed out in her call. She is no stranger to putting through very good local bills as a member, because she represents her community and cares about what they say, and that is really the purpose of local bills. So she is no stranger to that. And as she pointed out, members of her own family who are on fixed incomes struggle in a big way with these kinds of rates hikes and irresponsible spending, let alone problems that blow out as a result of absolute errors, and incompetence in the case of Kaipara. I think the Auditor-General\u2019s office, in that case involving Kaipara, as we discussed exhaustively at the select committee, does have a case to answer in its very large bill, which the Auditor-General said was one of the most complicated she had ever been involved with in her 20 years. The office spent a phenomenal amount of time trying to deal with the inefficiencies of a local council that kept no paperwork, that did not follow due process, and that did not do what its ratepayers elected it to do, which is to be a good steward and a prudent manager of the funds that it was paid. So all of these sorts of things are important to keep in mind. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EIn my own electorate on the North Shore, I am very mindful that a lot of older people on fixed incomes have properties that have very expensive rates. That is the nature of the way we do the ratings\u2014based on the land value, and the improvements, of course. But people are finding that they are living in places for which they are struggling to find the rates money that they need, and that is why local authorities and, in particular, councils need to be very, very careful about what they spend their money on. Spraying it around and squandering it on the four well-beings is not going to get people where they need to be. Those are the kinds of things that actually need to be addressed in legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003EThis Government has the courage of its convictions and the knowledge, as opposed to the wittering that is going on at the moment from the opposing benches. We have the knowledge, the competence, and the ability to put through decent legislation that is aimed at helping the ratepayers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022da37a8880ff7488db81f39ad77b4b49d\u0022\u003ETracey Martin\u003C/span\u003E: How terribly sad for the people of North Shore that they got landed with that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a764984dfdfe48ef9938601c4f202289\u0022\u003EMAGGIE BARRY\u003C/span\u003E: It is not aimed at puffing up local body people, as that member who is interjecting at the moment very much is. She is an individual who tends to think she does a much better job than her own ratepayers allow. In fact, I do not think her own mother got elected on the basis of the legacy that was left for her by her daughter. It is a sad state of affairs. I know that the member has a very high opinion of herself as a list MP, but I know that that is not at all reflected by people in her own community. But there you go. We will withdraw from the petty politics and the yapping. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022736a5c0b-8df3-4047-ba26-632ba2798b4c\u0022\u003ELet us say it is suffice to say that the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3) are going to work very, very well to make sure that the problems that occurred at Kaipara and occur in the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill will not occur again, and that is a very important part of why we as a Government will continue to put through reforms, despite the braying of the opposing forces. That is why I support this local bill. I support Damien O\u2019Connor in what he has done. I acknowledge, as many have said, that we are making the best of a difficult situation. We are making it better, but we are not making it perfect. But we are doing our best. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022 data-id=\u0022eb575f80955d4c579b051f85ca18247e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022eb575f80955d4c579b051f85ca18247e\u0022\u003EANDREW WILLIAMS (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E I had to pull out my handkerchief in the last couple of minutes of that particular speech, to wipe away the tears of laughter. They were not crocodile tears; they were tears of absolute amazement from listening to the previous speaker, Maggie Barry. It never fails to amaze me how some of the National Party MPs who sit on our Local Government and Environment Committee have so little knowledge of local government or, indeed, of their own electorates. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EIt is unbelievable that the previous speaker said that because Tasman District Council is a unitary authority, which is a combination of a regional authority and a territorial authority, these sorts of mistakes could happen because it does not have the checks and balances, because it is not a normal council. What an extraordinary statement, when we have got unitary authorities around the country that have done a fantastic job over many years. So there is a total lack of understanding as to what a unitary authority does. And it is extraordinary for her to then say that all these councils, like Tasman and other places, are squandering money on all these things like the four well-beings. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EIf you ask the average person in the street whether it is important that they have economic development, whether it is important that they have a good environment in their town or their district, whether it is important that they have social responsibility in their community, and all these sorts of things, the average person will say: \u201CActually, we do want that. We choose to live here because this is the place where we want to live, and these are the expectations that we have.\u201D Otherwise, as we have seen in the United States, cities like Detroit end up absolute ghost towns because they do not provide the four well-beings. They do not provide that community spirit and they become, literally, wastelands. We have seen that in parts of New Zealand, but, fortunately, local government is responding to the challenges. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EDespite this National Government trying to absolutely kneecap local government, local government will persevere. Under a Government where New Zealand First has involvement, and where you will have the likes of Tracey Martin with her local body experience, me with my local body experience, and Denis O\u2019Rourke with his extensive local body experience, we will get on, and I can tell all of local government out there that we will properly support local government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EI can recall that when National first became the Government back in 2008, it took it close to 12 months to have its first meeting with the mayoral forum and the Local Government Forum around New Zealand\u2014close to 12 months before it even met with local government. It was appalling. Under the previous Government\u2014the Labour Government, supported by New Zealand First\u2014they met every 6 months, at least. But this Government\u2014no, it has no regard. But, anyway, back to the Tasman District Council. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EI would challenge the member Jacqui Dean, who is having a good chat with Maggie Barry at the present time, to really understand what a unitary authority is. She said these councils are small and have probably got only one staff member doing a particular function, and so when they go away on maternity leave, it does not get done. Well, I would just inform that learned National Party member that according to the Tasman District Council website, it has in excess of 200 staff. At the moment, recent vacancies have been advertised for a revenue accountant, a management accountant, a senior management accountant, a coordinator of land use consents, and a water resources officer. Those are just some of the some recent appointments that it has been making. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003ETasman District Council is a significant council that covers a wide area. It is far from being some little council where there are a half a dozen people sitting at the top of a flight of stairs, doing something, and then putting an \u201COut to lunch\u201D sign up when they leave. It is doing a good job and doing a very, very responsible job in that part of the South Island. Having said that, it has made some errors, and they were very simple errors in terms of what it did with setting the rates in that period. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EAs Maggie Barry mentioned, the letter from the mayor explained it very well. He mentioned that in that particular period, 2006-07, it overlooked including a map when it was setting the rates, and it did not properly describe the area in the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay area in terms of this. The mayor went on to say: \u201CIf we had included the required map, the rate would have been lawfully made and the rates would have been payable. Therefore, passing the bill in its current form would validate a rate that would have been made lawfully if the map had been included.\u201D So it is quite simple. It was a simple administrative error that needs to be rectified. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EThe mayor went on to say\u2014this was to the select committee: \u201CWe have explained to you that the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay ratepayers receive a service from the stormwater infrastructure provided in their communities, and they pay for this through our club approach. In our view, not only is there no legislative power to remit the rates but it would also be not equitable to remit the rates to the Tata Beach and the Ligar Bay ratepayers. A reason for this is that it would mean other ratepayers in the district would then have to pay for stormwater services, including those at Tata Beach and Ligar Bay, while the ratepayers in Tata Beach and Ligar Bay do not pay for any.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003ESo, quite obviously, it was not going to be fair to do that, and in the end Damien O\u2019Connor brought this to the House and fair enough. But, in so doing, it is very interesting in that this opens a bigger can of worms in terms of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3), which is going through our select committee at the moment as well, where, again, the National Government is wanting to do away with development contributions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EWe heard from the learned Maggie Barry\u2014who is having a good chat with Jacqui Dean at the present time, again\u2014that the Government is wanting to do away with things like development contributions, and all this sort of thing, but she said at the same time: \u201CBut we don\u2019t want councils to put up their rates. We don\u2019t want them increasing their rates.\u201D Well, I have got news for that member, which is that, basically, development contributions were brought in by the likes of North Shore City Council\u2014which was the lead council, virtually, in this whole area in the last 10 years\u2014to ensure that the growth of a city, or a community or a district, was funded by those who came into the club. It is like joining a golf club or a tennis club. If you are the last one in and you have already got all the facilities, you pay a joining fee. You pay a joining fee to join the club. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003EIt is the same in local government. If developers want to come in and set up a whole new subdivision, and they are coming into a city and they have not contributed anything at that point in time, they pay a development contribution as their contribution to join the club, to then provide all the services across the city. It is a total nonsense on the part of this National Government to say that things like swimming pools, libraries, and other community facilities of that nature should not be paid for from development contributions but from the existing ratepayer base. That is absolutely nonsense. When we on the North Shore were planning for the new Albany library to be built for a growing population, we had to start taking development contributions 7, 8, and 9 years ahead of when the new library was going to be required, from the new subdivisions, from the new sections, from the infill housing, and from the people cutting off their back lawns, so that when the population got to that point, we could build the library with the funding. You know, you do not wait until everybody is there and then say: \u201COh, we\u2019ve got an extra 40,000 people in our city, and they cannot read a book because the nearest library is 14 kilometres away.\u201D That is not what you do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003ESo it is interesting to hear the comments from the National Government\u2014but we get that from them. When we went through other local government legislation last year and the year before, it was astonishing how ignorant the National Party members were of most of the facts in relation to local government\u2014totally ignorant. Even Paul Goldsmith over there, who wrote John Banks\u2019 biography, seemed to have a lack of understanding of how local government operated. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003ESo, basically, I would suggest that many of the National members on the Local Government and Environment Committee should maybe take the next adjournment to go off and learn \u201CLocal Government 101\u201D, and find out what local authorities actually do around New Zealand. They should go and spend some time with Local Government New Zealand. They should go and speak to some local bodies. They do not like to come down off their high horses and speak to mayors and councillors, but they should go and find out how local government operates in this country. We have only two tiers of government in New Zealand: central government and local government. As a result, they might actually realise that central government and local government are mutually supportive of each other and that it is not central government trying to kneecap local government all the time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u002266b86e391464443a9500503252572d22\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002266b86e391464443a9500503252572d22\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH (National):\u003C/span\u003E I have never listened to a speech from that member, Andrew Williams, that has not been twice as long as it needed to be. I was not sure whether we were debating a local government amendment bill or the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill, because it sounded like he was more interested in talking about local government. I was not sure, from the end of that speech, which certainly went round and round the mulberry bush many, many times, whether he supported the bill or not. That is the complication with this kind of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EI would make one point on development contributions, which are not related to this bill but which seem to be the topic of debate in most of the speeches. We are not doing away with development contributions. We are getting some discipline around that process. It does not necessarily follow that you have to put up the rates. You actually just have to get some discipline around Government spending, and that is what this Government has shown very effectively around bringing Government spending under control in a disciplined fashion and getting back to surplus. That is why this Government enjoys the support that it has.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e6db1b5b041c4ca9ab4e0ee7e8f726df\u0022\u003EPhil Twyford\u003C/span\u003E: Forcing councils to put rates up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002273bf615638c6403caa8800ab36af2835\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Only if they keep on spending more, and what we need is some discipline around spending.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022322be7d45a964665a26f038b1b434c8f\u0022\u003EPhil Twyford\u003C/span\u003E: Someone has to pay, Paul.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f027a23235a438dba97fd99ce7bef63\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: You do not have to pay great sums if a council is efficient. That is what all our local government reforms have been about. They are about trying to get some efficiency into local government. But if we return to the bill, the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a536d3c2-6293-4216-b0bd-dfec1bd6f40c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d90be4a8db2a48188a689883ab0ab410\u0022\u003EAndrew Williams\u003C/span\u003E: Hasn\u2019t worked in Auckland.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ebe1db28efe94991a9f1ed6e9698dc4c\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it has not worked as well in Auckland as it could have, primarily because we have had a raging leftie as a mayor, who has been spending like a runaway train. It is time we got some discipline back into the council, and then Aucklanders will be a lot better off. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EI come back to the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. It is worth going back to the details, because nobody is comfortable with, or enthusiastic about, passing this sort of bill, which validates procedural irregularities made by the Tasman District Council. Let us go back and see just what happened here. What happened was that the council had identified a series of procedural irregularities under the Local Government (Rating) Act in the process used to set rates between 2003-04 and 2008-09. They were mainly in relation to failing to comply with sections 23, 24, and 57 of that Act. In summary, these sections required that the rates are to be set by a resolution of the council, and that the resolution must specify certain details of the rates and of the penalties to be paid. But, more important, the resolution must be separate from resolutions to adopt annual plans and funding impact statements, even when these documents contain details of the rates. It also must be that the resolution is made after resolutions to adopt annual plans and funding impact statements pertaining to that financial year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThat is a reasonably clear legislative outlook, and it has to be done in a certain way, but, unfortunately, the Tasman District Council made a number of mistakes. It purported to set and assess the rates and rates penalties by way of a resolution to adopt an annual plan and funding impact statement, rather than by way of a separate resolution. So it tried to get everything into the same resolution, rather than by separate resolutions. It also resolved to adopt rates prior to the adoption of the annual plan and funding impact statement pertaining to that financial year. So it got things round the wrong way. It passed the resolution before the adoption of the annual plan, rather than after the adoption of the annual plan. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ESecondly, but worse than that, in 2006 the council purported to set and assess a targeted stormwater rate for properties within the Ligar Bay and Tata Beach urban drainage areas. We listened to a number of submitters on this topic in the Local Government and Environment Committee, which was very ably chaired, I might say, by Nicky Wagner. It enjoyed a good measure of bipartisanship as we dealt with, and tried to get to the bottom of, what was a tricky issue. I do want to pay tribute to the work of Damien O\u2019Connor on this bill, because no local member of Parliament particularly wants to have to shepherd a bill such as this through Parliament, but he did it with good grace. We listened carefully to the submitters on each point. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EGetting back to 2006, the council purported to set and assess a targeted stormwater rate\u2014[Interruption]\u2014if you could just pay attention, please\u2014for properties within the Ligar Bay and Tata Beach drainage areas. However, it failed to visually identify the geographical location of the rateable land to which the targeted stormwater rate applied in the 2006-07 funding impact statement, as required under section 17 and schedule 2 of the Local Government (Rating) Act. So, in essence, it failed to produce the map. Those are the procedural irregularities made in regard to the resolutions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThis is all very irritating, but, in essence, when we were faced with the request to pass legislation to overturn some mistake that was made previously, obviously the committee was not comfortable with it if there was some way in which the rates were not proper rates or they should not have been done or they were not part of the overall plan, and that was never the allegation here. It was a procedural irregularity. The advice that we had from the Tasman District Council was that if the map had been included in 2006 and 2007, in the funding impact statement, the rate would have been lawfully made and the rates would have been payable. So it was the absence of the map that made what were otherwise quite acceptable rates unacceptable. This piece of legislation is trying to fix the situation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EWhat are the alternatives? The alternatives are that we could have just said: \u201COh well, maybe the council should just forgive or pay back those rates because they got it wrong.\u201D But that is actually more complicated than it seems because paying back rates is not easy. There is actually no legislative power to remit the rates. The council would then have to run around and see whether it could find the people who owned the land back in 2006 and 2007, and then that would not be fair because those people who would be getting their rates back in effect would not have paid rates for that year. They would have had the stormwater coverage and the benefit of it all, but not have paid for it. So that is hardly fair to the rest of the people of the Tasman District. It is an awkward juggling act that Parliament was set to deal with, and, on balance, after a great deal of consideration, we decided to come down in favour of this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EWhen I come back to some of the broader issues that we are dealing with here\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f3bd411518ee4293be4c7c047bfadb71\u0022\u003EPhil Twyford\u003C/span\u003E: Talk about John Banks. We always enjoy that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227cc75a23d5aa41e3b8301a549a192e0e\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Certain members have raised the biography of John Banks. The only thing I would say in relation to that is that I do write about successful people and not failed local body politicians. Maybe there may be an opportunity for Mr Williams\u2019 political career to take off, in a very late trajectory, and reach that sort of height, but I am not necessarily confident that that is going to happen. As for Mr Twyford, I am not sure, either. But there may be an opportunity before too long, with the fast rotation that we are seeing in the Labour leadership, for Mr Twyford, although I personally would favour Moana Mackey, being a close cousin of mine. So there we have it. I think Labour does have issues, but we do not want to get distracted from this bill, which is very different. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EI suppose, just in summing up, the broader issues that I want to draw on are that National\u2019s Better Local Government reforms will help make local government more efficient, responsive, and well focused. This bill deals with an example of when the Tasman District Council was not well focused and it was not particularly efficient, and that is always going to happen. People do make mistakes. I suppose the overall lesson of having to deal with these sorts of bills is that we do not want to have a legislative set-up for local government that is so complex that people regularly make mistakes. On the other hand, we do absolutely expect and require that local government does do things correctly, so that ratepayers can have confidence that they are paying things legally and that all the boxes are ticked. The Better Local Government reforms include a work stream to monitor and improve council performance, to help prevent future procedural errors. This bill will highlight to other councils, I am sure, the importance of proper scrutiny when setting rates. I have no doubt that when other councils consider this bill and others such as this one, they will see it as a very powerful warning that when it comes to the time of setting and passing procedural law matters\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u002264feb08800194c4797cd9f6380a7d0e2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264feb08800194c4797cd9f6380a7d0e2\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I am sorry to inform the member but he has utilised his entire allocation of time. I am advised that this is not a split call\u2014Moana Mackey; 10 minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022 data-id=\u0022c211b9fa6c984903ab057619c54366ff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c211b9fa6c984903ab057619c54366ff\u0022\u003EMOANA MACKEY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E It is always scary to get a glimpse of the world through the eyes of Paul Goldsmith once again. I do not think that I have ever seen a member looking so desperately for the Speaker to tell him that his time had concluded, because he got to the end of the research unit notes about 2 minutes before the end of the speech and had to start repeating himself. That is quite a hefty workload in a day for Paul Goldsmith. I do not think I have ever heard him give a 10-minute speech. I hope he does not get a nosebleed from the effort. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EI am actually not going to take too long on the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. I think that members have covered it adequately. We do not like passing retrospective legislation in this Parliament. It is the best of a number of bad solutions. We certainly acknowledge that there have been inconsistencies in the way that the Tasman District Council has dealt with the setting of rates. Unfortunately, Parliament has to step in and retrospectively validate them. We have seen a little bit of this happening in recent times. Certainly, members have raised issues around the function of auditing, and picking up on these solutions so that problems can be resolved before it comes to this would be helpful. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EI do not think there is really anything more that I can add to the debate, apart from saying that we will be supporting the bill. Unfortunately, we will be supporting it, but it is just one of these things that we need to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022 data-id=\u0022692d51f5c059447caebacf775eb2a3e1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022692d51f5c059447caebacf775eb2a3e1\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National):\u003C/span\u003E I rise to speak in support of the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill. I notice that there is a theme\u2014I am not a member of the Local Government and Environment Committee, which worked very hard on this bill, and it is to be complimented, particularly the chair of the committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d9d3eef7e05840c58698e5496639d474\u0022\u003ETim Macindoe\u003C/span\u003E: You were a very fine chair in years gone by.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c69e0b9f7084c3e9df07d6450f0faa5\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE\u003C/span\u003E: In years gone by I thoroughly enjoyed working as the chair of the Local Government and Environment Committee. It was fantastic. It was a very busy committee, and the second-largest in Parliament.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221fefb2c15ceb4f9b84cea7122b4516d9\u0022\u003EPhil Twyford\u003C/span\u003E: Good times.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c9b126ef73844537bccd1fdc72378c8e\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE\u003C/span\u003E: They were good times\u2014they were. But I think this bill has been very well handled by that select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EI was interested to hear Moana Mackey, who is something of a veteran politician herself, say that she would rise reluctantly or sadly to support this bill. That seems to have been a sentiment that has been expressed by almost every speaker. Without having been party to the submissions and the detail of the bill, I have reflected on why that might be. I reflected on the question of how this whole thing came about. I guess one could say that it was users versus non-users of a service, collective benefits being sought versus individual rights, and peremptory changes being made by a council versus transparent procedures. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe good people who live in Tata Beach and Ligar Bay who are affected by these stormwater rates are strong individuals. I have met them. I know them. They are nice people. They have a fine sense of personal justice, individual rights, and what is right and what is wrong. Tasman District Council, which I think is probably one of the country\u2019s larger unitary councils, is a council of fairly determined councillors and very experienced staff. I think there has been a case of a certain amount of antagonism, if I can use that word without it affecting individuals, and a certain amount of antagonistic points of view on both sides in relation to identifying the problem and then seeking a solution to it. It was a \u201CYes, you will.\u201D, \u201CNo, we won\u2019t.\u201D sort of job. So the councillors found themselves nonplussed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThis seems to have been a somewhat long-drawn-out bill. Observers could say that there was an element of wishing that it would go away or hoping that the antagonism would stop. I understand that they have tried a variety of mediation techniques, discussions, and listening to individuals and to one another, to seek settlement. It did not happen. So legislation became a requirement. Not to proceed would have simply passed the vexation of one group on to another group, and it would have gone on. So they sought legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EWhat is the parliamentary view of that? One of the things that we learn early on as politicians is the difficulty of preparing legislation and the difficulty of foreseeing unforeseen circumstances. If you look at New Zealand, statistically it has its fair share of re-legislating or passing of legislation to correct things that were not foreseen. As this is a country of some speed and a very fine sense of fairness, I think it is reasonable to anticipate that you will be correcting legislation for unforeseen circumstances. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe difficulty with this particular piece of local legislation was that it did not have an unforeseen consequence; it was perhaps just representative of equivocal leadership. Things were not done correctly, and yet people wished to hold on to what they had done. The council\u2019s apology has been commented on as being singularly sincere. Some of the comments that have been made today have been that this bill was in fact a waste of Parliament\u2019s time. I do not perceive it to be a waste of parliamentary time, because there was no other solution apparently available to the contestants in this particular issue. Therefore, in my mind, it is not a waste of time. I think it is a perfectly proper use of parliamentary time. It is necessary to re-establish confidence and certainty in the work and the efforts of the Tasman District Council. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EWe have heard from a variety of speakers on this bill, from Maggie Barry, Jacqui Dean, Paul Goldsmith, Nicky Wagner, Andrew Williams, Moana Mackey, and others\u2014people who, one could say, are fairly experienced in the ways and workings of district councils. If we were not to pass this bill, then people would be deprived of their rights, and the consequences would be very long-drawn out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EWe come again to the point that has been made, that the good of the community has to be borne by the whole of the community in order to create collective benefits. That is OK as long as the whole of the community is in a position to share the benefits. I understand, without knowing the particular detail\u2014and I have not participated in any of the select committee discussions, having being engaged in other select committees\u2014that in this case there will be people who are not really comfortable with this outcome. I think that is always going to be the case where you have this type of imposed legislation to try to sort out a problem. So they will not be particularly happy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EBut let us remember the purpose of the bill. The purpose of the bill is not to make people happy, because Parliament did not make them unhappy in the first place. What we have to do is validate the rates set by the Tasman District Council for the 5-year period affected, during which the council did not follow correct process in setting the rates. I think the fact that the complainants in this issue will hear very clearly that the council has acknowledged\u2014and we in Parliament acknowledge\u2014that it did not follow correct process is going to ameliorate a lot of hard feelings in this particular issue. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe bill also validates rates and penalties paid over the period, and authorises the council to recover any unpaid rates and ratify the Tata Beach and Ligar Bay stormwater rates. I have no doubt that that bit will stick in some people\u2019s craw. They will feel that they were robbed and that it is not a fair way to do it. I am assured by members of the select committee that every other possibility was exhaustively examined\u2014exhaustively examined. Having been a member of that particular select committee for about 3 years, I am very familiar with the excellent advice it gets, the work of the local government officials who advise the committee, and the sincerity and commitment of the individual members of Parliament, from all parties. I think it is one of the select committees that demonstrates a lot of bipartisan approaches to the work in hand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EOne of the things I take confidence in, in particular, is that National\u2019s Better Local Government reforms will help make local government more efficient, responsive, and well focused. The Better Local Government reforms include a work stream to monitor and improve council performance, in order to help prevent future procedural errors. Finally, this bill highlights to other councils, sadly\u2014sadly\u2014the consequences of not having proper scrutiny when setting rates. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u002208225c1beb8e42258584f459fd179e0a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002208225c1beb8e42258584f459fd179e0a\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Annette King\u2014the Hon Annette King.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022 data-id=\u0022fb20b95d8c7f41329949739d8f84188c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fb20b95d8c7f41329949739d8f84188c\u0022\u003EHon ANNETTE KING (Labour\u2014Rongotai):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, and it is nice to see you too. I rise to support the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill, brought in in the name of the very good local member of Parliament Damien O\u2019Connor, who somewhat reluctantly brings in this bill to validate specific rates in the Tasman District Council area. None of us likes retrospective legislation. It is necessary in this case. I support it. I congratulate the ratepayer who discovered this error and brought it to attention, and who has ensured that we now have legislation to fix this irregularity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002209a5b71a-ca7e-4e7c-9e09-f9e63f18aa12\u0022\u003EIt is a fantastic part of New Zealand: Ligar Bay, and also Tata Beach. You probably know it well, Mr Deputy Speaker. I certainly do. I have spent holidays there. In fact, my old schoolteacher Miss Dizren retired there, and I know for a fact that she used to go swimming in the nude on a regular basis down at Tata Beach, such was the cleanliness and the beauty of this place. This is not quite in the bill, but I thought I would get it on record that it is a pristine and wonderful place. It deserves to have proper rates struck for it, and I support the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022c35a182765c84dc4bdafbba40149cd55\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the Tasman District Council (Validation and Recovery of Certain Rates) Bill be now read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 119\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 59; New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party 13; New Zealand First 7; M\u0101ori Party 3; ACT New Zealand 1; United Future 1; Independent: Horan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 1\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMana 1.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c3c0eaeedcc2428f8ea3e5231b0e4667\u0022\u003ESullivan Birth Certificate Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c20b645900784fe386792ba6dd104511\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022 data-id=\u0022404e46c6190049618babe2b1ee35bec3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022404e46c6190049618babe2b1ee35bec3\u0022\u003ELOUISA WALL (Labour\u2014Manurewa):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill be now read a second time. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. This private bill allows the birth details of Rowen Sullivan to record the reality of her family. As the Government Administration Committee states in its report, the bill, with the amendments recommended, will make \u201Cwhat is a matter of fact, that Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields are Rowen Sullivan\u2019s parents, a matter of law.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000488\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EFor those who are not familiar with the background, this bill arose out of the fact that Rowen Sullivan cannot by law have the names of both her parents on her birth certificate. After 7 years together her parents, Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields, had a daughter who was born by an assisted human reproduction procedure to Diane on 23 February 1993. At that time only Diane\u2019s name was recorded on Rowen\u2019s birth certificate as her birth mother. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EIn 2006 Diane was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away in 2010 when Rowen was 17. At that time Rowen and Doreen decided that Doreen would apply for an adoption order as that was the only legal option available to them to record their parent-child relationship. But in doing that Rowen received a new birth certificate with just Doreen\u2019s name on it and her mother Diane\u2019s name had been removed. That was the law, but it means that the reality of Rowen\u2019s upbringing and family was not recorded and there was no ability for her or Doreen to take advantage of changes made by the Status of Children Act and last year\u2019s marriage amendment Act. Rowen\u2019s age and the passing of Diane meant that was not possible. A private bill is the only way Rowen\u2019s parents can both be recorded on her birth registration details, from which a new birth certificate can be issued. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI particularly want to acknowledge the members of the Government Administration Committee, so ably chaired by the Hon Ruth Dyson, for their work and the amendments to the bill that they have recommended. The amendments reflect the commitment of the select committee to understand what this bill is seeking. The amendments recommended by the select committee clarify what this bill is about. It is about Rowen Sullivan having the names of both her parents on her birth certificate. The select committee has rightly renamed this private bill the Sullivan Birth Registration Bill, because it is the details held of Rowen\u2019s birth registration, which currently record the adoption order in the name of Doreen Shields, that are the basis for the issuing of Rowen\u2019s birth certificate. Should this bill pass, Rowen\u2019s parents will legally be the two women who were her parents in true life: Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EOn a personal note, I would also like to thank the members of the select committee for the manner in which they heard and reported on a matter that is extremely sensitive for the promoter, Rowen Sullivan, and her living parent, Doreen Shields, whom I acknowledge in the House tonight. Doreen and Rowen have asked that I pass on their thanks to the select committee. In Doreen\u2019s words, she told me: \u201CRowen and I had no idea what to expect from the select committee. We thought it might be quite intimidating and we wondered if maybe they wouldn\u2019t really be very interested in the bill. As it turned out we didn\u2019t need to worry about either of those things. We are really impressed with the care the committee took to understand what Rowen wanted to achieve with the bill and with the changes they made to it.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI am honoured to be the sponsor of this bill, which I recommend to the House with the amendments proposed by the select committee. Appropriately, I will leave the last word to the promoter of the bill, Rowen Sullivan: \u201CIt\u2019s hard to believe that I\u2019m about to turn 21 and am, hopefully, very close to finally having official recognition of both my parents. I feel very lucky to live in a country where it\u2019s possible for that to happen.\u201D N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022 data-id=\u00226f0d536c09ae4d7b8ac48d8738edd97b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226f0d536c09ae4d7b8ac48d8738edd97b\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National):\u003C/span\u003E In the very brief amount of time available just before dinner I would like to begin my speech in support of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill, which is set down for its second reading and sponsored, very ably, may I say, by Labour MP Louisa Wall, with whom it was a pleasure to work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe purpose of the bill is to require the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages to record the details of Rowen Sullivan\u2019s deceased mother on her post-adoptive birth registry entry. It may well be that people consider that something of a technical detail, and, indeed, when we saw the bill before us at the Government Administration Committee we thought that it did have a very technical aspect to it. The reality was, though, that it also had a very, very personal aspect. This is one of those occasions when the only solution available to the applicant was through Parliament. It has no effect on any other person\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002212979085475f4140a2d19e97f4d58b8e\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The time has come to suspend the House for dinner. I shall resume the Chair at 7.30 p.m. Bon app\u00E9tit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003ESitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b56f101a1e37493585a6f0bdda9ca115\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE\u003C/span\u003E: T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. It is a pleasure to resume speaking about the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. As we had spoken of earlier, this is one of those occasions in Parliament when legislation can do something for someone that nothing else can do and that applies only to that individual person. In fact, there are no negative elements at all associated with the passage of this bill. It requires the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages to record the details of Rowen Sullivan\u2019s deceased mother on her post-adoptive birth registration entry. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EWe heard from Louisa Wall, who introduced the bill\u2014and I do not doubt we will hear an echo from Ruth Dyson, the chair of the Government Administration Committee\u2014that there was apprehension on the part of the applicants for the bill that they would be perceived as wasting our time, or not having a significant thing for us to do, and which required a bill of their own. But this is a member\u2019s bill. This is what these times are set aside for, and anyone, of course, who knows the Hon Ruth Dyson would realise that the applicants would be guaranteed a good reception, I am sure. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EFor those members who would like to know the minutiae of how this came about, we can, through the good services of the sponsor of the bill, Louisa Wall, provide a summary of the events, and I would like to read that to the House now. For members opposite, I shall be conducting a small written test afterwards to see how much of it you remembered and understood!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThese are the complexities of the situation. Rowen Sullivan\u2019s parents from birth were Diane Sullivan, her birth mother, and Diane Sullivan\u2019s female partner, Doreen Shields. Have you got that bit? Diane Sullivan died in 2010 when Rowen was 17 years old. Doreen Shields chose not to adopt Rowen while Diane Sullivan was still alive as this would have required the removal of the name of Diane Sullivan, the birth mother, from Rowen Sullivan\u2019s birth certificate. Doreen Shields instead applied to be an additional guardian. This expired on Rowen Sullivan\u2019s 18th birthday. Doreen Shields then applied for an adoption order following the death of Diane Sullivan. The order was made on 15 January 2013. However, that order required that Diane Sullivan\u2019s name be removed from Rowen Sullivan\u2019s birth certificate. For those who are still travelling the journey with us all\u2014and let us remember that this was a journey that someone actually travelled\u2014had Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields been able to legally marry, they would have been jointly able to apply to adopt Rowen. If this had occurred, they would both have been named as her parents on her birth record. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000501\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EFollowing the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013\u2014which, coincidentally, went through the same select committee\u2014same-sex couples are able to marry and are therefore able to apply jointly to adopt children. I think anyone would be forgiven for not completely following the intricacies of those events, and it was a credit to the members of the committee. Everybody took an avid interest. The applicants for the bill gave a really useful submission to the select committee, which really made things very apparent to us. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThen there were the aspects that had to be considered that we required officials\u2019 advice on. Again, I really want to say to those who are watching or listening to the radio this evening that the advice one gets as a parliamentarian is first class in New Zealand\u2014first class. I think almost every member would agree with that. Perhaps there is the odd occasion when something might not quite come up to the mark, but for the most part I do not think that MPs can really justifiably say they could not find something out, because we have a superb library\u2014a superb library\u2014and I have always found the quality of officials and the quality of official advice to be excellent. I see some nods from people whose academic background I have great respect for, and they have been in a position of comparison. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThis was one example where, I think, the smaller details were taken into account, so that in setting a precedent\u2014if it were creating a precedent\u2014there would be no harm done. As it is, this bill does not set a precedent, because the circumstances are almost unique. You cannot use the phrase \u201Calmost unique\u201D. I can see Mr Finlayson bristling at the very suggestion. I would like to formally withdraw that remark. I did not intend to say\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223a528b1bff3540a8a5581d2872043250\u0022\u003EHon Christopher Finlayson\u003C/span\u003E: You did. Noted, and you will be counselled later.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264a352af820d4448ace4df47b7dec766\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE\u003C/span\u003E: Oh dear, oh dear! I did not intend to say \u201Calmost unique\u201D, because that is a stupid conflict of terms. This is a relatively unusual situation and it would be most surprising if the circumstances were ever duplicated in exactly the same order. So this will not be a repeatable situation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe proposed addition of clause 4, which the select committee recommends, would make it clear that Diane Sullivan and Doreen Margaret Shields are, for all purposes, the parents of Rowen Sullivan. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EIt was a really interesting bill from all points of view, not just in respect of the family concerned but in consideration of how we are identified as individuals. I would have thought\u2014and I know that other select committee members shared the thought with me\u2014that your birth certificate was it, but, in fact, it is not. It is simply a record of what is recorded within the record system. So it was a very interesting journey through the identification of individuals and the linkage with other people through relationships. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EIt has been a pleasure to be part of considering this bill. It has been educative and informative, and, from the comments relayed from the family, I understand that it has been considered useful. I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022 data-id=\u00224d4407ecba7b41948f9304d087afa06e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224d4407ecba7b41948f9304d087afa06e\u0022\u003EHon RUTH DYSON (Labour\u2014Port Hills):\u003C/span\u003E It gives me a lot of pleasure to speak to the second reading of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. I want to begin by paying a tribute to the sponsor of the bill, my colleague Louisa Wall, and saying that yet again she has brought issues to this House that have caused a lot of interest. We have had a lot of consideration of the bill at the Government Administration Committee, and I am pleased it was referred to our select committee. It was a real privilege to be part of that process. I want to pay a tribute to our select committee\u2019s members. Some of the issues were more complex than perhaps we had originally considered, and both the select committee members and the officials deserve a note of tribute for the way they gave and received a lot of questions and a lot of answers. I think that really paid respect to the bill itself and the purpose of the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EBut more than to Louisa Wall, the select committee members, and the officials, I want to pay tribute to the three women whom this bill is about: the late Diane Sullivan, Doreen Shields, and their daughter, Rowen Sullivan. This bill is really a bit of a love story. It is a story about the relationship that Diane and Doreen had and the fact that they raised their daughter together in a time when they were perhaps a little ahead of the societal recognition of what is not an unusual practice now\u2014same-sex couples raising children together. So I want to pay a tribute first of all to Doreen and her love\u2014and mother of her daughter\u2014the late Diane, and their daughter, Rowen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EDoreen and Rowen appeared before the select committee. I think that most of us would recognise that a bunch of MPs sitting in a room is not an easy process. We are a little bit intimidating. We do not try to be but I think we are. The formality of a select committee process can also be quite daunting for people to go through. And that is at a time when you are talking about something that is quite theoretical. You might be talking about a tax change or you might be talking about something that is really one step removed from your life. People find that process quite a scary prospect and often get quite rattled when they come before a select committee, so to have people come to a select committee talking about the very essence of their relationships and lives and why they want us to make a law change took a lot of courage. I want to particularly acknowledge the courage and strength that Doreen and Rowen showed towards each other, but also acknowledge that that reinforced to the committee just how important this move was. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003ETheir story said it all for us, actually. We understood that this was not a minor technical issue, that this really talked about the recognition of society towards their relationship, and I know that all members of the select committee were very moved by their presentation, by the reality of their situation, and by the fact that we had the opportunity to recognise the relationship of Diane and Doreen and their legitimate\u2014in the law\u2014parenting of Rowen. The deputy chair, Chris Auchinvole, made a comment in his contribution about the fact that we thought that once we had made this clear, a birth certificate would suffice for all purposes, and that was one of the many challenges that the officials threw to us: that this proof of parenthood might have to be done through some other method at some time in the future. We decided that that was a nonsense, actually. I am not saying that the advice was a nonsense; we thought that the requirement to do that would be a nonsense. So we have made it clear that this is it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EOnce Parliament sets the seal on this, then Diane and Doreen are Rowen\u2019s legitimate parents for all purposes, and neither they nor Parliament will ever have to go through this again. I think that it was probably important for us to have the debate, but none of us could think of one single instance in our own lives when we had had to produce anything other than our birth certificate with our parents\u2019 names on it, in order to prove who our parents were. But, anyway, we have put it beyond doubt, I trust, and in the Committee stage I am sure we will make sure that that is the case. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EAs I said, I want to particularly recognise the love that Diane and Doreen and Rowen have and had for each other and say that Parliament does not often get that sort of involvement in our debates. It is a responsibility that I am sure every member of this House will take very seriously as we go through the debate and go through the voting process. I want to quote a couple of things that Doreen said in terms of how she felt. She said it publicly, so I am not breaching any privacy, but it had a huge impact on me, and I am sure it will on others. She talked about how she felt when\u2014following the passing of her partner and her adoption of Rowen so that Rowen would not be left as a legal orphan and so that she had a legal living parent\u2014she saw her partner\u2019s name, Rowen\u2019s birth mother\u2019s name, taken from the birth certificate. She said that it was horrible. She said: \u201CGiven what Diane went through and how she struggled to be there for Rowen it was just obscene, quite honestly.\u201D I do not think any of us can imagine how hard it would be to watch your partner\u2019s name being taken from the birth certificate of your child, their child, in order for you to become their legitimate\u2014legitimate in terms of the law\u2014parent. That wrench must have been huge, and it is so good to be able to put what I think is an injustice right through this process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003ERowen, who, of course, is the holder of this birth certificate and the centre of attention as far as the legal change is concerned said that, actually, it was not about her. She said: \u201CIt\u2019s more about my parents\u2014having me in the \u201990s when gay people having children was very uncommon, they showed a lot of bravery and courage. They chose to have me together, and made many sacrifices to give me the best life possible. And I want that to be recognised legally. I had two parents, and my birth certificate should show that.\u201D It does not seem to be a very big ask. I think that it is something that every member of this House wants to support, and I certainly hope that as the debate progresses, that is where we get to in terms of the recognition in the law of the legitimate parents of Rowen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EAs I said earlier, this came about only because of the death of Diane Sullivan. As Rowen\u2019s birth mother, when Diane Sullivan died, Rowen was legally an orphan. She had no legitimate\u2014in the law\u2014living parent, and that was not acceptable to her mother Doreen Shields. We all know that there can be circumstances where those legitimate relationships that are not upheld in the law can cause problems, so having a legally recognised relation is really important in terms of your will, in terms of other arrangements such as medical decisions. There are many circumstances in which having a legally recognised relation\u2014mother, in this case\u2014is very important, and it was for Doreen and Rowen. But I actually think that it was important because that was the nature of their relationship, and the law was behind the eight ball. So it was only because of that situation that this really unfortunate circumstance arose. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EWe heard a lot of concerns at the select committee\u2014not raised in any attempt to undermine this\u2014about whether this would set a precedent, whether it would provide unfairness to other people who may be in a situation where they did not know who their birth parent was and found out at a later stage and wanted them put on the birth certificate. We had all sorts of discussions and considerations around that. In the end, we came back to what I think was the correct advice\u2014and certainly was the leadership that Louisa Wall provided when she introduced this bill. This is a stand-alone situation, designed specifically for this family. It does not set any precedents. Actually, if it did, I would be very happy for any family in a similar situation to have the same legal recognition, but it is a circumstance that will not arise in the future, because of subsequent law changes, and I think that that is a very good thing. I enjoyed listening to the discussion around this. I enjoyed the submissions. I am delighted to be able to support this bill, to progress an injustice, and to recognise the love and the relationship of Diane and Doreen and Rowen. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022 data-id=\u0022ba17153b918a439bad2c9ca3c73ad812\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ba17153b918a439bad2c9ca3c73ad812\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National):\u003C/span\u003E Sat sri akaal, Mr Assistant Speaker. First of all, I would like to congratulate the sponsor of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill, Louisa Wall, on bringing this issue to Parliament. Above all, I think the biggest acknowledgment goes to Rowen Sullivan, because the bill shows her respect for her parents. I think that when this bill was introduced\u2014as the chair of the Government Administration Committee, Ruth Dyson, mentioned just now\u2014it looked like a very simple bill that would go through the select committee process quickly and be reported back to Parliament. But as this bill progressed, many more technical issues came up, which were dealt with accordingly by the select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EI would like to acknowledge the advisers on this bill, who helped us to make sure that this bill passes through Parliament with all those answers available for Rowen Sullivan. This bill is a reminder that quite frequently the Government can and does have a significant positive effect on people\u2019s lives at a very personal level. Therefore, it is important that we in this House do not forget our duty to handle these cases with respect. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EHere I would like to also acknowledge the Government Administration Committee, which has dealt with many issues in this term. Whether we are considering the marriage equality legislation or paid parental leave legislation, we have learnt a lot in this term in this select committee, and I acknowledge the members of this select committee, from whom I have learnt a lot. I feel like every day I come to Parliament I learn something new. That is unique, and I acknowledge all the members contributing in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EThe matter arises because the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act was passed, after which same-sex couples were able to marry and therefore make applications to adopt children. Had Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields been able to legally marry as the law now allows, they would have been able to apply to jointly adopt Rowen. If this had occurred, they would both be named as parents on her birth record. Here I would like to acknowledge both parents, because this is about their raising of their daughter. She has really made an effort to bring this issue to Parliament so that both parents are mentioned on her birth certificate. This shows the good family culture that I think Rowen has received from both her parents. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EThe Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 now allows the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages to record Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields as Rowen\u2019s parents. I think this is an important piece of legislation to ensure that New Zealand and its citizens keep up with the times and the reforms where there is a need to. We have always been an open-minded society. We have always listened to what the citizens of this country want. Due to our nature, since 2005 New Zealand law has allowed both the same-sex parents of New Zealand - born children conceived through human-assisted reproductive technology to be named on the child\u2019s birth record. The change was retrospective, so pre-2005 New Zealand birth registration records can, on application, be amended at any time to include both same-sex parents\u2019 details. There is absolutely no doubt that this law change will bring a smile to the faces of the Sullivan family. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003ECan I share that the law already contains a rule for changing a birth record in other circumstances, including, but not limited to, situations where a parental order is obtained, an individual changes his or her name by statutory declaration, or an individual undergoes gender reassignment. However, may I also share that this bill does not create a precedent for other individuals seeking to change their registered birth record. The bill applies only to Rowen Sullivan and her situation, which has itself arisen from a unique combination of circumstances, including her birth overseas following a human-assisted reproductive procedure that meant her parents were not registered in New Zealand. The key consideration is that since 19 August 2013, married same-sex couples can adopt jointly. If the marriage amendment legislation had been in place before Diane Sullivan died, the train of events giving rise to the bill could have been avoided. The bill does not change the adoption order itself, because to do so could set a precedent for other situations where a deceased individual has not indicated an intention to adopt. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EBefore I conclude, once again I would like to congratulate Rowen Sullivan on her courage and her commitment to both her parents to get their names on her birth certificate so that she can live with pride that she has, in due course, acknowledged her parents. With these words, I commend this bill to the House. Thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022 data-id=\u002251d17b7e23b7445f994a0005f9f60e1d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002251d17b7e23b7445f994a0005f9f60e1d\u0022\u003EKEVIN HAGUE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. It is a genuine pleasure to take a call in this debate on the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. Earlier this year I had the great privilege of being able to participate in the Government Administration Committee\u2019s consideration of the marriage equality bill, and it was fantastic to work with a group of people who were committed to getting great outcomes. Today to again participate in a debate that is characterised by warm, generous, and kind speeches from members of that committee is a great experience. I want to thank members of the committee\u2014in particular, Ruth Dyson, as the chair of that committee\u2014and the officials who worked with the committee. I hear they did a fantastic job. I did not get the chance to experience their work this time around. In particular, I want to say thanks and congratulations to my colleague and friend Louisa Wall. It is twice over a pretty short space of time that an important human rights bill has come to this House under Louisa\u2019s name. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003EI am one of several members of this House who is in a same-sex relationship and has children, and I am sure that those of us in that situation can all think about how it would be for us in our situation if we were plunged into this nightmare scenario that Rowen Sullivan and her parents have been through. Human rights is an area that is frequently debated in this House. Typically, when we talk about human rights, we talk about the rights of collectives, of large groups of people, and the denial of human rights to a whole ethnicity, to a whole gender, or to a whole sexual orientation. I think that is probably the most frequent use of the idea of human rights in this House, but really that relates to just one of those human rights, and that is the right to freedom from discrimination. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003EWhen Eleanor Roosevelt, who was perhaps the most motivating force behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, explained the idea of universal human rights, this is what she said: \u201CWhere, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home\u2014so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination.\u201D This Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill is about human rights. It is about the human rights of one person\u2014the right of that person to acknowledge their own identity and to have their parents respected by law as being their parents. I have not dealt with very many private bills in this House, but I cannot think of another situation where a private bill is more appropriate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281e8ca24-8b1d-4558-9ef9-c9418df2b3c0\u0022\u003ECongratulations to Louisa Wall and to the Government Administration Committee. Congratulations to Rowen Sullivan, to Doreen, and also to Diane. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022 data-id=\u002279174558b4c84067937b3dc476d35124\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002279174558b4c84067937b3dc476d35124\u0022\u003EMOANA MACKEY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora. I am very happy to take a call on the second reading of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. I congratulate my colleague and friend Louisa Wall on once again being a champion for some very important issues in this House and around the country. I also, of course, congratulate the Sullivan wh\u0101nau for having the courage to go out there\u2014and I do not underestimate how difficult it must be to have a bill with your family\u2019s name on it going through Parliament and being spoken about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003ELike Mr Hague I was on the Government Administration Committee for the marriage equality process, but not for this bill\u2019s process. But what really struck me about the marriage equality process was when you sat down and looked into the faces of the people who were submitting, you realised that they were sitting in front of a bunch of strangers, being forced to talk about the most personal aspects of their lives in order to see progress in human rights legislation. Not many of us who are just afforded these rights at birth have ever had to do that. We do not earn these rights. There is nothing particularly special about us when we are heterosexual. We just get all of these rights handed to us by the fact that we were born straight. We have never had to do that\u2014we do not have to sit in front of a bunch of strangers and argue why we should be treated exactly the same as everyone else and why our family is just as valuable as everyone else\u2019s families. When you go through the process of looking into the faces of the very real people who are affected by this legislation, you really appreciate their courage and their commitment. So I imagine that to do that when it is only your family involved must be even more difficult. But it is just as important\u2014just as important\u2014so I really want to acknowledge the family that we are assisting tonight to address a great injustice. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EI was also on the select committee that considered the civil union legislation. The change in the tenor of the debate between civil unions and marriage equality was huge\u2014in a very positive way. The civil union debate was very, very bruising, very, very brutal, and very, very negative. The marriage equality legislation was not a walk in the park either, but by comparison things had changed significantly and there was a lot more respect at the select committee for the marriage equality process than we saw for the civil union process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EWhen we went through the civil union legislation, a lot of it was about giving same-sex and de facto couples the rights of married couples without going the full way to marriage. But the stories that we heard were just truly horrific\u2014in particular, the case of the death or incapacitation of one family member, where that family member was the biological parent of the child involved and where there had been a falling out with the extended family. There was a complete lack of power for the partner in that relationship to have any rights at all. So we had situations where couples who had been together for decades and decades, in loving and supportive relationships, and then one of them ended up in hospital. The family did not approve of that relationship, so the family swooped in, took over, and went against the wishes of the individual who was sick in hospital. In these cases, the partner had no rights\u2014absolutely no rights at all. They had no rights in the funeral arrangements. They were not even able to see the person with whom they had been in a loving, committed relationship for decades, purely because the State refused to recognise in even the slightest way that their relationship had any kind of legal standing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EA lot of this was addressed during the civil union debate, but the one crucial part that did not get addressed by civil unions and remains an issue today is adoption. We acknowledged during that debate that the status of children of heterosexual civil union couples, as well as of same-sex civil union couples, remains a very grey area under law. It is one that does need to be resolved, because at any time we can wind up with a situation like this, where you suddenly realise that you do not have the rights that you expected you would have. I expect that a lot of heterosexual civilly united couples believe that they have those rights, but, in fact, it is an area of law that remains very grey. My colleague Jacinda Ardern has a bill, the Care of Children Law Reform Bill, to try to address that. It is an area that we do need to address because when you are talking about the relationship between parents and children you are talking about something that is extremely personal. It is something that this Parliament should prioritise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EOne of the things that I think this bill really highlights is that the relationship you have with your parents does not end when you turn 18. Guardianship, which was offered by the Care of Children Act, is a very different thing from being a parent. You can say that somebody has a legal responsibility for somebody until they turn 18, but, if anything, I think that our relationship with our parents gets better beyond the age of 18. It stops being a kind of \u201CYou do this, you do that.\u201D, mother-child or father-child kind of relationship. It becomes a friendship, and it becomes a very, very fulfilling relationship. So I entirely understand why it is incredibly important to have that relationship with your parents\u2014a relationship that only gets better the older you get\u2014legally recognised under the law. I understand why it is not enough to say \u201CWell, they are all adults and they should just get on with it.\u201D No. I would be just gutted if the legal relationship that I have with my parents was in any way compromised by an action of the State. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EI want to make just two final points. I hope that this bill will have the support of everyone in the House. Given the amount of time that we spend in here and as MPs in the communities dealing with the horrific fall out from parents who do not want to be involved in their kids\u2019 lives, and the amount of time that we spend talking about parents who do not fulfil their legal responsibilities and who do not behave in a way that is conducive to a healthy relationship and a healthy child, it would seem to me to be utterly hypocritical and repugnant not to support a parent who says that they want to legally be there for their child, and for this Parliament to actually stand in the way and not allow that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EI think that where we have parents who want to be involved in their children\u2019s lives, who want to take that legal responsibility and want the State to recognise it, we should be doing everything to get the State out of the way and say: \u201CAbsolutely. We wish there were more of you.\u201D We wish that every family had the strength and the love and the commitment that this family obviously has for each other, to go through this process. Our country would be a much better place, a less violent place, a much healthier place, if the kinds of commitment, morals, and family values that we are seeing in this particular family were reflected right across our society. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270dd644d-8bcf-40dc-998a-887d62d24a76\u0022\u003EFinally, I want to end by making the point that this bill highlights a very real fact: until we get full equality under the law for same-sex couples, there will always be loopholes, there will always be families that fall through the cracks, and there will always be sad cases like this where, through no intended malice, the law does something very, very cruel and does something very, very destructive in a family\u2019s life. That is why full equality for same-sex couples must be the goal of this Parliament. If we truly want to see every family supported and every family recognised and to support loving and good families, then that will happen only when we get full equality for same-sex couples. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022 data-id=\u00222f22094b03464f55b7ec27cd1aea3025\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222f22094b03464f55b7ec27cd1aea3025\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON (National\u2014Hunua):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to speak on this Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill, the title of which I understand the Government Administration Committee has recommended be amended to the \u201CSullivan Birth Registration Bill\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EMay I, from the outset, just acknowledge Rowen Sullivan and her enormous determination and commitment to ensure that this almost impossible task has actually become a reality, or is becoming a reality. It was a great pleasure for me tonight to meet her adoptive mum, Doreen Shields. I had not met her before. I just happened to be in the parliamentary cafeteria. It was clear from the outset what a warm and lovely person she is and how wonderful it is for Rowen to have an adoptive mum of her lovely character.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EOf course, I want to acknowledge her biological mother and also the sponsor of this bill, Louisa Wall. There is no doubt, as I think Kevin Hague pointed out, that here is someone who has brought two really important human rights issues to Parliament in a very short space of time. It is a great contribution. Might I acknowledge the Government Administration Committee members who dealt with the bill because, listening to them, they all have been deeply moved by this situation, and it has been hugely interesting and moving to hear their contributions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI guess, in many respects, the bill is driven by a young woman\u2019s desire\u2014in fact, an overwhelming desire\u2014to have her biological mother\u2019s name appear on her birth certificate. That is something that most of us, all of us, would absolutely just take for granted. I think I heard in the first reading of the bill that her own words were: \u201CI want my mum\u2019s name on my birth certificate to honour her \u2026\u201D. That is indeed a sentiment that any child would want for their parents. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI do recall, in the first reading of this bill, a remarkable coincidence in hearing a documentary about a young Indian man who was about the same age\u2014about 19 or 20. He had been born in provincial India, in very poor circumstances, and had gone down with his brother to the local railway station to sell beads, or something similar, to pay for rice to feed the family. Somehow he had been separated from his brother. In a panic he hopped on a train that took him 3,000 miles away, and eventually he wound up in South Australia and was adopted by, again, some very loving people. But he had recurring nightmares about wanting to see his birth parents. He happened to be a very bright individual who was talented in mathematics and in the new technologies, and particularly in GPS. For over 3 years he used to wait up until 2 or 3 in the morning, figuring out the possibilities of where his biological parents came from in India. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003ETo cut a long story short, after 3 years he reckoned he had cracked it. He went back to India and methodically went to the places where he had most likely been born, and eventually he found his parents. This brought absolutely profound joy, both to himself and his family and to his adoptive family. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EBut the point of making this analogy is the drive that all individuals have to know about their parents, and to have that transparency and ability to find them and not have hurdles put in their way. So the bill\u2019s purpose, undoubtedly, would require the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages to record the details of Rowen Sullivan\u2019s deceased mother, whose name is Diane Sullivan, on her post-adoption birth registration entry. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI note that the Government Administration Committee organised a variety of amendments to this bill. The one I mentioned earlier relates to the title that, correctly, is changed to the \u201CSullivan Birth Registration Bill\u201D because it could have been misleading as its passage would not directly effect change to Rowen Sullivan\u2019s birth certificate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EThere were a couple of other amendments, including the committee\u2019s recommendation of inserting a new clause 4, which would make it clear that \u201CDiane Sullivan and Doreen Margaret Shields are, for all purposes, the parents of Rowen Sullivan.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI think it is worthwhile to just make mention of the enormous transition that we have been through over the last few decades in this area of both human rights and in the area of assisted human reproduction, and the huge debates that have led us to believe what 30 years ago was regarded as impossible can now be normalised. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003ELast Friday I was at the 50th anniversary of the founding of National Women\u2019s Hospital. A fellow by the name of Dr Freddie Graham, famous for introducing in vitro fertilisation into New Zealand, went through the changes in birth technology in New Zealand over the last 20 to 30 years. He explained how Professor Dennis Bonham used to secretly organise sperm donation in the 1960s. The reason for that was that the hospital board would not let it happen. He had his own private practice and they literally used to mix up the sperm so they could not identify who the parents were, because of the legal ramifications that might occur in terms of making a claim through the legal process. However, a young social worker by the name of Joi Ellis persuaded the academic department that it was wrong not to be transparent. Over a period of time others joined her, including Professor Ken Daniels. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EToday in New Zealand we are leading the world in having one of the most transparent systems of ensuring that children can identify their biological parents. So I think it is very good timing that this bill has reached Parliament in New Zealand and that we are making it possible for someone such as Rowen, who is so clearly driven, to do what is right and to have the appropriate framework in New Zealand to enable her to do so. I acknowledge all those who have brought this bill about and, indeed, I celebrate the fact that I have been able to speak in this second reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022 data-id=\u002220bff9c4fc254bcea464ddd26020b388\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002220bff9c4fc254bcea464ddd26020b388\u0022\u003EDENIS O\u2019ROURKE (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E New Zealand First originally had reservations about the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. We were wary about a bill for the benefit of one individual rather than the community as a whole. But since then we have looked at the bill in much more detail. I have had the benefit of discussions with Louisa Wall, who was very persuasive, and, also, the discussions were very productive and worthwhile, and I thank her for them. We are now satisfied that the bill is necessary, that it is indeed the only solution to ensuring that the birth certificate concerned will properly and realistically show the names of Rowen Sullivan\u2019s late birth mother, Diane Sullivan, as well as her adoptive mother. That, of course, is a very natural thing for anybody to want. Everybody can relate to that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EIndeed it is extraordinary that it would be possible not to record the birth mother on a birth certificate. It is not much of a birth certificate, when you think about it, if that were the case. So this is a unique solution to a unique set of circumstances and we in New Zealand First now recognise it as such. The desired solution would not be achievable without legislation, and I observe that if Rowen had been born today, her parents could marry and both of them would be recorded on her birth certificate, which cannot occur now, of course, because Diane died in 2010. However, that consideration alone justifies this bill, I think. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EWe in New Zealand First also approve the change of name of the bill to the Sullivan Birth Registration Bill, because, in fact, that is what this is really about. We also approve of new clause 4(1), which will provide that \u201CDiane Sullivan and Doreen Margaret Shields are, for all purposes, the parents of Rowen Helen Louise Sullivan.\u201D The proposed clause reinstates the legal position for all purposes, including, of course, the law of succession and parental relationship. That is really a very important consideration. I am very glad to see that the Government Administration Committee has made that amendment\u2014very worthwhile. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EFor all of those reasons, New Zealand First will now be pleased to vote in favour of the bill. Like other speakers, I congratulate all concerned on bringing it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u0022f05ff6ca7be54293b793e6b3a5b500ec\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f05ff6ca7be54293b793e6b3a5b500ec\u0022\u003EMELISSA LEE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Ahn nyung ha se yo. On that note, I would like to start by wishing everyone a happy New Year, considering the lunar New Year just actually happened and we have all been around many different parts of the country celebrating the lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. Let me greet you in my mother tongue: se hae bok mani baduseyo. It translates to \u201CMay your new year bring you lots and lots of luck.\u201D I just thought I would start and actually have a look at the Year of the Horse. The wood horse, according to the Chinese horoscope, is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. So if there are any single people in this House, I wish you good romance this year. According to the Korean astrological chart, this is the year of the blue horse. May it be significant in this election year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003ELet me start by acknowledging all of the speakers who have spoken on this bill, the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. It is, of course, my pleasure to rise in support of the bill. I remember speaking at the first reading and actually mentioning my little cultural experience, where in certain countries where people are born in a particular town or at a particular time, and because they are worried that the children might not actually survive a certain period of time, they do not register the children. They actually register them later, and often the children end up with the wrong birth date. This is quite different. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EI have not actually been to the Government Administration Committee. I was not part of the select committee, but I commend the members who have worked on this bill. Hearing them speak so passionately about this bill, I commend the work that you have done, because I think it is incredible to hear everyone talking about and acknowledging Rowen Sullivan and her parents. Her parents have obviously done a fantastic job in raising an amazing young woman who wants to honour her mother. As a parent of a teenage child, I would only hope that one day when he grows up that he might want to honour me. I hope he is actually listening to the debate today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EI was looking at the issue of identity\u2014how a person conceives their identity and how they express their identity. Often their identity comes from their parents. Parents are the very first people who imprint the personality on their children. Children identify with their parents, and their own identity is formed as a result of the education that they receive from their parents as the first educators. I also want to talk about things like national identity, because it is where you come from. It is the cultural identity. It is like how I am Korean. Yesterday we had the Speaker from the Korean Parliament visit New Zealand\u2019s Parliament. I was so very proud to have met him here and actually have lunch with him as the chair of the Korean - New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group, because that is my cultural identity. That is where my first impressions of my own personality and identity were formed. From being born in Korea through my parents, I am who I am today because of all of the influences that I have had. I think Rowen has had fantastic parents, both Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields, and she wants to honour her mother.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000558\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EAs previous speakers have said, this bill requires the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages to record details of Rowen Sullivan\u2019s deceased mother on Rowen\u2019s post-adoptive birth registration entry. I was thinking about how it would feel to not have my parent\u2019s name on my own birth certificate. I mean, I would not even know how to feel about that, because we all take it for granted. I know Mr Hague talked about having children in his relationship and how in the past for couples who are of the same sex who adopt, it was only the one person who could adopt, rather than both parents who could actually adopt. So when you look at it that way, and translating it into my own circumstances and my own life, you sort of think \u201CHow would I feel if I did not have both my parents\u2019 names on the birth certificate?\u201D. That would really upset me very much, because I am who I am as a result of both my parents\u2014my father and my mother. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EFor Rowen it is both Diane and Doreen who have made her who she is. Rowen\u2019s parents from birth were Diane Sullivan, her birth mother, and Diane Sullivan\u2019s partner, Doreen Shields. Diane Sullivan\u2019s name was on her birth certificate, but Diane died in 2010, when Rowen was just 17. That is only 2 years older than my son, who is now 15. Knowing my son and how young he is at 15, how devastating would it have been for Rowen to have lost her mother and to find out subsequently that when Doreen applied for an adoption order following the death of Diane Sullivan, the order required Diane\u2019s name to then be removed from Rowen\u2019s birth certificate, and for them to consider that? And how would they have actually felt? No one in this House could possibly understand what that might have felt like. Only Rowen knows and only her adoptive mother knows what that was like. That would have been a terrible, devastating, heart-wrenching experience, because you would want to remember your mother. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EHad Diane and Doreen been able to marry, as previous speakers have said, they would, of course, have been able to jointly apply for their names to appear on the birth certificate. For someone who has actually gone through the process with some friends who have had help with human reproductive assistance, where a couple who could not actually have children for more than 15 years went and had some assistance\u2014in my culture even adoption is actually frowned upon. I remember my friend going through the whole pregnancy of her surrogate\u2014this actually happened outside of New Zealand. But her surrogate, the mother, was going through the pregnancy, and then the adoptive mother pretended that she was pregnant right throughout the whole pregnancy. I remember her having to actually stuff her tummy with things to make her look like she was pregnant, because she did not want the stigma attached to her daughter when she finally came home as her daughter. So that heart-wrenching experience that she went through was something that made me sort of understand the kind of agony that Rowen and Doreen would have gone through. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EFollowing the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act of 2013, same-sex couples are now able to marry and can apply to jointly adopt children. So what this bill is actually doing is making a matter of fact\u2014the fact that Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields are, in fact, both Rowen\u2019s parents\u2014just a matter of law, just a record, and it will make it permanent so that from now on, when Rowen applies for a future birth certificate, both her parents will be on that piece of paper. For me, that piece of paper is very significant, because that is one way Rowen identifies herself. It is a certificate basically confirming what she has known all her life, which is that it was, in fact, both her parents\u2014not just one, not the other, but both of them\u2014who were her parents, who brought her up so well to be proud of who she is, and it is honouring her mother, who has, very sadly, passed away. I wish you the best of luck, and I would like to congratulate my colleague and friend Louisa Wall on bringing this bill to the House and managing the select committee process so that all your colleagues would support you in this bill. It is a great bill. I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022 data-id=\u00224144b7f078b04cb2824b907ebc0875c7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224144b7f078b04cb2824b907ebc0875c7\u0022\u003EPOTO WILLIAMS (Labour\u2014Christchurch East):\u003C/span\u003E Kia orana, Mr Assistant Speaker. Kia orana kotou katoatoa na roto i te ar\u2019a ma\u2019ata o Te Atua. It is a privilege to be able to speak on the second reading of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. I want to acknowledge the courage of Doreen Shields and Rowen Sullivan and their determination to ensure that this bill becomes law. I can assure you of my total support for your achievement to this end.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EThis bill is essentially about love\u2014the love and commitment of two women for each other, the love of these women for their child, and the love of that child for both of her parents. This bill speaks to the diverse and modern way that our families are structured and the way that we should be able to acknowledge those who are the most important in our lives\u2014namely, our parents and our children.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EWe are a modern society that has in recent years made provision for the diversity of our relationships\u2014and here I must commend my colleague Louisa Wall for ensuring the equality of rights for all on the subject of marriage and for bringing this bill to the House\u2014so it is a natural progression to look at the needs of families and the children in these families in the modern New Zealand context, to ensure that they are catered for, that their rights, as well as their needs, are met, and that they are permitted equality as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EI want to point out to you that I too am an adoptee. This bill resonates on so many levels for adoptees and for adoptive parents\u2014more, I think, than even Rowen and Doreen know\u2014and this is my own personal view of how important this bill is. When you are an adopted child, the State dictates who your parents are. When you are a prospective adoptive parent, you become involved in a formal process that takes many months, or often years, to determine your suitability and fitness for becoming a parent and to ensure that no objections from other parties are forthcoming. I believe that that is still the process for adoption. The State then permits you to be named as a parent on a birth certificate or, more specifically, as the mother or father of a child. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages could record only the mother and father of a child\u2014not parent. That piece of legislation\u2014the current piece of legislation, not the bill before us\u2014does not translate well in this modern context. The requirements met the needs of a time, but this is no longer the time. I strongly suggest that it is time to put it right. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EWe have seen this House pass legislation to afford equal rights to the state of marriage to same-sex couples. I am really proud that we have, yet we deny them the dignity and responsibility of shared parentage. This is the predicament we find here. When you are born into a family\u2014not adopted, but born into a family in the traditional sense\u2014you do not need the State to tell you who you are or who your parents are. You just are, and it just is. I understand the need for legal process to determine your status in legal terms and your rights, for example, to property or to estate that you are a beneficiary of. But in modern New Zealand, where we have made huge strides in terms of acknowledging equality in marriage, we now need to develop equality in parenthood.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EI speak as an adoptee whose 90-year-old birth father sat in the gallery just a few weeks ago to watch his youngest birth child deliver a maiden statement to this House. It has been 52 years since my adoption, and I am extremely grateful for the gift that was given to my adoptive parents, as their love and care has made me the person I am today. I want to just comment on my colleague Moana Mackey\u2019s point that as you grow older, your circumstances change and your view of life and family relationships changes. How powerful it is that I could now acknowledge my birth father on my certificate as acknowledgment of the gift that he made to my parents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EIt is not so long ago that adoption and the circumstances and reasons behind adoption were too shameful to share. There are many adopted children who are unable to trace birth families because it was not proper at the time to record those details. The process of recording and registration of adopted children in those days removed the record of birth parents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EThis is not the case with Rowen Sullivan. However, there is a bigger implication here. I want to point out to many that births to same-sex couples and the subsequent adoptions sometimes happen with the help of sperm and egg donors\u2014surrogates\u2014and it should be possible for those who contribute to the care and the love and the parentage and the parenting to be given the privilege of appearing on the certificate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EHere I would like to note that I support the amendment of the title of this bill to the \u201CSullivan Birth Registration Bill\u201D. This bill supports a young woman whose real-life experience is of being parented by two women\u2014two women who have loved her, cared for her, and raised a wonderful young woman. I would like this House to now support the love and commitment it took Doreen Shields and Diane Sullivan to raise this young woman by providing them with the opportunity to both be recognised equally as the parents of Rowen Sullivan. I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022 data-id=\u0022aa7b5bd6aef8451ebad0c7488f223f5e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aa7b5bd6aef8451ebad0c7488f223f5e\u0022\u003EJAMI-LEE ROSS (National\u2014Botany):\u003C/span\u003E Before I begin, Mr Assistant Speaker, I wish to advise you that pursuant to Standing Order 118(2), I will be splitting this call with my colleague from Coromandel, Scott Simpson JP. Could I have a bell at 4 minutes, please?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278c17bb1b41d40dfa368cd3e8160135d\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you very much for that\u2014for informing the House. A split call, colleagues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2c80e2c344f4315943577bfdf7dadb7\u0022\u003EJAMI-LEE ROSS\u003C/span\u003E: As I was listening to the speeches from the House, I was sitting here wondering whether Doreen and Rowen would be watching this debate tonight, and I assume that they probably are. I was also wondering to myself whether it would be a moment that they are proud of, or whether it is a moment that they would be quite relieved by, because I do not think we are talking tonight, really, about guardianship status, and I do not think we are talking about an adoption order, either; I think what we are really talking about is a family. I picked up on some words in the speech from Poto Williams\u2014it is about love and care, and it is about family\u2014and I think that this is really what the bill is all about. It is about recognising a family situation that has existed, regardless of what laws say and regardless of what pieces of paper say. It is about a family and it is about recognising formally the situation that exists. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EI want to congratulate Louisa Wall on bringing the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill to the House. It appears, based on the speech from Mr O\u2019Rourke, that she has achieved unanimity in this House. Would it not have been great if she could have achieved that on her other bill, the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill? That would have been a proud day for New Zealand, but it was not to be. But she has done equally well on this bill, so congratulations to Louisa Wall. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EI note also that Poto Williams\u2014if I could draw from your speech again\u2014mentioned that she was adopted. I was not adopted myself, but I am also someone in this House who was not raised in your stock-standard nuclear family of mother, father, and siblings. I was raised, effectively, by my grandmother. We never went through the formal route of recognising that in law, but certainly growing up I always knew that my grandmother played the role of mother, father, and everything else. I think that if we think back to it, probably formalising that situation would have been an ideal thing to do. It is surplus to requirements for us now, but I can understand completely why Rowen would want to see this situation formalised for herself. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EAlthough the details around the bill have been discussed in quite a bit of detail tonight already and I do not want to go over them again, I just want to say that it is a very good thing that this House is doing for that family. And it is about the family. It is not about the pieces of paper; it is about recognising the family. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EI was a little bit interested in the mechanisms of private bills. I have been a member of this House for only 3 years and I have not actually seen many private bills come to the debating chamber. So I was quite interested in the history of them, and whether or not this was the appropriate mechanism to be used. I found it interesting. I pulled out McGee and had a bit of a read about private bills. There is a bit of interesting information here. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EIf you want to find out the origins of private bills, they really go back to the time when Parliament rarely passed legislation. Nowadays Parliament passes legislation on a very frequent basis, but back in the day when Parliament very rarely passed legislation, for individuals to seek relief for a particular matter they had to ask Parliament to pass a piece of private legislation. Ironically, according to McGee, if one wanted to seek a divorce prior to 1867, one had to get a private bill passed through Parliament\u2014to get a divorce. Parliament would be exceptionally busy these days if that were still the case. Fortunately, it is not. But certainly from reading about the history of private bills I can see that this is very much a situation where a private bill is appropriate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022163d0b68-eb0e-4094-9bed-99e184f063e1\u0022\u003EAs I come to the conclusion of the few remarks that I have to make on this bill, I just want to say congratulations again to Louisa Wall, and to the Government Administration Committee as well, because it has made some good amendments to this piece of legislation. I just want to again say congratulations to Rowen and Doreen, because I cannot imagine that it would be easy to front up to the New Zealand House of Representatives, to go through what I imagine would have been a lengthy process to become the promoter of the bill, and to get it all going. So congratulations to them and to everyone who will be voting in favour of this\u2014even New Zealand First. Congratulations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022 data-id=\u0022d863bc74e0ad415d8dcb8573c78d16ed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d863bc74e0ad415d8dcb8573c78d16ed\u0022\u003ESCOTT SIMPSON (National\u2014Coromandel):\u003C/span\u003E It is a pleasure indeed to stand in support of the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill, which, as my colleague Jami-Lee Ross has just mentioned, looks like it will have unanimity across the House. That in itself is a rare and wonderful thing. The speeches tonight, I think, have been generous, meaningful, and from the heart. I have been incredibly impressed with the personal stories of individual members, but also impressed with the story on the basis of which this bill has been brought to the House by its sponsor, Louisa Wall. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to congratulate the member Louisa Wall on bringing yet another piece of legislation to the House. As a backbench MP of very short duration in this House, I am in awe of her ability to bring this sort of stuff to the House in a way that is, I think, unifying and useful to us as a Parliament and to us as a democracy in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000582\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EFollowing the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act of last year, same-sex couples are, of course, able to marry and therefore they are now able to jointly apply to adopt children. Had that been the case for Diane Sullivan and Doreen Shields and they had been able to legally marry, then of course they would have been able to adopt Rowen. If that had occurred, then this bill would not be required. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000583\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EIn a previous life before coming to this Parliament, I had the great privilege and pleasure to be the chief executive officer of a children\u2019s charity called Make-A-Wish. So for about 3 years I was a professional wish-granter. That, let me tell you, is a terrific thing to be able to do. In my maiden speech to this House I mentioned that one of the challenges I saw for myself in this House was to be able to, in some way, bring the job skills and transfer of knowledge from my role as a professional wish-granter into this Chamber. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000584\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003ETonight I have a small sense of having achieved a little bit of that by being a participant in this debate and, indeed, by having been a member of this House as we pass the second reading of this bill. I mentioned also, when I was speaking in my maiden speech about being a professional wish-granter for Make-A-Wish, that one should never underestimate the power of some magic, the power of a wish, and the power of small things, small deeds, and small actions to have an enormously important impact upon the lives of individuals. Tonight I think we are, as I say, having a small sense of that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EThis is a member\u2019s bill. I am grateful to my colleague the member Jami-Lee Ross for giving us a little bit of history about members\u2019 bills, because indeed the House would be sitting under extended urgency very frequently if the old rules still applied. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000586\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to thank the members of the Government Administration Committee who have considered the bill. The committee is chaired by the Hon Ruth Dyson. I, of course, did not have an opportunity to sit on the committee when considering the bill, but I was particularly taken by speeches made earlier on in the debate from members who did participate in the consideration of the bill after its first reading. I note with interest that they have made a number of modest but significant and important changes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000587\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EThe Government Administration Committee has made a number of recommendations, and one of them is to change the title of the bill. That seems entirely appropriate, given the circumstances and the unique features of the situation that exists relating to Rowen\u2019s situation. The title of the bill as introduced, the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill, was likely to have been interpreted as a little bit misleading. So the suggested change is one that I support. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000588\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI think that the committee has yet again shown its willingness and ability to get its head around difficult issues. Previously, the committee has had to consider issues of very major significance to a great number of people. On this occasion it has been considering a difficult but problematic issue for just one family and, in particular, one individual. Living as we do in a small, precious, intimate democracy, I say it is a great pleasure to see Parliament working as it should to achieve this piece of legislation. I thoroughly commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022 data-id=\u002212357100abee4efd895f538152d73293\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000589\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002212357100abee4efd895f538152d73293\u0022\u003ECAROL BEAUMONT (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I rise as the last speaker on the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. I have listened very carefully. It is a really unusual situation we are in, with this private bill that does benefit a single family. It is an unusual situation that we have had such positive contributions from everybody in the House, and this bill has the support of all parties. That is a very good thing, and this does feel like we are making a real and significant difference to two people, one of whom is here tonight. I want to acknowledge Louisa Wall in this process. I think most people come to Parliament because\u2014and it is a rather clich\u00E9d term\u2014they want to make a difference. Louisa has had the opportunity and the drive to do two very powerful things\u2014quite different in their scale, but two very powerful things\u2014in recent times, both with her marriage equality bill and now with the Sullivan Birth Certificate Bill. I want to acknowledge her for doing that, for making a difference, and for being an active MP. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000590\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EI want to also acknowledge Rowen Sullivan and Doreen Shields for driving this, really\u2014for having the heartfelt desire to make this so. You have done it\u2014you have done it. A lot of people would not, perhaps, have gone the distance, felt so strongly, and decided to make this happen. I think that is fantastic. As my colleague across the House, Scott Simpson, has just said, I also acknowledge the Government Administration Committee. I have listened closely to contributions from people on that committee, and I got a real sense that that committee worked very well on this bill, trying to work its way through it, and, of course, it was very well chaired by my colleague the Hon Ruth Dyson. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EOthers have gone through all of the detail, but this bill will now allow Rowen to have both of her parents\u2019 names recorded on her formal birth certificate. I think that that is a great achievement. Effectively, the guardianship that was taken by Doreen expired when Rowen turned 18, and this issue of feeling legally orphaned struck me. It must have been a deeply unsettling and upsetting situation. So this is not just a piece of paper. This is a process to respect and honour a mother who had obviously loved her daughter very much. With those few words can I just finally again acknowledge the determination of Rowen and Doreen. Can I say that as a family you have achieved something really important, and that is great to see here tonight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000593\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EName changed to Sullivan Birth Registration Bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000594\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022dd784f876a3343e78c36a09d793973de\u0022\u003EElectronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022363adeaa3c134bae8e4437731f1a0b26\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u0022599b39e246914731b736691a8380cb9d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022599b39e246914731b736691a8380cb9d\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH (National):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this bill is to clarify the legal position on the time at which a contract is formed if the acceptance of the offer is sent by electronic communications. It is indeed a very important piece of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EIf I may begin with just a quick overview of the importance of contracts\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b91cf044ca574ecf9556a1a6a6023d30\u0022\u003EHon Ruth Dyson\u003C/span\u003E: You could tell us why you thought of it, too. Like, where did the inspiration for this come from?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266ebab883ed44c6582384bce258a9af3\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: We will move on to that later on, thank you. Of course contract law is one of the fundamental cornerstones of our legal system. Contracts facilitate trade and commerce, as well as other business and social transactions, where they are proof of a transaction having taken place for a promise to fulfil a certain obligation. A contract is important as it protects both parties from any surprises and any changes to the contract. This helps parties to avoid any type of misunderstanding that may arise, and sometimes provides a mechanism for settling disputes that arise between parties. So a contract is an agreement having a lawful object, entered into voluntarily by two or more parties. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000600\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ETypically, each of these parties intends to create legal relations between themselves. The elements of the contract are offer and acceptance, normally by competent persons having legal capacity, who exchange consideration\u2014which is generally in the form of money\u2014and where the terms of the contract must be certain. So contracts are at the very heart of the market system that underpins the prosperity that we all enjoy and, indeed, are the foundation of this nation and our economy. Contracts may, of course, be formed orally. They may be formed on paper or through conduct or electronic means. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EAs has been explained in the explanatory note of this bill, the general rule is that the contract is formed at the time at which acceptance of the offer is communicated to the offeror. An exception to that was created by a famous legal case called Adams v Lindsell. Here I must impose a little bit of history on the House and go back to 1818, when the two parties in that case were involved in the sale of some wool. On 2 September 1818 the defendants wrote to the plaintiffs offering to sell them fleeces and required an answer in the course of the post. The defendants in this circumstance misdirected the letter, so that the plaintiffs did not receive it until 5 September. The plaintiffs posted their acceptance on the same day but it was not received until 9 September. Meanwhile, on 8 September, the defendants, not having received an answer by 7 September as they expected, sold the wool to somebody else. Therein was the nub of the problem. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe defendants argued that there could not be a binding contract until the answer was actually received and that until then they were free to sell the wool to somebody else. The judge said that if that was true it would be impossible to complete any contract through the post because, if the defendants were not bound by their offer until the answer was received, the plaintiffs would not be bound until they had received word, and it would go on and on indefinitely. So it was decided that when the offeree places their acceptance in the post, there was a fictional meeting of minds that concluded that the offer was done and gave effect to the acceptance. The idea was tidied further into what is now referred to as the postal acceptance rule in the 1892 case Henthorn v Fraser, where the court determined the precise time limit of acceptance\u2014that is, the moment when the letter of acceptance is posted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ESo the longstanding rule as to postal acceptances in Adams v Lindsell is not appropriate for electronic transactions. Therein lies the background to this member\u2019s bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002262b08cbef8c34de8a6ca054d9eba5af7\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: Why take 5 minutes to explain something that takes 30 seconds? Get on with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e6ae6a8ec874354b3c03aac172edc87\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: I know it is difficult sometimes for these complex things to sink in on the other side of the House, so I want to take my time. However, be that as it may, the will of this House was sufficiently favourable to pass this bill at its first reading. I think it was 83 votes to 37, so it was quite a resounding victory. It was sent off to the Commerce Committee, which considered this bill in quite some detail and heard submissions. I was grateful for the work\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229195aeb999e24cd5957b9650786ed261\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: You don\u2019t have to do the full 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226733dfca80144b33b643bb71af2e2470\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: What was that? I was grateful for the forbearance of the committee and the hard work that it did in listening to the submissions and wrestling with some of the issues. It is not as simple as it seems, because when indeed is an electronic offer accepted? Is it when it arrives in the in-box, or is it when it arrives in the server? Sometimes there is a gap between when it arrives in the server and when it arrives in the in-box. It is not always as straightforward as it seems. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe committee made a couple of suggested changes, which I am grateful for. Clause 5 of the bill relates to contract formation. My initial bill introduced a proposed new section 32A to explicitly state that an offer submitted electronically would be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt of the acceptance by the offeror. This would create a misapprehension of a hard-wired rule applying\u2014that the offer can be deemed to be accepted electronically only at the time of receipt. The committee proposed amending clause 5 to insert a new section 13A into the Electronic Transactions Act 2002, instead of the new section 32A, to make it clear that this is a default rule instead of a rigid approach from which the parties would be unable to contract out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EProposed new section 13A(1) would ensure the bill would achieve its intended effect. Section 11\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aa81c12c5a7244bda2de8a8d5fed5bd3\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve changed my mind; I want to hear the rest.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d6195b45356248de91845a8fb852f343\u0022\u003EPAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Deputy Speaker, there is a lot of disruption. I am finding it hard to follow my train of thought on this, and I am finding myself getting muddled. I am wondering whether I should start again\u2014go back to the start\u2014because I really have lost my train of thought. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EIf you do not mind, I just want to touch on the committee\u2019s proposed amendment to clause 5 to insert new section 13A instead of the new section 32A into the Act, to make it clear that this was a default rule instead of a rigid approach from which the parties would be unable to contract out. So new section 13A would ensure that the bill achieves its intended effect. Section 11 of the Act establishes the time at which the electronic communication is taken to be received. The amendment would make it clear that the time of receipt referred to in section 11 of the Act also applies to acceptances of contract offers that are communicated electronically. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EProposed new section 13A(2) specifies that the acceptance rule would not apply if the contracting parties agree otherwise. I think that is absolutely appropriate because if the parties negotiated specifically their own mutually agreed conditions in relation to the time and place of receipt, then good luck to them. We live in a free society and they should be able to do that, and I absolutely agree. In fact, that is indeed the principle that underlies my next member\u2019s bill, which I hope to have to drawn in the next ballot. That bill is about contract formation in terms of fitting in elements of industrial relations. The committee\u2019s amendment would maintain the freedom of contracting parties to decide the time at which a contract is formed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000614\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EI also want to mention the question of the time of receipt and the designated information system. The committee considered whether the terms \u201Ctime of receipt\u201D and \u201Cdesignated information system\u201D, used in sections 10 and 11 of the principal Act, lacked clarity. I am pleased to see that the committee was not persuaded that they lacked clarity and considered that the terms were in need of no further definition. On that score I was very pleased that the committee reported back and I do want to thank the Hon Clayton Cosgrove for all his work on the committee and the fact that he was part of the overall group who reported back unanimously that this bill be continued on in this way. So I am looking forward to the support of Labour this time round. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EIf I did have a little bit more time\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u0022dbe6723bf96241beabae6ae151b0a797\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dbe6723bf96241beabae6ae151b0a797\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, you have no more time, unfortunately.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022 data-id=\u0022cba23f95697b4679871170e86c82b003\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000617\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cba23f95697b4679871170e86c82b003\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E There are times in this Parliament when history is made, and tonight has been one of them. The member Paul Goldsmith, who is the author of this bill, the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill, thanked the Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, for its assistance. Indeed, I have to say that after dealing with this piece of legislation the members of the Commerce Committee felt like the collective guys with the shovels following the elephant\u2014big time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000618\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EI have to say that I thought that Mr Goldsmith was a writer of some repute. He is a man who has penned many literary works including, I think, a biography\u2014he will correct me\u2014of Don Brash and some interesting works regarding that notable member of Parliament John Archibald Banks, known to us here colloquially and affectionately as \u201CBrown Bag Banks\u201D. But when it came to this piece of legislation, I have to say to Mr Goldsmith, you would have thought it had been written by the local village idiot. This is a piece of legislation that presumably came about because the whips or somebody in the hierarchy of the National Party said: \u201CLook, we need a member\u2019s bill. We need to throw a few in the ballot to cut Labour\u2019s chances and the Greens\u2019 chances down. So can somebody somewhere come up with a few pages of drivel so we can bang it in.\u201D You know, a bit like taking a lotto ticket.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000619\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ffa1605ae8e4f50a8fc44748077b99c\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: And Paul said yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000620\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd7acf1589e143ca99210ba8cea043ae\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE\u003C/span\u003E: And Paul said yes. You know, there is an old military phrase: \u201CNever volunteer.\u201D And I have got to say that this was pure spin, pure bunkum, and Mr Goldsmith is right in one thing. The Commerce Committee\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000621\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226798e6a45d844353ae36b07aeeb1d93d\u0022\u003ELouise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019re just jealous you didn\u2019t come up with the idea, Clayton.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227968262fa1ba4e0c8ec0ef63e6acb9b7\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE\u003C/span\u003E: Jealous of Mr Goldsmith? Hell no, I have got to say, not on this one\u2014and a man who has on his CV the biography of John Archibald Banks. I am told he got sidetracked and that is why this bill is in trouble\u2014because he got sidetracked. He got sidetracked because apparently he is writing the trilogy of John Archibald Banks, the penultimate work. I think it is going to be entitled John Banks: Looking Through Striped Sunshine\u2014or something like that\u2014From Behind the Wire, or something like that. This will be the final chapter, or the penultimate chapter, in the career of one John Archibald Banks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EBut I have to say that when I heard Mr Goldsmith talking about this, I heard three words. I heard the words \u201Cfleece\u201D, \u201Cfraud\u201D, and \u201Cthe defendant\u201D, and I have got to say that I thought of John Banks again. Mr Goldsmith was quoting ancient legal cases. Mr O\u2019Rourke is a lawyer. He will take up this point, I am sure, because unlike me he has got a legal mind\u2014I am not a lawyer. But there was \u201Cfleecing\u201D, \u201Cfraudulent\u201D activity, and \u201Cthe defendant\u201D. Maybe Mr Goldsmith could answer this question: did the Hon John Archibald Banks act as a consultant in respect of this bill? \u201CFleecing\u201D, \u201Cfraudulent behaviour\u201D, and \u201Cthe defendant\u201D, I think, are three concepts that Mr Banks\u2014I am sure he will take a call at some point\u2014could give us many hours of dissertation on. \u201CFleecing\u201D, \u201Cfraudulent behaviour\u201D, and being \u201Cthe defendant\u201D\u2014after all, he has been the defendant three times, convicted twice, and is up on the third strike. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000624\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EThen we look at the bill, and it talks about \u201Coffer\u201D and \u201Cacceptance\u201D. It talks about \u201Coffer\u201D and \u201Cacceptance\u201D. Sam Lotu-Iiga, again a lawyer, will know this. He will recall his stage 101 law classes on offer and acceptance. I am just wondering whether Mr Goldsmith, as he put this piece of drivel together, actually consulted John Archibald Banks. He had the offer, he accepted, and he is now the defendant. Who got fleeced? I would say it was Dotcom, but who knows? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EI have to say that this bill should have been encompassed in a Statutes Amendment Bill. When it arrived at the select committee it even failed to clear up ambiguities in electronic contract acceptance by not defining when the contract \u201Carrived\u201D at the recipient\u2019s electronic address. That is how much effort and intellectual rigour was put into this legislation. He could not even define the word \u201Carrived\u201D\u2014when an offer and an acceptance have arrived. This is the drivel that was put in place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003ESo I say to Mr Goldsmith, who I know is hanging on every word, that if he paid John Archibald Banks a consultancy fee to consult on this bill, he should ask for his money back. He should ask for his money back because a fraud has been committed, because Mr Banks was obviously offering advice\u2014[Interruption] Well, maybe he did have a qualification for it, actually. Did that advice arrive in a plain brown paper bag? I do not know. So I just say to Mr Goldsmith that surely there is a lesson in here for him. Next time the whips ask for a volunteer, I say to Mr Goldsmith, do not volunteer, because this is drivel. This is absolute drivel. It is wrongly defined, badly drafted, and I presume it never made its way anywhere near the Clerk\u2019s Office for the assistance that we can obtain in drafting legislation, because the Clerk would have looked at this and said: \u201COh my God! How do we fix this?\u201D. So it obviously got nowhere near the Clerk\u2019s expertise or any legal mind, or any intelligent mind of any kind. It was just hashed together as a bit of political spin that is substandard. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EI have got to say that I cannot recall the amount of money per hour\u2014maybe the Speaker or somebody else could remind me\u2014that it actually costs to run this place. Mr Goldsmith in his political career has been one who has railed against wasteful expenditure, as has Mr Banks, even though in his last term as mayor Mr Banks trebled the debt of the Auckland City Council, the big spender.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022de9d9881e8274c70b3beb171339a0782\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: He did what?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b996ce613a904e2988bf30f8f4e88fb8\u0022\u003EHon CLAYTON COSGROVE\u003C/span\u003E: He trebled the debt of the Auckland City Council. I do not know how many dollars, how many thousands of dollars, it takes to run this Parliament hour after hour, but it is a disgrace that we are wasting taxpayers\u2019 money tonight dealing with a political stunt and political drivel, which was so badly drafted that the Commerce Committee spent hours trying to put Humpty-Dumpty back together again. We did our best. We shovelled behind the elephant. We tried to get something with a semblance of intelligence back into this Chamber, wasting taxpayers\u2019 money every hour that we did it. I say to the Government that I look forward to the next speaker who will get up and have a crack at this. If you cannot even define the word \u201Carrived\u201D in your draft legislation that goes before a select committee, if you cannot define \u201Coffer\u201D and \u201Cacceptance\u201D, you should not be in this Parliament. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EI got one member\u2019s bill through. That was the boy-racer stuff. Luckily, I had a lot of good sound minds to lean on both in my party, in the bureaucracy, and in other places. The bill was actually adopted by the Government and got through and hopefully contributed to doing a little bit of good work around the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003EBut I have to say that this bill is political drivel. This is a political pamphlet. But I have got to say that it is very apt when the owner of the bill, the sponsor of the bill, John Banks\u2019 biographer, gets up and talks about fleecing, fraud, and the defendant, and quotes legal cases, then we know he is still under the influence of that very special mind, that very special mind in the Parliament, John Archibald Banks. He is in the rotten pile, one of two, including Peter Dunne, that props this crew up over there. It is very, very telling that this bill deals with offer and acceptance because we know, of course, that Mr Banks was offered, he accepted, and got the brown bag and then does not want to admit it, and he is going to pay a price for that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003ESo I just say this to the National Party. Fair go. Let us treat the people out there with a bit of respect. They are not numbskulls. They are not stupid. They are intelligent in our communities, and they can smell and see bull when it is put before them, and this is pretty substandard stuff. Those members over there know that this bill does not make sense and know that it makes very little contribution to the body politic. But I suppose again there is a correlation with Mr Banks in that when he was Minister for Small Business he introduced a piece of legislation that abolished 31 Acts that did not exist\u2014another classic and historic moment in this Parliament. I say to Mr Goldsmith: next time, do not volunteer, but I will buy a copy of the book when it comes out, John Banks: Behind the Wire.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022 data-id=\u0022e86af59ef65744b4b6dd9c0de4161d4d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e86af59ef65744b4b6dd9c0de4161d4d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN (National\u2014Napier):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Cosgrove has painted a very unparliamentary picture, or perhaps a metaphor, of the Commerce Committee wandering through a zoo, following an elephant\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f9c512a8-d532-4ef9-ad51-0fe8d752a893\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227ed1e48efc5b487b9778641d76752623\u0022\u003EHon Clayton Cosgrove\u003C/span\u003E: With a shovel.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236d9dff7aebe4b189c78396aa382b418\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014with a shovel. Yes, those were your words, Mr Cosgrove. Fortunately\u2014well, possibly fortunately\u2014in regard to the bill, I was not a member of the Commerce Committee at that point in time, and so I come to it with fresh eyes. I come to it with fresh eyes and a different perspective from Mr Cosgrove. I read the title of the bill\u2014Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill\u2014and I think about the modern economy that we are currently in. It is a wonderful economy, and it is an exciting time to be a Kiwi, to be a New Zealander, in the New Zealand economy. It is exciting for a range of reasons. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EI will start with the Business New Zealand Back to the Grindstone function I attended just last night down at the Cake Tin, where the speakers stood up one after another and said there were very good omens for business in New Zealand. They talked about the positive vibe that was in the business community and the way the Government was creating the right conditions to invest in New Zealand. There was a great vibe. I think that is why it is so exciting to be part of the New Zealand economy at the moment and to be part of this Government, which is actually driving that economy forward. The reason why I say that in relation to this bill, the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill, is that, actually, more and more transactions are occurring online. I do not know the figures, but, in fact, millions and millions of transactions are being conducted every year online, and that requires us to be pretty clear and accurate about when the offer and acceptance on those transactions takes place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EI commend Mr Goldsmith for bringing this bill to the House. I commend him for bringing this member\u2019s bill. Not too many members have the opportunity to get to this point in time, to successfully bring a member\u2019s bill into the House and to have it pass, as I am sure it will over the next few weeks in this House. But let us be clear about what this bill does. It clarifies the legal position on the time at which a contract is formed if the acceptance of the offer is sent by electronic communication. It does take the debate forward, and it actually adds to the initiatives this Government has rolled out to drive a better economy. According to those guys at the Back to the Grindstone meeting last night, there has not been one silver bullet that has actually taken the economy forward; it has actually been done by a huge volume of different policies that we have driven as a Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EJust to remind you, there have been four key goals of the Government. Firstly, there is getting the country back to surplus. We are going to do that in 2014 and 2015. Secondly, there is rebuilding that beautiful city of Christchurch. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214818f0f938945acac132603f9c1ebf5\u0022\u003EChris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: What has this got to do with the bill?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223b02ef87470e4208a51480e4bb66035b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN\u003C/span\u003E: There are 50,000 repairs that have taken place down there already. I tell you, Mr Hipkins, it has a lot more to with this bill than what Mr Cosgrove was talking about when he talked on and on about Mr Banks. So I will continue. The third goal is actually about building better public services, and in that regard, we have outlined 10 key result areas. Result 10, which is actually about driving more online transactions, has a lot to do with this bill, and I want to talk about that in some depth. I will come back to Better Public Services Result 10, because for electronic transactions, the point at which offer and acceptance is agreed, as defined clearly by this bill, is going to play a big part in modern transactions going forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EThe fourth area where we have tried to drive big change is through a more competitive and productive economy. That has been driven by the Business Growth Agenda, of which there have been six key components, many of which require changes in information and communications technology. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224af2617c83e34b20a00339ab9058cc0e\u0022\u003EKanwaljit Singh Bakshi\u003C/span\u003E: Can you elaborate on that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f21ed819bea40baafc4454b7315f730\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Can I elaborate more on that? I certainly can. One of the big initiatives there is ultra-fast broadband. What will that do? It will drive more electronic transactions. It is a modern economy. This bill helps us to be clear about when offer and acceptance is achieved in those electronic transactions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EI just want to be clear about what we have achieved with ultra-fast broadband, because it is exciting to see what the Government has rolled out in that respect. In terms of broadband, we are spending $1.65 billion, or that sort of level, on making sure that that electronic highway to conduct these transactions is good. The aim is to have that delivered by 2025. We have rolled it out to 40,630 new end-users just in the last quarter, up until 31 December. Now there are 363,000 end-users around the country with ultra-fast broadband. We are 27 percent complete. That is another huge initiative. There are more than 2,000 schools that are now online. They are able to connect to fibre. We have even got 39 of the most remote schools connected, allowing those communities to be connected through hubs. And, guess what? They also depend on electronic transactions, as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc314651adf14c5398475387fe9c0fdc\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: Is that right?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b75765f05f554e649b9089314e5be3fa\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN\u003C/span\u003E: They probably even do out in that beautiful suburb that you live in, in Wellington, Kris. They will actually be concerned about electronic transactions, as well. But I will come back to the third point, which I wanted to spend some time on, which is around those key objectives in building Better Public Services, which this bill certainly adds to significantly. In terms of Better Public Services, we had 10 result areas that the Prime Minister rolled out. Result 10 was about bringing more transactions online in a digital environment so that by 2017, 17 percent of transactions by which the Government interacts with New Zealanders are online. In that regard we have brought out a basket of those transactions, many of which are electronic transactions that require an offer and acceptance component. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ELet us go through a few of those transactions that are in the basket of 10. I will just start with applying for financial assistance with the Ministry of Social Development. Fifty-one percent of those transactions are now being delivered online. For paying individual tax, 75.1 percent of those transactions are now being delivered online. For filing an individual tax return, 77.9 percent are. Paying for a vehicle licence from the New Zealand Transport Agency actually requires an offer and acceptance. This bill goes to the heart of being clear about when that transaction is completed, so I think it is really important, and 24.8 percent of those transactions are being delivered online now. The New Zealand Police\u2014paying for a fine on time. I accept that in respect to that it is probably not a transaction where there is an offer and acceptance. One is actually being forced to pay that one, but 42.2 percent of those are delivered online. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002224f28367b6b64341874a7021f915e1ef\u0022\u003EKanwaljit Singh Bakshi\u003C/span\u003E: What about for passports?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208abaec5ad5c40808cb5ba3dce67af60\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN\u003C/span\u003E: Passports? Well, that was one that I was fortunate to have a fair bit to do with myself through the Department of Internal Affairs rolling out passports online. We now have 31.4 percent of passports being delivered online, which is 20 percent more than they used to be, with a turn-round time of 3 days. That is absolutely sensational. We have also got New Zealand Customs using digital transactions, with 45.6 percent using SmartGate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ESo, far from the metaphor that Mr Cosgrove wanted to paint at the start of this debate\u2014that the Commerce Commission was following around some elephant with a series of spades\u2014I see a totally different view of this particular piece of legislation. I see it as part of a tranche of new initiatives that this Government has rolled out. We have made it clear that we agree that there is no silver bullet for taking this economy forward. It is going to take constant and never-ending improvement and constantly lifting the bar. Even small bits of legislation like this inch the economy forward. And, guess what? We are actually seeing results. Some of the best economic growth in the Western World is being projected. This economy will be back in surplus in 2014-15. We are in fantastic shape. It is an exciting time to be a New Zealander and an exciting time to be part of this Government. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022 data-id=\u00228bcf8e3ce82944bfb170cf334389486d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228bcf8e3ce82944bfb170cf334389486d\u0022\u003ECLARE CURRAN (Labour\u2014Dunedin South):\u003C/span\u003E There are some bills that this side of the House opposes when they come before this House because they are wrong, because we fundamentally disagree with them, or because we are philosophically opposed to them. We absolutely oppose the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill because it is not worth the paper it is written on. Quite frankly, it is an embarrassment that a member has brought in a member\u2019s bill that has wasted the Commerce Committee\u2019s time. The Commerce Committee usually does very good work. Officials were brought in on more than one occasion essentially to tell us that this bill is a nothing bill and that it has essentially been rewritten to become a nonentity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EThe only thing I want to say about this bill is that the \u201CPurpose\u201D clause no longer has a purpose. The purpose has been removed. This is a nothing bill. We oppose it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002258f935f1-6646-40ab-9d99-17029396850c\u0022 data-id=\u002279312b4e26104a60bcaff7d917b38218\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258f935f1-6646-40ab-9d99-17029396850c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002279312b4e26104a60bcaff7d917b38218\u0022\u003EJULIE ANNE GENTER (Green):\u003C/span\u003E When I was elected to Parliament, I hoped to come to this House to really make a difference to New Zealand, because I really believe in creating a fairer, greener, and smarter future for all New Zealanders, and that is what the Green Party is working towards. I do have to say that I knew when I came here that we would have to deal with some trite and trivial details, but I never really expected anything quite as trite and trivial as this bill, the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill, which I had to sit through in the Commerce Committee. I do not really have much to say on it, so I will stop there. Thanks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022 data-id=\u002276670ba9a05f4ab7bac751a1331a66fc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002276670ba9a05f4ab7bac751a1331a66fc\u0022\u003EJONATHAN YOUNG (National\u2014New Plymouth):\u003C/span\u003E We are moving through this bill, the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill, at tremendous speed because members of the Opposition have very little to say. I am very surprised at that. We live in an electronic age and it is imperative right through the systems of electronic transactions that we have in this country that they be foolproof, and that when we see areas where improvements can be made, no matter how small, we actually apply ourselves to that. You know, there is an old saying that if you look after your pennies, then the pounds will look after themselves. It is important in regard to detail that attention is paid to it and that things are improved, and that is what this bill, brought to the House by my friend and colleague Paul Goldsmith, does. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022\u003EIt is small but he has gone through and shown through history that moments of transactions being conveyed and completed are very important for the economy of whoever may be involved. It is nothing to be trite about. We know that businesses have been lost because of transaction failures at times. No doubt relationships have been lost because of transaction failures at times. It is important, as Mr Goldsmith has identified, that this is an area where clarity can be achieved, and this is what we have achieved in this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022\u003EI guess it is part of this John Key - led Government that we attend to the detail of these sorts of measures, and this member of Parliament, this National member of Parliament, has sought to do that. We are very committed to ensuring that we have a very competitive and robust economy. So although it may be in the mind of the Opposition to mock and make trite these things, we take these things, as small as they are, as very serious. So I would like to congratulate and commend my colleague who has brought this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022\u003EIt has gone through the Commerce Committee. During that process we had eight people submit. Members of the Opposition will acknowledge that we had some very interesting discussions during that select committee process. Although on the surface it may seem to be a small measure, behind it there were some very interesting philosophical discussions that I think we need to acknowledge. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc9c47c0-4409-44ca-ad2f-498707f27d69\u0022\u003EAs I come to the conclusion of my remarks, I want to just mention that we did find in our procedures in the committee that there were cases\u2014in Australia, in particular\u2014where there had been errors and mistakes made in the transmission of information, payments, or bills, whatever it might be, that actually did cause concern. Mail servers in a particular jurisdiction of a council received information but it was not passed on to the appropriate person. In that particular case, that did go to court. It was deemed that once it had been received by the server in that jurisdiction, in that council, it was received then. Those things do not go to court unless they really matter, and they did matter. We found those sorts of cases where just a single transaction, an email, an acceptance, a payment, whatever it could be for anybody out there who uses electronic means to communicate, even though it might be a small email, to that person it could mean a lot. So we worked through this and we have brought our recommendations back to the House. I am very pleased to stand in support of this bill under the name of Mr Paul Goldsmith. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022 data-id=\u00228378d9d7933840b6ad84ffecc64deb03\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228378d9d7933840b6ad84ffecc64deb03\u0022\u003EDENIS O\u2019ROURKE (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E The Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill is not one of the great pieces of legislation by this Government. In fact, if it was, it would be the only great piece of legislation by this Government. It is also not one of the many awful pieces of legislation by this Government, and it has actually been crowded out by so many pieces of even worse legislation by this Government. So it is neither good nor bad; it is sort of neutral, in between. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EIn fact, it is probably a piece of legislation that is not really needed at all, because the general rule of contract formation is that a contract is formed at the time an acceptance of the offer is communicated to the offeror\u2014that is, when the acceptance is received. This generally applies unless there is an established exception. There is no such exception for electronic transactions such as emails. There is an exception for acceptances by post in Adams v Lindsell, so that the date and time of acceptance is when the letter is posted, not when it is received. The reliability of the postal system was considered to be such that this rule should apply. Otherwise, it would be impossible to complete any contracts through the post because if the offeror is not bound by their offer until the acceptance is actually received, then the offeror, if he wanted to avoid the contract, could simply deny having received acceptance. So the longstanding rule for postal acceptances in Adams v Lindsell is not applicable to, or appropriate for, electronic transactions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EContractual offers by telex, as with the telephone, are simultaneous, so a contract is formed in those cases when the offeree accepts, and that is accepted law. Although it is correct that there is no clear authority on acceptance by way of email, there is no established exception either, so the general rule applies in favour of acceptance when it is received. This, effectively, is at the same time as when it is sent, if it is sent by an electronic means such as email. Nevertheless, this bill will serve to clarify the law. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EI accept that the position with telex differs from emails in some respects because communication by telex is generally acknowledged at each end\u2014the sending machine and the receiving machine. With email it is not known with certainty to the sender that an email has been received unless confirmation is received from the recipient. The sender of an email can obtain confirmation that a message has been received, although that is not commonly done, as we all know. It is also true that emails are delivered by a variety of servers, and there is therefore not the same assurance that an email will get to the intended recipient as in the case of post. This bill, therefore, does deserve support, as recommended by the Commerce Committee. I also support the select committee\u2019s amendment of the bill to confirm that the contracting parties can decide for themselves when and how acceptance will occur, and that the provision in the bill for acceptance as at the time of receipt will be the default position. This bill clarifies this one small area of uncertainty and would, to that extent, assist business in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002247c29b78-eee0-4c91-afdf-7b07be780e1a\u0022\u003EGiven the prevalence of electronic communications in society today, especially email and by smartphone and social media and so on, it is useful that the current Act be amended in the way that is now set out in the amended bill. So although it is certainly not an earth-shaking piece of legislation, it does have some use. New Zealand First will, therefore, support it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022 data-id=\u00228cac8127839b494c80761d239b452966\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228cac8127839b494c80761d239b452966\u0022\u003EDr JIAN YANG (National):\u003C/span\u003E It is a great pleasure to speak on the second reading and in support of the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill. This bill is in the name of my good colleague National MP Paul Goldsmith, and I would like to thank him for bringing this member\u2019s bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThis bill amends the Electronic Transactions Act 2002 and clarifies the legal position on the time in which a contract is formed, if acceptance of an offer is sent by electronic communication. This bill is a simple but good bill. It will tidy up uncertainty and offer New Zealanders peace of mind, as well as increasing the flow of business. Businesses and consumers are now living in the internet age, and our legislation needs to keep up with changing technology to ensure that we have consistency. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe internet has already impacted the economy in a range of ways, such as investment in internet-related infrastructure and creating an industry that provides goods and services that enable the internet. In 2009 Statistics New Zealand valued the net capital stock held in the telecommunications, internet, and library services industries at $14.7 billion, or 2.6 percent of New Zealand\u2019s total capital stock. Since then the Government has agreed to invest $1.65 billion in the ultra-fast broadband or \u201CUFB\u201D roll-out through to 2019. In 2009 the internet service industry contributed $4.2 billion towards GDP, or 2.3 percent of GDP. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe Boston Consulting Group estimated in 2012 that the internet economy contributed US$2.3 trillion towards the G20 economies in 2010 and projected that it would reach US$4.2 trillion by 2016. It is believed that broadband will deliver $32.8 billion in benefits to New Zealand end-users over the next 20 years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe New Zealand Institute of Economic Research completed a report on the role of the internet in the New Zealand economy in 2012. The report emphasises, and it is quite a long quote but a very important one, that \u201CEconomists see the institutions (\u2018rules of the game\u2019)\u2014such as the legal status of different types of transactions\u2014in an economy, as vital determinants to the way it functions. The structures and frameworks must \u2018suit\u2019 (match and support) the type of economic activities that are taking place. So the wider rules of society such as laws, enforcement provisions, and other policies outside the internet play a role in determining its effect on the level of structural change or innovation in an economy. This suggests that for the internet to maximise its impact, complementary policy and institutional settings need to be correctly set and kept up to date.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EUnder the current legislation, when the contract is accepted by post a rule applies and it means that the contract has been formed as soon as the acceptance was placed in the post. However, this rule does not cover contracts accepted electronically, namely by email. So if someone accepts a job by email, then there is no legal certainty over when that contract was formed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe National-led Government is focused on building a more competitive and productive economy\u2014hence we are rolling out ultra-fast broadband and we are working hard to ensure our public services utilise online services. This bill recognises that we live in an internet age. The Commerce Committee has recommended that the postal acceptance rule be applied to electronic communications. This bill is as simple as that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EI would like to talk a bit about the amendments. Firstly, in the original member\u2019s bill, clause 5, which relates to contract formation, proposed inserting new section 32A, which clearly stated that an offer submitted electronically would be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt of acceptance by the offeror. However, the Commerce Committee felt that this could create a misapprehension that an offer can be deemed to be accepted electronically only at the time of receipt. Therefore, the committee has proposed amending clause 5 by inserting new section 13A, instead of the original section 32A, to clarify that this is by no means a rigid approach but instead a default rule that would allow flexibility. This amendment would ensure that the time of receipt, referred to in section 11 of the Act, would be applied to acceptances of contract offers that are communicated electronically. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe National-led Government is committed to making better online services for New Zealanders. We believe that ultra-fast broadband is vital and that it will promote innovation, create jobs, and grow the New Zealand economy. This is why we are investing $1.65 billion to deliver ultra-fast broadband to 97.8 percent of all New Zealanders by 2025. It will bring us closer to the rest of the world and increase our competitiveness. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThere are now more than 363,000 end-users connected to ultra-fast broadband in New Zealand. The Rural Broadband Initiative has connected over 179,000 rural homes and businesses to fast wireless broadband, and over 2,000 schools are now connected to fibre. Ultra-fast broadband has revolutionised the way that many businesses, schools, health care providers, and communities operate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EThe impact that the internet has on us is far-reaching. It is believed that the changes that the internet has already caused could be the tip of the iceberg. Many types of commercial and social contacts are possible on the web. It is also noted that the internet\u2019s transformational impact is not limited just to who produces what, and how, and where; the internet has already created new wants, and the products and the markets to meet them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000675\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003EFrom day one, National has been firmly focused on the issues that matter to our economy, to our community, and to all New Zealanders: a strong economy, more jobs, better front-line health and education services, a safer New Zealand, and rebuilding Christchurch. We have a Business Growth Agenda with hundreds of initiatives to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022656487fe-e0a2-485c-8dc2-fe61b9aec128\u0022\u003ETo conclude, clear and predictable laws governing commerce are some of the foundations of the success of the modern economy upon which our prosperity depends. Clarity and certainty lead to confidence, and confidence leads to greater investment, so our laws need to be consistently maintained and adapted to respond to changing technologies. This bill tidies up one small area of uncertainty and will go some way to increasing the flow of business. I commend the bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022 data-id=\u0022c031c968cc6147aea9b1e56db800cfc5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000677\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c031c968cc6147aea9b1e56db800cfc5\u0022\u003EKRIS FAAFOI (Labour\u2014Mana):\u003C/span\u003E I know that the country is still basking in the collective glory of our cricket result yesterday and the season that our cricketers had, but what people at home are either listening to or watching tonight is not cricket in two senses. The first sense that this is not cricket in a parliamentary sense is that the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill should not even be being debated on a members\u2019 day. This is one of those bills that the Government puts into the ballot to prevent really, really good bills from this side of the House being debated, so for that reason this bill is a waste of time. The second reason that this debate in the House tonight is not cricket is that the National Party members will take up about an hour of this House\u2019s time explaining one simple thing, the one very small thing that this bill does. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000678\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EThe bill cleans up a piece of legislation that the Government has already amended. This amendment bill went to the Commerce Committee and was actually tidied up by that select committee. When it arrived at the select committee it was rubbish, and then the select committee cleaned it up. This bill does one thing; it does not do all the things that the National Party members are debating tonight about the economy. All it does is clarify a rule about the formation of a contract. The postal rule, which has applied for many, many years, is that if you have a contract offered to you, then that deal is done when the letter is sent\u2014offer and acceptance. In this digital age it is different, so when someone\u2019s server receives the acceptance, that is when the contract is done. That is all that this bill does. That is all it does. And this House has spent time in this House and money\u2014in terms of the select committee process and all of the officials\u2014just to do one small thing. So, on that basis, this bill is a waste of this House\u2019s time. It should have been put through as a Government bill and as part of a Statutes Amendment Bill, and that is why we oppose it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u00225d1f1efaa1684c9fa4de7807c12f2647\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000679\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225d1f1efaa1684c9fa4de7807c12f2647\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE (National\u2014Rangit\u012Bkei):\u003C/span\u003E I was absolutely intrigued to listen to the last person speaking, Kris Faafoi\u2014I suppose that was what he was doing. He did start to talk about something extremely constructive for a moment or two\u2014the cricket, which I thought was going to be really interesting. He wavered off, of course, into something that the Labour Opposition, since I have been in this House, has spent hours and hours and hours doing: wasting the time of this House. I listened to Mr Cosgrove tonight making the same speech that I have heard him make seven times since Christmas. It is beyond me to understand how Mr Faafoi could get up there and accuse this Government of wasting the time of the House, given the record of his associates. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000680\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EAnyway, it is a privilege for me to get up and speak on the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill. I, of course, do not sit on the Commerce Committee and have had no part in the discussion on this bill. I sit on the Primary Production Committee with the guru from the Greens, Steffan Browning, who is very busy over there. The guru from the Greens is constantly on the case of the agricultural sector. I sit on that committee with him and of course we do some very structured stuff in our select committee. We pass the most important bills\u2014bills that keep this country running\u2014like the animal welfare legislation and the Food Bill. Of course, to use one of Mr Cosgrove\u2019s favourite terms, they are pillars of this country\u2019s economy. He talks about the pillars or whatever, does he not? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000681\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EAnyway, I listened to Mr Goldsmith tonight speaking extremely eloquently about this bill. I then listened to Jian speaking about this bill, and in no uncertain terms he outlined the whole process of this bill\u2014the process that it goes through and all of the parameters of it. I thought he did a wonderful job of it and I was impressed with his speech. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000682\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EI am old enough, I guess, to remember a time when a shake of the hands formed a contract. We have come a long way since those days, of course. Now you zap your little card across the top of a machine and it steals your money very quickly. That is what this bill is all about. It is about creating the environment for us to do business quickly, efficiently, and effectively. I cannot help but go back to the Greens and think of the objection they have to bills like this. The amount of time the Greens spend in this House tabling papers\u2014for a party that spends its life trying to preserve our environment, it is beyond me to understand why it would consistently, every day, table more and more trees in this House. I think that is a great shame. For a party that ostensibly supports the environment, for it to be tabling paper after paper in this House seems extraordinary to me. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000683\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223435817b7a634ca8b6ae56109c975c4f\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: What about CO2 emission?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000684\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e04dadb853084e3eab66e98f0a354975\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE\u003C/span\u003E: That is a problem as well, Mr Faafoi. That does create quite significant problems. Actually, I do have the privilege of driving through your electorate of Mana on a regular basis, and I do see there is quite a problem there. I just cannot wait for that road to get built, because that will definitely lower not only the carbon dioxide emissions but a number of other emissions as well, particularly the carbon emissions. From a Wellington perspective, I think once we get that motorway open and operating\u2014and there is now a fly in the Chamber, and I have been here so long it is settling on me. To get that motorway open I think will be quite\u2014in fact, the fly is attacking me\u2014a major bonus for the capital city, and it will certainly help us get down to this most important place. I have got the fly. I have got it\u2014that has solved that problem. So I am very keen to support this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000685\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EI just want to get on to the comments of Mr O\u2019Rourke. Mr O\u2019Rourke believes in policies that uphold public benefits ahead of private interests. That is the statement he makes on his own website. I was very pleased to hear him tonight supporting this bill. For New Zealand First to be supporting this bill through the House with Mr Goldsmith and, of course, the Government, I think is a pretty good effort. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000686\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003ETonight, across the passage from here, we saw people from the Riddet Institute from Massey University, Palmerston North\u2014the electorate of Iain Lees-Galloway. They live on my side of the river. They were in there tonight with some outstanding young scientists. They had six of the very best scientists who specialise, as they do, in food innovation and health. They were talking about things that would make this country a much stronger country. I was most impressed with the activities of the Riddet Institute and the presentations that were made tonight. Without those sorts of people working in this country, practising and putting into place scientific stuff that is hugely important to us, we would not make the progress we need to make in this country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000687\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EOf course, the same thing applies to technology. The Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill deals very much with modern technology\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000688\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022903be5b5f60b47b0b7f6a6cb3d5f2733\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: This is not cricket.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000689\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266211798f2f648e9a47bdc28c95a8ca4\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and the way our society has evolved. Of course, if you really want to get back to that cricket, for those of us who like cricket, the last few days have almost been made in heaven for us. For people who are very keen cricketers, like Mr King here\u2014who, in fact, props up the parliamentary cricket team\u2014the last 3 months have been bliss for us. You just cannot believe that you could have so much success. So thank you, Mr Faafoi, for bringing up the cricket. It has been an extraordinarily successful time for us in New Zealand. Of course, the other thing about sport is that it emotionally prepares you for the dour bits of life. Those of you who participate in this House should play sport on a regular basis because it will encourage good health and make you feel an awful lot better about what goes on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000690\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EI just want to get back to Mr Browning, who is still in the House. I do not think he has listened to one thing that has gone on in this debate tonight. In fact I am sure he has not. I just want to get back to him for a moment, because he does make an interesting contribution to this Parliament and his theories on agriculture are well worth listening to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000691\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EAnyway, to get back to the bill, I heard Dr Jian Yang speak on this bill at length tonight. He talked about the way the bill is structured and the way it works. He talked about some of the history of it and gave me a great background on it, I guess. As I said earlier, I was not on the Commerce Committee, which dealt with this bill, and it certainly educated me as to what these sorts of things do for us. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000692\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EIt is a very interesting place to be, this Parliament, and I think that members\u2019 day, particularly, is an interesting time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000693\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222eb461ffbecf47c68d1962e0972996ee\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: Not cricket.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000694\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e60c5232876460793b8b84a7037aad3\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE\u003C/span\u003E: No. Well, I will get back on to rugby now. Members\u2019 day does give us the opportunity to bring things from our electorates into this House\u2014things that concern us and things that concern us as members of Parliament\u2014and to make a difference as to where we are going in the future, to make a difference as to where the country goes, and to have some little bit of influence on what goes on in our lives on a daily basis. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000695\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EThis Government is committed to producing or creating an environment where we can thrive and do well as a country. It is determined to create an environment that creates less dependence and gives people the ability to make their own way in life and to sort things out for themselves. I think that we have some extremely good policies in place to achieve that. We have taken a great lead in the last 3 years or so, and, certainly in the last 2 years since I have been in this House, we have taken a great lead in a lot of these things. I think we are really creating an environment that will make a huge difference to the future of this country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000696\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EWe have listened to a number of speakers tonight on this bill. Most of them spoke for a very short time, which I find absolutely ironic given the amount of stuff we have had to listen to from the other side of the House over the 2 years since I have been here. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to support this bill. I want to congratulate Paul Goldsmith once again on navigating this bill through the select committee stage and getting it into the House and through its second reading in one piece. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u0022824a8c98b93843b8857572d4a875d5f2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000697\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022824a8c98b93843b8857572d4a875d5f2\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I am advised that this is not a split call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022 data-id=\u00226c83add679b34add8af294e09466b2a3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000698\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226c83add679b34add8af294e09466b2a3\u0022\u003ECAROL BEAUMONT (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E As my colleagues have said, Labour is opposing the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill. This is just a waste-of-time bill designed to clog up the member\u2019s bill ballot process. If it was meaningful, it should have been part of a Government bill designed to deal with e-commerce matters. If it is a very minor thing, as it is, it should have been part of a Statutes Amendment Bill. For those reasons, Labour is opposing this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022 data-id=\u00227d5087d1304d4ed6b0d209bdc72e5492\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000699\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227d5087d1304d4ed6b0d209bdc72e5492\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National):\u003C/span\u003E It is my privilege to stand in support of this bill. This bill, the Electronic Transactions (Contract Formation) Amendment Bill, is an excellent piece of work done by my colleague Paul Goldsmith. The purpose of this bill is to provide some much-needed clarity on contracts and agreements that are accepted electronically or online. As more and more organisations look to offer their services online, it is only natural that the legal agreement that two parties sign may well be signed electronically. Therefore, it is imperative that the law is clear on such contracts and agreements so that the consumer is protected and the party offering the services is aware of its legal obligations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000700\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EThis National Government has always said that clear and predictable laws are the foundation for any modern economy to succeed. Furthermore, it is no secret that markets prefer clarity and certainty from the Government in order to work with confidence and also to ensure that all parties to the transaction benefit. I congratulate my colleague Paul Goldsmith on introducing this bill and providing consumers and the market with certainty. This no doubt will increase the flow of business and make it easier for consumers to avail themselves of services. This will also attract more investment in different sectors with the clarity of this electronic contracts bill. The bill also fits in with the Government\u2019s agenda for making public services more efficient. We have, for instance, initiated electronic passport renewal services, electronic applications with Work and Income New Zealand, filing one\u2019s tax return online, and renewing one\u2019s worker licence online, among a number of initiatives to make life for New Zealand consumers easy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000701\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EWe are also working proactively on providing ultra-fast broadband to all New Zealanders. This will no doubt revolutionise the way many businesses, schools, health care providers, and communities operate. It will also overcome the tyranny of distance from the rest of the world, and new applications and ways of doing things will be developed. The latest quarterly report on the Government\u2019s ultra-fast broadband and rural broadband programme shows fibre roll-out to a further 4,630 end-users across New Zealand during the 3 months to 31 December 2013. This means that more than 363,000 end-users are now able to connect to ultra-fast broadband networks across New Zealand. This means that 27 percent of the project has been completed. Further, fast broadband will provide prompt, innovative, and creative services to the consumer. It will also create new jobs and grow the economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000702\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EI would like to touch on the bill regarding the time of communication of acceptance of offer. Clause 5 of the bill relates to contract formation, and, as introduced, it proposed inserting new section 32A to \u201Cexplicitly state that an offer submitted electronically would be deemed to be accepted at the time of receipt of the acceptance by the offeror. \u2026 this could create a misapprehension that a \u2018hard-wired\u2019 rule applies; that an offer can be deemed to be accepted electronically \u2018only at the time of receipt\u2019.\u201D The committee proposed amending clause 5 to insert new section 13A into the Act instead of new section 32A \u201Cto make it clear that this is a default rule instead of a rigid approach from which the parties would be unable to contract out.\u201D A new section 13A(1) would ensure that the bill achieves its intended effect. Section 11 of the Electronic Transactions Act establishes the time an electronic communication is taken to be received. The amendment would make it clear that the time of receipt referred to under section 11 of the Act also applies to the acceptance of contract offers that are communicated electronically. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000703\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EThe Commerce Committee received nine submissions and heard two submissions in person. The committee recommended that the bill be passed with amendments. The committee reported: \u201CThe bill seeks to amend the Electronic Transactions Act 2002 to clarify in legislation the time at which a contract is formed when the acceptance of the offer is communicated electronically. Contracts are generally understood to be formed at the time that the acceptance is communicated to the offeror. An exception emerged in Adams v Lindsell; the \u2018postal acceptance rule\u2019 deems, for offers accepted by post, that a contract is formed at the time at which the acceptance was posted. Whether this rule could be extended to contract acceptances communicated electronically has not been tested in the courts. However, if the \u2018postal acceptance rule\u2019 were used in an argument relating to electronic communication, the bill would ensure that the general rule of contract acceptance applied.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000704\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EIt is the intention of this Government to provide better public services to New Zealanders, and we have set a target of having an average of 70 percent of New Zealanders\u2019 most common transactions with Government being completed in a digital environment by 2017. Ten transactions are being used to make progress towards the 70 percent uptake online. Renewal of adult passports\u2014more than 125,000 people have renewed their passports online since the launch of online adult passport renewals in November 2012. Other transactions include applying for a visa; applying for financial assistance to the Ministry of Social Development; applying for an Inland Revenue Department number; paying individual taxes; filing individual returns; paying fines like speeding tickets or any other tickets issued by the police, which can be paid online; and paying a vehicle licence with the New Zealand Transport Agency. The experience of SmartGate for air travellers is a unique one. It is very convenient that you can just go to the SmartGate and you are processed without any hesitation. This has really brought New Zealand into the category of countries that have got modern technology available for their people travelling overseas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000705\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EThis Government wants to make sure that people have got all those facilities that they need in this modern world, and we are committed to the development of this economy. We are proud of what this Government has done so far, and we hope that we continue to grow this. I am really proud to be part of this Government, led by the Rt Hon John Key, who has ensured that in the past 5 years the economy has got back on track. When we received the economy in 2008 it was in a real shambles. We are proud that we have really made progress, and we hope to continue doing this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000706\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278a76350ef084aeb837663f6c621579f\u0022\u003EKris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: Now he\u2019s ad libbing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000707\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c29eaba61a73461599caa038d002a42c\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry? I hope that this continues for 5 more years, and we will make this country the top country in the OECD. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id201402193f916f0ec2a44c819c38dfd9953d8456000709\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003ESitting suspended from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Thursday)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e2a5ec2b2f6e4d6ea549b47be3f3fa7f\u0022\u003EWednesday, 19 February 2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000002\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002278e4e0a6006d4b44a79568af7bcc9352\u0022\u003E(continued on Thursday, 20 February 2014)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c80f9594f4a14810a51de510a08dc4f2\u0022\u003EBusiness of the House\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d29ba88f0f714338b9d647428ed725fd\u0022\u003EBusiness of the House\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u002295e67e359f6b420f8ea1701f84506901\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002295e67e359f6b420f8ea1701f84506901\u0022\u003EHon GERRY BROWNLEE (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E There are somewhat unusual circumstances prevailing here in Wellington this morning with the airport being closed. As you will be aware, the Business Committee had enabled select committees to sit outside of Wellington yesterday. Those members are having difficulty getting back. Most important, one of those committees is the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. There might have been an expectation, quite reasonably, that many of those members would be speaking to the bills that are before the House this morning. What I would like to point out is that whilst select committees continue to operate this morning here in Parliament, over two-thirds of Cabinet are present in the House, as well as senior members of the Opposition. They are filling those benches while Parliament\u2019s committees continue to operate in difficult circumstances. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EI thought it was worth making a comment about that so that there was no feeling that these bills were of lesser importance to those people who worked very, very hard on them. I am sure the contributions from all this morning will reflect the fact that Parliament has considered very favourably the intention of these bills.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022 data-id=\u0022db46baaf9be7488b944c457c302cc875\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f4112fc5-c53f-4aa9-bf6d-5a05ce6252cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022db46baaf9be7488b944c457c302cc875\u0022\u003EMr DEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leader of the House, Gerry Brownlee, your explanation is most helpful. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c7e55ee175db4b4f912366d95cafaea9\u0022\u003ETe Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e8e23cd9399f4411a02bcdf9f2c6c3ce\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022 data-id=\u00226953807b904c4d3b865165f064b00d2b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226953807b904c4d3b865165f064b00d2b\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time. This omnibus bill represents the culmination of a huge amount of work over many years by some very dedicated people. The bill is going to give effect to eight deeds of settlement that seek to remedy the wrongs of the past and set a foundation for eight iwi at the top of the South Island to thrive into the future. Ng\u0101ti Apa, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama, Te \u0100tiawa, and Ngati Toa Rangatira are the eight iwi whose claims are going to be settled through this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EI want to say something about the historical claims of the iwi. They relate to events at the top of the South Island, the prow of M\u0101ui\u2019s waka. In legend, from this waka M\u0101ui and his brothers raised the great fish\u2014that is, the North Island\u2014from the depths of the Pacific. With all remaining South Island historical Treaty claims settled through this very bill, I am sure that we as a country will be in a strong position to pull that sluggardly large fish, the North Island, to a similar position. In that regard, I thank the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee for the tremendous work it did yesterday on the T\u016Bhoe bill in the North Island. I acknowledge Mr Tirikatene, who, to quote the lyrics of the old song, \u201Cdrove all night\u201D so that he can be here for the hearing today\u2014the debate. I forget I am not in court any more! This bill is a strong step in the direction of settling all historical Treaty claims in New Zealand. The progress of the bill is indeed long awaited for the eight iwi concerned, but also for New Zealand as a whole. I encourage the House to support this bill today and the four individual bills it will split into for the third reading. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003ETe Tau Ihu, at the helm of the waka, was the setting chosen for one of New Zealand\u2019s earliest settlements for migrants coming out from England. Nelson was seen as an ideal place for those from England to start afresh and to find a place to set their feet. In the course of this stage of our country\u2019s development, we saw eight iwi lose access to their land, so it is time to again start afresh through this bill. Te Tau Ihu was also the setting, in the Wairau Valley, for one of New Zealand\u2019s most infamous violent conflicts between M\u0101ori, who were attempting to preserve their land ownership, and P\u0101keh\u0101. It is indeed unfortunate that large tracts of M\u0101ori land in Te Tau Ihu are today locked into inert forms of land ownership. Te Reo is not widely spoken Younger generations do not have the connection to the whenua that their ancestors had, and M\u0101ori do not have the representation in decision making for their region that they should. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EAs I often say when I get these speeches, it is not possible to fully compensate iwi, or, indeed, any claimant group, for the loss their people have suffered. The redress in this bill seeks to recognise the long-standing cultural and spiritual association the iwi had with places in which they resided in the 18th century but where they have since incurred substantial land loss and disenfranchisement. The bill provides a platform for the iwi to establish a strong position into the future and to rebuild a relationship of dignity with the Crown. The omnibus bill will also settle the historical Treaty claims of Ngati Toa Rangatira, across the Cook Strait to the lower North Island, and, very importantly, is going to recognise the relationship between Ngati Toa Rangatira and the \u201CKa Mate! Ka Mate!\u201D haka. The redress package acknowledges that Ngati Toa Rangatira lost land in the Porirua and K\u0101piti area, as epitomised by the case of W\u012B P\u0101rata and the Bishop of Wellington. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003ENegotiations between the iwi have been long and, at times, difficult. They were difficult because of the highly overlapped nature of interest in claims in this area. As such, a novel approach was taken whereby all eight iwi progressed to a final redress package concurrently. Not only did they individually have to negotiate with the Crown but also they had to work through the differing views with other iwi. So I am very grateful to the members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee who have considered this bill, having invited public submissions on it. They heard submitters in Wellington, and they travelled to Blenheim and to Nelson to hear from submitters, such is their commitment. I thank the committee in the context of the handful of other Treaty settlement bills soon to be referred to it on the back of this one. I acknowledge the time that the committee spends on these bills, and, once again, say that the committee has done an excellent job. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EThe committee received 36 submissions. It has examined the bill and has proposed amendments with the endorsement of the Crown and the iwi concerned. The first amendment is a statutory release from liability in favour of Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama, and Te \u0100tiawa in relation to Puket\u0101wai, a cultural redress site they will receive as part of their settlement. The second amendment is the refinement of a section of the \u201CKa Mate! Ka Mate!\u201D haka\u2019s attribution. This refinement clarifies the exclusion for educational purposes from the attribution right in favour of Ngati Toa Rangatira over the \u201CKa Mate! Ka Mate!\u201D haka. I will say a lot more about that particular form of redress, which is novel and very, very important, when we come to the third reading. Other amendments are minor and technical in nature. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022 data-id=\u0022438575fc8d33427db71bebb0a62de4a0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022438575fc8d33427db71bebb0a62de4a0\u0022\u003ERINO TIRIKATENE (Labour\u2014Te Tai Tonga):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Deputy Speaker. Tuatahi, me mihi atu ki a koutou e ng\u0101 iwi o Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka, naumai. Haere mai ki te Whare Paremata e takat\u016B nei. He r\u0101 whakahirahira t\u0113nei. Huri noa, e aku rangatira, e te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, \u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. In the first instance, I acknowledge you, the tribes of the Prow of the Canoe, welcome. Welcome to Parliament House, waiting here in readiness. This is an important day. So salutations to you collectively my esteemed leaders throughout and to the House, greetings and acknowledgements to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI am delighted to be here in this House this morning to speak at the second reading of the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill. Not fog, nor thunder, nor rain, nor any other type of weather that Tawhirimatea could throw at me would hold me back from being here in the House this morning. [Interruption] It may have held Tau back but not me. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI am delighted to speak in support of this bill. As you can see, this bill is some 480-plus pages long. It is a voluminous bill. It is a very significant bill. It settles the claims of all of the tribes of Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a M\u0101ui. Rangit\u0101ne, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Ng\u0101ti Apa, Te \u0100tiawa, Ng\u0101ti Tama, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, and Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data are all resident in Te Tau Ihu, and Ngati Toa Rangatira of Porirua also has shared interests and propriety rights in the south as well as in Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara. So it is a significant bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI am very proud to have been a member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. We met on several occasions to hear public submissions on this bill. As is always the case with every submissions hearing that I have sat through, there are those who are in support of the bill and there are those who are against. Those who are for are generally those who have done the hard mahi, the hard graft, to actually bring this bill into fruition, and they are generally satisfied and want to hurry its passage through because the work has been done. Unfortunately, some of the submissions are against, and, obviously, they voice their opposition quite strongly. We heard some strong opposition from certain submitters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EJust to canvass a range of the issues that we covered at the select committee\u2014and I am selecting only a few because it is such a huge piece of legislation and it spans such a wide geographic area and numerous iwi and waka groups\u2014we heard submissions from the Port Nicholson Block and Te \u0100tiawa against Ng\u0101ti Toa regarding redress in central Wellington and also Ng\u0101ti Toa\u2019s interest in Taputeranga Island in Island Bay. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EThe issue of that police station is a complex argument between the tribes, the negotiators, and the lawyers. There was eleventh-hour legal action, as we know, by Te \u0100tiawa, and that led to some frustrating delays. But, at the end of the day, Ng\u0101ti Toa\u2019s presence on the south-west coast is acknowledged by Te \u0100tiawa. It is not so accommodating when it comes to Taputeranga, but it seems that, unfortunately, these actions really go back to the Crown, because previous negotiators with the Port Nicholson Block claim have some explaining to do. They have some explaining to do just in the way that it created a quite messy issue that was not available during previous negotiations, but then there was a way forward when Ng\u0101ti Toa came to negotiate. That has been acknowledged, and that was an impasse that was created by the Crown in terms of the negotiations on those respective claims. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EAt the hearings in the South Island we heard from all the iwi, all very much supportive of the negotiation process. But it is very true that more recompense should have been available under these settlements, and that was very much a strong thrust of the submissions from the iwi. But he aha\u2014they are willing to get the deal done and make sure they can move forward, and I do mihi to them and acknowledge them for that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EIn the south we heard from P\u0101keh\u0101 families\u2014for instance, around the Tuamarina area\u2014who are associated with that site, regarding public land and reserves being transferred over to Ng\u0101ti Toa. These P\u0101keh\u0101 families are some of the descendants of the settlers who took part in what has become known as the Wairau incident. These people felt that no change was necessary, and they were unhappy with the statutory role Ng\u0101ti Toa will play in the administration of that reserve. But the Wairau Valley and that incident involving Ng\u0101ti Toa and the settlers is a very important footnote in the history of both the settlers and Ng\u0101ti Toa. I think it has been dealt with appropriately through recognition. Ultimately, these matters will require an ongoing relationship being formed between the iwi and the actual resident groups, the people, at Tuamarina. We can only encourage that taking place, and it will take place into the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EStill in Wairau, there was a P\u0101keh\u0101 family by the name of Fairhall, who asked for the return of some land that was acquired under the Public Works Act to build the Woodbourne air force base. This land has been earmarked by the Crown to use in the Treaty claim settlement negotiations. The family say it is at their expense, and they have recently gone to the High Court, I understand, for a judicial review on that particular matter. But just as the Public Works Act has been a taniwha for many a M\u0101ori wh\u0101nau or hap\u016B right throughout the country, it was interesting that it applies not only to M\u0101ori but also to P\u0101keh\u0101 families. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EThere were many other submissions from various other hap\u016B, and I am thinking internally within the Rangit\u0101ne. Of significance, I think, were the submissions in relation to the Wakat\u016B Incorporation and other historical land entities within the top of the South Island area\u2014Nelson, Wairau\u2014and their assertion that their rights have been overridden through these settlements. My only comment to that is that, ultimately, these settlements are about the iwi working together, as the Crown has done on a regional grouping basis, and, ultimately\u2014ultimately\u2014the outcome that has been achieved through this legislation benefits all of the iwi members in Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a M\u0101ui, whether or not they are shareholders in Wakat\u016B Incorporation, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua-\u0100tiawa Iwi Trust, Wellington Tenths Trust, or other historical land entities and incorporations. This is an iwi-wide settlement and the iwis have gone through a tremendously long process to establish themselves and to get to this point, and, ultimately, all of the wh\u0101nau benefit because they are all members of the iwi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EThat is the only way I can really address the mamae of certain wh\u0101nau. There is mamae right across all the wh\u0101nau of Te Tau Ihu. You can never really adequately address it, but this is an iwi-wide settlement, and the eight iwi who have participated have done so in good faith. Even though there has been opposition from corporate organisations like the Wakat\u016B Incorporation, the iwi have stood strong and that has prevailed, and we tautoko it here through at the second reading as this bill continues its passage. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EOne of the sadder parts of the submissions around this bill was the number of those who were totally opposed to the Treaty settlement process. You know, some made some very racist accusations towards the iwi, towards M\u0101ori. In particular, they were accusing certain rangatira of being murderers of both M\u0101ori and P\u0101keh\u0101. Look, it is not for me to go over all of the history. What we are trying to do here is not only acknowledge that history but also ensure that the Crown properly recognises the injustice and the grievances of these iwi and settles them so they can all move forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EWe heard a few of these submitters. They do not believe that the Crown ever breached the Treaty\u2014they probably do not even believe in the Treaty. Clearly, their thinking is wrong, but it is a sad indictment that there are still intractable parts of society who believe that M\u0101ori deserve nothing from the Crown. Some of the letters that were received are quite openly hostile along those lines. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EBe that as it may, we heard a range of submissions, but, I think, under the guidance of our chair, the committee considered everything\u2014all the submitters\u2014and we are very pleased with the outcome that we have come to. I look forward to awhi the further passage of this bill through the House, and I commend it to the House. Kia ora t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022 data-id=\u0022de96053723ca44e392c82a02090ba7bf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022de96053723ca44e392c82a02090ba7bf\u0022\u003EHon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E The Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill will be the most important piece of legislation for my community of Nelson in the term of this Parliament. I want to recognise Ng\u0101ti Apa, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Rangit\u0101ne, Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama, Te \u0100tiawa, and Ng\u0101ti Toa representatives in the gallery and many of their elders who started this claims process but have since passed on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003EI also want to recognise Chris Finlayson for the outstanding pace that he has put on to the Treaty settlement process, which for us South Islanders gives the very real prospect that in the term of this Parliament all Treaty claims in the South Island will be settled with this bill. The lifting of that cloud of claims over the South Island, with the very substantive Ng\u0101i Tahu settlement as well as these claims, is a huge step forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003EWhen I attended Waitangi Day at the Whakat\u016B Marae this year, the first thing that was notable for me, as one who has been there over many years, was the record number of people who were there, and rather than an atmosphere of almost shame, there was an atmosphere of pride. The story of Treaty settlements associated with not just this settlement but those that are being achieved New Zealand - wide is showing a maturing of our nation and an acknowledgment of things in our history that were not right. And in terms of settlements of this sort, that really offers huge hope for communities like mine in Nelson. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003EThe previous speaker, Rino Tirikatene, noted that there are a few grumbles around the edges, and there are elements of my community\u2014I too get the letters of the grumpies who oppose this process. I assure my colleague opposite that they are an increasingly small minority and, actually, the broader mood of the Nelson P\u0101keh\u0101 community is one of really looking forward to this work being completed, to these settlements being resolved, and for our top of the south community to be able to celebrate the success and the partnership with M\u0101ori, their success in the economic world, and their greater involvement in many of the public lands that are in our areas. Also, in terms of the economic significance of the scale of the settlement and the way in which, actually\u2014let us be honest\u2014this money is more likely to stay in our community, with the very long history of each of these iwi and the way in which they will move forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e978865e-57e5-41d6-a7f6-b49daae78630\u0022\u003ECan I acknowledge the work of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. I mainly actually want to acknowledge the huge patience, the determination, the hard work that have gone in by iwi to get us to this point. I look forward to the point where this bill goes through its third reading and when Nelson and the entire South Island can move forward from the period of grievance over these Treaty breaches and look forward to a far more prosperous and optimistic future for the top of the south. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u002283bdfd1785174610aad29613784fb084\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002283bdfd1785174610aad29613784fb084\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour\u2014Hauraki-Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E It gives me great pleasure to be able to contribute to the second reading of the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill. I recognise the huge amount of effort and commitment that has gone in to reaching this point by all those negotiators and advisers and acknowledge all those people who have participated throughout the whole process to ensure the result we have here today, which is a cluster of settlements tasked with taking the people in Te Tau Ihu forward. I want to also make an acknowledgment of my friend and colleague Maryan Street, who was at those same Waitangi Day celebrations at the marae that the Hon Nick Smith referred to. One of the things that she said to me in our conversation was that it was a brilliant day because everybody from the whole community came on to the marae and had a place where they all felt they belonged. Is that not a great testament to the progress that Treaty settlements can make for all New Zealanders in terms of shaping our national identity within communities throughout New Zealand? That is what Te Tau Ihu and the group of iwi in those claims groups are able to achieve. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EWhen we went down to Nelson to listen to the submissions, we understood how acute some of the local issues are for those iwi. We understood that despite some of the tense points of negotiation and some of the internal factions that occurred, it had taken place over a long period of time. So anyone listening to this debate today should have the confidence that this has not happened all of a sudden. It has happened because there has been a lot of work and effort put in to reconciling issues within each respective iwi and trying to progress a settlement for the greater interests of those iwi members. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EOne of the things that always vexed the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee is the issue of mandate, so I thought it would be useful to actually go through the ratification of the deeds of settlement of each respective iwi involved in the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill so that people can see that the rate of participation and the level of confirmation of the deeds of settlement were quite healthy. We should be encouraged by that. Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu had a 40 percent participation rate in the ratification of its deed of settlement and an approval rate of 100 percent. It had very few invalid votes. Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua had a 28 percent participation rate and a 99 percent approval rate. Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data had a 25 percent participation rate of its tribal members in ratifying its deed and a 98 percent approval rate. Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui had a 28 percent participation rate and a 92 percent approval rate. Ngati Toa Rangatira had a 26.2 percent participation rate and a 98.7 percent approval rate. Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau had a 34 percent participation rate and a 98 percent approval rate. Ng\u0101ti Kuia had a 34 percent participation rate and a 99 percent approval rate. Ng\u0101ti Apa ki Te R\u0101 T\u014D had a 32 percent participation rate and a 99 percent approval rate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI guess in percentage rates people might think 20 percent or 30 percent is not much, but when you look at the scale of Treaty settlements across the board, they range from something like 18 percent to around about 52 percent at the highest level, from what I can observe. So we can see that the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill is somewhere in the middle. We should have a level of confidence that a lot of work has gone in to ensuring that the broadest possible net of securing greater participation in the decision-making process has happened. Mandate is a key issue in the Treaty settlement discussion, and it certainly became a point of criticism, I guess, for those people who did not support it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EBut we must, in fairness, go to some of the submissions that were put before the select committee. I want to ask the House to look at the key amendment that the select committee raised. That was in relation to the Puket\u0101wai site. One of the things that tasked our minds around getting that particular amendment was actually agreeing with submitters that they should not be inheriting a liability. So we have amended the bill to insert new clause 277A to ensure that the liability on that landfill site does not transfer to the new owners. Why that is so important is because previously it was, to my understanding, in the hands of local government, and it is not fully disclosed what level of contamination exists on that site. We sought advice from officials. The Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations certainly heard the plea of the select committee to reconsider this particular aspect, and, thankfully, we were able to achieve an amendment to make it very clear that no liability was to transfer from this closed landfill site. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI think that is a gain in terms of the value of the select committee and what it contributes to the process. It is also a gain because the iwi are much more confident in terms of taking back land where there may be an undisclosed liability that they will not have to pay for the cost of clean-up. In terms of the Woodbourne airbase, we did, as my colleague Rino Tirikatene has said, get a fair amount of concern around the return of this land and it not going back to private landowners. However, we recommended no change to the bill, because it is an airbase site, it is a defence site, and it will continue to be that. There was no indication, when the select committee pursued the interests of people who objected to the clause, that the site would no longer be used for a defence site, so we thought that, actually, the provision in the bill can stay the same. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EIn terms of Wakat\u016B, this is another area where the Wakat\u016B Incorporation put its interests before the select committee and said that some of the private shareholding interests underneath its purview would be significantly affected by terms in the bill. Our mind was tasked around two particular things\u2014firstly, the cluster of Te Tau Ihu claimants actually did originally include members who were advocating for Wakat\u016B, and some way through the process, if I recollect the discussion, those interests had fallen away from continuing with the negotiation. The second key point was that this is an iwi settlement; this is not a private shareholder settlement. The fundamental difference is that some of the shareholders of Wakat\u016B are not members of the iwi who will benefit from the settlement. So we kind of teased that out and got ourselves sufficiently comfortable with the fact that the clause protecting or preserving the legal interests that currently exists in the bill covers off all the concerns that Wakat\u016B were concerned about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EBut can I put on the record, because we wanted to make absolutely sure, that we sought advice from both the Office of Treaty Settlements and the Crown Law Office in terms of that significant submission. I will read the advice that we got back from the Crown Law Office for the benefit of those who are listening and are interested in the debate. It says: \u201CThe current orthodox position is that the Treaty of Waitangi does not give rise to directly enforceable legal obligations without specific statutory authority. In the Wakat\u016B proceedings the claims are based around the same factual grievances that are the subject of the settlement, but primarily raise private law claims based in trust and fiduciary duty, not based on the Treaty breach. The ability to prosecute certain private law claims raised in Wakat\u016B may be impacted by extinguishment provisions of the Tainui Taranaki Treaty settlements and their extinguishment clause, unless expressly preserved. Crown Law advice was sought on this matter and ultimately, it was considered \u2026 improper to obstruct the final determination in the appellate courts. Legislative drafting was developed to specifically apply a preservation clause only to the current litigation and specific parties to that litigation.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI have read that quote for the benefit of Tainui Taranaki so that they are clear in terms of the way in which the select committee approached this issue and reconfirmed that the bill should not be changed in this regard. This is the second reading. Hopefully, in the third reading of the bill every member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, who I know would want to speak on this, will be able to make a contribution and acknowledge the hard work and effort of all those negotiators of Te Tau Ihi who have brought this bill to the House to be considered. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022 data-id=\u00223dc99f5386c44991926b1192822d9ac3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223dc99f5386c44991926b1192822d9ac3\u0022\u003EDENISE ROCHE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Deputy Speaker. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa e te Whare. E ng\u0101 iwi e huihui nei, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Greetings to you all in the House. To the tribes assembled here, salutations, acknowledgments, and greetings.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI just want to acknowledge, before I start, the people who are in the gallery today, ng\u0101 tangata o Te Tau Ihu te r\u0101. They are: Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Ng\u0101ti Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, and Ngati Toa Rangatira. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI acknowledge that the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill is complex, covering eight deeds of settlement for breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for historical grievances, and that it offers some redress for those breaches. The bill also covers the intellectual property issue of the haka \u201CKa Mate! Ka Mate!\u201D and acknowledges Ngati Toa Rangatira Te Rauparaha as the composer of this iconic haka. In the next part of the parliamentary process this bill will be split up into separate Acts. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI said in my first reading speech that it is a privilege to rise to speak on this bill, and I reiterate that. The Treaty settlements have such a wide-ranging impact on so many people, and to understand the significance of that is to feel the weight of the respective histories as a very tangible thing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI have to confess to the iwi that this is the first time I have sat on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee to hear submissions. I am struck by how very different it is from my other committee, the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee. It is very collaborative, with the interests of the Treaty settlements at heart. I am very glad that I did get to the top of the south\u2014Te Tau Ihu\u2014to hear firsthand from the people affected by these settlements. I do read the written submissions, of course, but to actually hear what the people say while they are in their own rohe, on the whenua, about how these settlements will affect them is very powerful. I do believe that the submissions process helps us as politicians to understand the settlements so much better. So for all those who have submitted or who have ever made a submission in any type of democratic process, take heart. It does make a difference. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIt is also good to hear the arguments directly from those who oppose the bill, and I want to take time to acknowledge them\u2014in particular, Ng\u0101ti Rangit\u0101ne o Kaituna, who presented to the select committee in Blenheim. The select committee report back to the House refers to decisions of the Waitangi Tribunal in 2003 that said that there was no distinction in whakapapa for Ng\u0101ti Rangit\u0101ne o Kaituna and that, effectively, Ng\u0101ti Rangit\u0101ne o Kaituna must sort things out with Ng\u0101ti Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau. I guess this is where the Greens\u2019 position on the Treaty settlement process is made apparent. Our position, and I stated it in the first reading, is that we reject that these Treaty settlement bills are full and final, regardless of what they say. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EOne reason for that is that the Crown determines whom it will and will not negotiate with, and our concern is that it can perpetuate further grievances by pitting M\u0101ori against M\u0101ori and hap\u016B against hap\u016B. This has happened before. The Crown has refused to acknowledge the status of iwi and they have had to fight tooth and nail for recognition, and several of the Treaty settlements in recent times outline these struggles. It is the Crown, then, that draws the line in the sand and says: \u201CWe will talk to only these people, and only if they have been there since a certain date.\u201D That explains one submission that was in opposition to the Ngati Toa Rangatira redress in the Wellington area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EOur unease is probably best summed up by this bit from Chris Matenga Webber, who submitted on behalf of the descendants of Te Rangi H\u012Broa from K\u0101piti, who had their own Treaty of Waitangi claims lodged. He wrote: \u201CMembers of Te Rangihiroa and other family lines have expressed concerns that [the Te Tau Ihu] settlement does not cause further harm within and between the iwi and have sought for opportunity to resolve [matters]. Concern remains around the non return of lands, government manipulation of tribal and political landscape and imposition of models and agreements which further cement that status of tangata whenua as subservient whilst the Crown strengthens the inequality of its relative position.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI note that in the Tasman District the Wakat\u016B Incorporation had a similar concern, as well as concerns that these settlements would impact on its ability to settle its own property claims. But we have heard in great detail from the Hon Nanaia Mahuta the legal position of that and how we sought legal advice. Basically, to sum it up, because the Crown will not negotiate with an incorporation, it negotiates with iwi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge that I realise that there will always be competing interests. Iwi so often share common ancestors and whakapapa to the same areas and, quite simply, have had boundaries around their rohe that have stretched and reduced over time and that overlap. So I note that in this bill, in some areas of redress like the Puket\u0101wai cultural redress site, the land is jointly vested. Here it is vested in three iwi: Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki te Tonga, and Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui. This redress property is another example of the generosity of iwi in these Treaty settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe report back to the House says that this bill needs to make sure that with the vesting of Puket\u0101wai with iwi, they not be liable for the economic or environmental liabilities that result from the closed landfill that is also on this land. Iwi in this area lost thousands and thousands of hectares of land, and they get a tiny proportion back. In this case, with Puket\u0101wai, it includes a closed landfill. That must be a metaphor for something, but I do not know what. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the generosity of the iwi who have had land returned to them that they have then given back to the Crown for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D, for example, will be receiving and returning the alpine tarns in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Again, that iwi, with Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Waipounamu, and Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui, will have Te Tai Tapu in the North-west Nelson Forest Park vested in them, but will return it to the Crown after a week. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe commercial redress in these settlements offers the chance for iwi to start to rebuild their economic base. The cultural redress is an acknowledgment and restoration of the status of the iwi in relation to their land and their resources and of their role as tangata whenua and kaitiaki. The renaming of certain sites back to their original names is important in telling the history of the area from a M\u0101ori perspective, and again it addresses the tangata whenua status of iwi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI want to recognise the fact that these settlements do not just drop out of the air, that it takes years and years of work. These bill readings and the submission process are the culmination of a huge collective effort over generations. I also want to acknowledge that these settlements are hard fought for and hard-won and that their success should be celebrated. I look forward to the third reading and the enactment of these settlements. I will be supporting this bill. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ae94eea7-ba5f-4303-bf71-49e708bc9888\u0022 data-id=\u0022bf78772a98cd473d959d36e3093de52e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ae94eea7-ba5f-4303-bf71-49e708bc9888\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bf78772a98cd473d959d36e3093de52e\u0022\u003EJOHN HAYES (National\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, everybody. I would particularly like to congratulate our Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Christopher Finlayson, who has done a fantastic job in making progress on completing final and durable settlements for these Treaty of Waitangi claims. I hope that the people of Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu in my electorate of Wairarapa are watching their televisions screens this morning, listening to their radios, and watching this progress. One thing about the Treaty process here this morning is that my own iwi are behind the game, because for the last 8 years we have not got into the same space as the good people of Te Tau Ihu. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ae94eea7-ba5f-4303-bf71-49e708bc9888\u0022\u003EWhen the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill enacts the final settlements in the South Island, finishing the work that was begun by the National Government in the 1990s with Ng\u0101i Tahu, the settlement will recognise the rights and wrongs of the past and, I hope, strengthen the partnership between the Crown and M\u0101ori and, as well, between all people in New Zealand, irrespective of their ethnicity, their background, and their path to this country. I think that the main benefit, which is why I want to see progress also in the Wairarapa electorate, is that the settlements will allow iwi to unlock their economic potential and boost regional and provincial areas, in keeping with the Government\u2019s policy of building a more productive and competitive economy. This is a very good bill. I congratulate not only the Minister but also the Treaty negotiators, the Government\u2019s negotiators, and all the people who were involved in coming to this very momentous occasion through this legislation in the House today. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u002200e7a93413014040a39e295eed95c02b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002200e7a93413014040a39e295eed95c02b\u0022\u003EMEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E E ng\u0101 iwi o t\u0113nei ker\u0113me, ng\u0101 iwi o Te Tau Ihu, nau mai, nau mai, haere mai. Haere mai ki t\u0113nei Whare, ki t\u014D Whare, ki t\u014D t\u0101tou Whare, Te Whare P\u0101remata o Aotearoa. N\u014D reira, \u014Dku rangatira, kui m\u0101, koro m\u0101, kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E[To the people of this claim, Te Tau Ihu, welcome, welcome, welcome. Welcome to this House, to your House and ours, Parliament House of New Zealand. So to my esteemed chiefs, elder women and menfolk, I greet, acknowledge, and salute you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI join with all members of this House in supporting the second reading of Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill. Labour believes in building a future for all. Labour believes in having an economy that works for all New Zealanders. Labour believes in having a fair and just society, where all live in dignity. Labour believes in having an environment we protect and a nation we can be proud of. In the second reading of this bill, I believe that ng\u0101 iwi o Te Tau Ihu will be able to build that very future for their own. They will be able to build an economy that works not only for their people but for all New Zealanders. Ng\u0101 iwi o Te Tau Ihu will also be able to build a fair and just society, where their own people and others will live in dignity, and I believe they will build an environment that they will protect. Finally, I believe wholeheartedly that ng\u0101 iwi o Te Tau Ihu will build a nation that they can be proud of. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI stand in consolidation with all members of this House in supporting this important bill, Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill. Can I acknowledge the efforts and role of the negotiators, the role of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, the Hon Chris Finlayson, and, of course, the role of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee for its work throughout the select committee process, both down in Nelson and also here in Wellington. Obviously, in a joined up or large settlement such as this there are a lot of compromises and challenges that go on behind the scenes to get it to this stage, so it is with a lot of, I guess, personal experience, having been a mandated negotiator for the Rongowhakaata claim, that I know that that is not often an easy challenge to overcome. Often, our people are forced in terms of time and, of course, resources, but the way in which I believe that the people of Te Tau Ihu, the iwi of Te Tau Ihu, have shown the humility, the dignity, the patience, and the perseverance to get us here\u2014I believe that what I see in front of us in the second reading of this bill is an acknowledgment of all those combined efforts and commitments. So, again, I join in celebrating this bill in its second reading. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ETo the bill itself. Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill is an omnibus bill. It comprises four components, three of which are claims settlement bills that seek to give effect to the deeds of settlement entered into by the Crown with Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui, and Ngati Toa Rangatira for the final settlement of their historic claims for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. The fourth component bill provides Ngati Toa Rangatira with the attribution rights in relation to the very famous haka \u201CKa Mate! Ka Mate!\u201D. The eight deeds provide for the settlement of all historic claims in the top of the South Island, an area referred to as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka o M\u0101ui. The Ngati Toa Rangatira deed also provides for the settling of all of Ngati Toa Rangatira\u2019s historical claims in the North Island. The bill includes only those elements of the redress and the settlement package that require legislative authority. The deeds of settlement set out in full the redress provided for the eight iwi in settlement of all their historical Treaty of Waitangi claims. I could not do justice going to each part of the bill, suffice to acknowledge, and I would like to take this time to reflect on, all the iwi in giving a brief background to them as a way of supporting the second reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI turn to Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D. Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D has customary interests in Te Tau Ihu, or the northern South Island region. Around 700 people registered an affiliation to Ng\u0101ti Apa in the 2006 census. The Waitangi Tribunal heard the Te Tau Ihu claims of all iwi with interests in the northern South Island between August 2000 and March 2004 and released preliminary reports in 2007 and a final report in November 2008. On 23 November 2005 the previous Minister in charge of Treaty of Waitangi negotiations and the Minister of M\u0101ori Affairs recognised the mandate of the Kurahaup\u014D ki Te Wai Pounamu Trust to represent Ng\u0101ti Awa and two other iwi in negotiating a comprehensive historic Treaty settlement. The Crown signed terms of negotiations with the Kurahaup\u014D Trust in June 2006. On 11 February 2009 the Crown and the Kurahaup\u014D Trust co-signed a letter of agreement. So to Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D I say: kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EWe turn to Ng\u0101ti Kuia. In terms of a background, Ng\u0101ti Kuia has customary interests in Te Tau Ihu, or the northern South Island region. Around 1,600 people registered an affiliation to Ng\u0101ti Kuia in the 2006 census. The Waitangi Tribunal heard the Te Tau Ihu claims of all iwi with interests in the northern South Island between August 2000 and March 2004 and released preliminary reports in 2007 and a final report in 2008. I note here that the terms of negotiations were signed with the Kurahaup\u014D Trust in 2006 and on 11 February 2009 the Crown and the Kurahaup\u014D Trust co-signed a letter of agreement. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, who hold customary interests in Te Tau Ihu, or the northern South Island region. Around 1,000 people registered an affiliation to Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau in the 2006 census. I knew that if I started going down this track I would run out of time in acknowledging all the iwi. Suffice to say to Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, and Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui: can I again commend you for all the efforts and the mahi that you have displayed in bringing this bill to this House, with the support of, clearly, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and with the work of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. I join with all members in this House, particularly on this side of the House, in commending this bill at its second reading. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022 data-id=\u0022344de8de257246bfae7dd7555d45e3b2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022344de8de257246bfae7dd7555d45e3b2\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe. I would like to acknowledge the participants in this settlement: Ng\u0101ti Apa ki te R\u0101 T\u014D, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau, Ng\u0101ti K\u014Data, Ng\u0101ti R\u0101rua, Ng\u0101ti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu, Te \u0100tiawa o Te Waka-a-M\u0101ui, and Ngati Toa Rangatira. I am speaking from the desk of the Hon Tau Henare, who, I am sure, would like to be here with you today. I will not say that I am speaking on his behalf, because I would not attempt to emulate his skills. I would like to also acknowledge the wonderful work of the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, the Hon Chris Finlayson, who I think is respected by all sides of the House for the work that he has done. Of course he has been only half of the combination that it takes to form these agreements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThis is a particularly important agreement. I find it important because in my 9 years here I have spent 3 of them as the electorate MP for West Coast - Tasman. So I am familiar with that part of the northern part of the settlement. The National-led Government is making great progress. This bill is very special because it finishes the work that the National Government began in the South Island with Ng\u0101i Tahu. This is the final settlement so it makes it particularly special. Settlements, of course, recognise the rights and wrongs of the past and strengthen partnerships between the Crown and M\u0101ori. Settlements also help unlock the economic potential and boost the regional and provincial areas, in keeping with National\u2019s priority to build a more competitive and productive economy. I was very comforted to hear that\u2014and I am not on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EI understand from previous speakers that the Wakat\u016B situation has been taken into account, has been addressed. And although it may not have resulted in a situation that is satisfactory to everybody, the matter has been addressed and has been fully worked through. I think that is the very important thing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EThe select committee has examined the bill carefully and has brought through a number of recommendations, which I would just like to address now. The Woodbourne airbase will allow Ng\u0101ti Apa, Ng\u0101ti Kuia, me Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau to exercise the right to purchase the land at Woodbourne airbase, by way of redress. Part of this land was acquired by the Government for defence purposes from the estate of George Fairhall. Members of the Fairhall family, as we heard from other speakers, have opposed the inclusion of this land in Treaty settlements as they consider this will override their rights under section 40 of the Public Works Act 1981 and they have commenced a judicial review. So, again, the process will take its time and the results will reflect, I am sure, a sense of justice. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003EIt is always quite interesting to reflect on what is being achieved with the settlements, particularly, as I say, under the authority of the present Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. I can think back to my own origins, which are Scottish, and, of course, they had the Highland Clearances, which\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a11ce4e-9fb3-4738-b0be-5a9f81d975da\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002229df56cf0cd646a99180c5e04b8ca6ff\u0022\u003EHon Maurice Williamson\u003C/span\u003E: Really?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220bfa5b74-8933-458a-99d4-bbd75d9898d0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295f51aa90e4f43c887bf7885479aa8e5\u0022\u003ECHRIS AUCHINVOLE\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, yes, indeed Scottish. That is why I have a hairy nose. Those clearances were never really properly addressed, and they still, to this very day, are a source of grievance to people whose relatives were so affected. So although there are injustices, the important thing about the New Zealand society and the New Zealand community on both sides is that they are working together to address these and to create fairness and a decent outcome. If I could just conclude, I guess it is a case of exercising with caution my limited skills in M\u0101ori: \u201CLet us wield the paddles of the canoe as we move forward together.\u201D Tiakina te hoe kia rite [ensure the rowing is in unison]. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022fe02c218603c40acab96ddc8bf68319f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fe02c218603c40acab96ddc8bf68319f\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I te tuatahi me k\u014Drero ahau i roto i t\u014D t\u0101tau Reo M\u0101ori, hei t\u0101piri atu ki runga i ng\u0101 kupu kua puakina i waenga tonu i a t\u0101tau i t\u0113nei ata, hei tautoko i te kaupapa, ar\u0101, ko te waka e whakaterengia ana i raro i te ture hei hari, hei h\u0101pai i ng\u0101 taonga roa noa e t\u0101ria ana. K\u0101tahi t\u0113nei r\u0101 ka whakawhiwhia atu e te Karauna ki te iwi ko r\u0101tau ng\u0101 uri, mai i ng\u0101 t\u016Bpuna i mamae ai i t\u014D r\u0101tou w\u0101 i roto i ng\u0101 mahi i m\u0113tia e te Karauna. N\u0101 reira, a Te Tau Ihu tutuki noa ki t\u0113nei taha o Te Wai-a-Raukawa, Te Moana-a-Raukawa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou i t\u0113nei rangi, t\u0113nei rangi whakahirahira t\u0101 te mea, ko t\u0101 koutou i \u014Dhia ai, k\u0101tahi ka tutuki ki te kapu o te pepa i raro i te ture, i raro n\u014Dki i te t\u0101h\u016Bh\u016B o t\u0113nei Whare, t\u014D koutou whare, te Whare P\u0101remata. N\u0101 reira, Te Tau Ihu, ng\u0101 kokonga katoa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E[Firstly I must speak in our M\u0101ori language and add my sentiments to those expressed this morning amongst us to endorse the passage of this bill, which is responsible for the development of long-awaited resources. At last this day the Crown has provided to the people who are descendants of the ancestors who suffered, in their time, through deeds imposed upon them by the Crown. We have reached the day where the tribe will soon receive these resources from the Crown. And so, to those of you of Te Tau Ihu, stretching across to this side of Cook Strait, the Sea of Raukawa, greetings to you collectively. Salutations to you on this day of great significance, because that is what you collectively have hankered after, and now it has been done. It is at last on the palm of the paper under the law and under the ridge pole of this House, your House, Parliament House. And so to you Te Tau Ihu and to all corners of the Chamber, greetings to you collectively, greetings.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI rise to support the earlier speakers and remind us how long this claim has been wending its way through the process. I have recited some of the history on earlier occasions and have shared the pleasure of sitting on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee for a brief period of time during one of our visits down in Te Tau Ihu to hear the submissions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThere are several elements I want to focus on in the Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill. First, I want to acknowledge the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, the Hon Chris Finlayson. I want us to focus on something that I genuinely believe will, over a period of time, prove to be an extremely intelligent thing to have done. I am not being facetious to the Minister. I refer here to the ability of the iwi to actually enforce their protocols. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EOften, iwi find that once these settlements have been entered into, Governments come, Governments go, and Ministers move on and do other things with their lives. Goodness me, I can think very vividly of the time when Doug Kidd was the Minister of Fisheries\u2014a personality not unknown to these people. I think also of Douglas Montrose Graham, who, irrespective of what might be said about him outside of this House, I have no compunction whatsoever in saying he did a lot of the heavy lifting in the original stage of the Treaty settlement process. I recently saw him at the mate for one of our matuas of the Tai Tokerau, the late Laly Haddon, otherwise known in North Auckland rugby lore as the \u201CBlack Tracker\u201D. I had no qualms whatsoever in escorting him around the marae and sitting with him on the marae in that area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EBut the point I am making is about cultural redress, in clause 32: \u201CThe Crown must comply with a protocol while it is in force. (2) If the Crown fails, without good cause, to comply with a protocol, the relevant trustees may, subject to the Crown Proceedings Act 1950, enforce the protocol.\u201D\u2014if the Crown fails, the relevant trustees may, subject to the Crown Proceedings Act, enforce the protocol. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI think that in times to come, that simple provision will be an injunction to the courts to ensure that these protocols, which do not have the same force and standing of property rights, do represent an attempt on the part of the Crown to ensure that M\u0101ori are no longer marginalised in a range of areas, whether it be fisheries, whether it be landscape management, whether it be heritage, or whether it be standing up for those cultural resources the Tau Ihu iwi feels are integral to their identity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThe other thing that is important for us to emphasise today is that this claim covers an area that is provincial. We need to ensure that the Crown, as it goes forward with its M\u0101ori affairs policies and economic development policies in the regions of New Zealand, never overlooks the endowments and never overlooks the rights that the smaller iwi in the regions are receiving. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EIt could have been that Te Tau Ihu, in times gone by, was regarded as one homogeneous group of M\u0101ori. That is not the case in this bill. This bill recognises each particular iwi, just as the bill to deal with the Muriwhenua tribes\u2014when it wends its way into the House\u2014will recognise my grandmother\u2019s iwi, a small iwi by the name of Ng\u0101i Takoto. I doubt it even has 1,000 members, although, as a consequence of economic stewardship that I am sure will be skilful, its numbers will grow in time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThe point I am making is that it is very important to claimants that they see their particular identity not melded into, let me say, larger organisms. But that is not always the case. A choice was made by the Kahungunu iwi, which thought the Treaty claims would be better dealt with by dismembering the broad Kahungunu iwi community into more specific parts. That is not an approach that will work with the Ng\u0101puhi tribe. The Ng\u0101puhi tribe has the largest claim outstanding, as I am sure the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations will agree. That is the largest tribe with outstanding claims. It has members in excess of 125,000. Whether or not they are active members or they are the great-grandchildren of our forays into Ngati Porou is another matter\u2014that is another matter. In fact, I am quite confident that a number of them are growing more confident that their whakapapa in Ng\u0101puhi is no longer an item of embarrassment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI would say to the Minister, who has also got heritage responsibilities, that Christmas Day 2014 will be 200 years since my matua Ruatara brought Samuel Marsden to Aotearoa, along with our other matua Hongi Hika, an unrivalled chief. The less said about that today the better. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI think we need to celebrate what this group of M\u0101ori iwi have achieved. The task will not be easy to transform this into a durable flow of economic benefit, but you have made your choice. The Crown has taken it as far as it believes it can, and the fact that there is no more internal dissension is something the Ng\u0101puhi people need to learn. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EGiven that the Ng\u0101puhi claim could very well be in the vicinity of $250 million, if that was put on account, it would earn 5 percent per year. A 5 percent yield on $250 million is about $13 million. The squabbling has gone on in the Ng\u0101puhi area for over 6 years. Six times 13 is not far from $80 million. No mana-munching personality in the Tai Tokerau Ng\u0101puhi iwi is worth $80 million. Kia ora t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022 data-id=\u00222fe87a20e90b4938af83ddb78c428961\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002270fa4cbd-9380-4916-9f2a-78da059d220e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222fe87a20e90b4938af83ddb78c428961\u0022\u003EThe ASSISTANT SPEAKER (H V Ross Robertson)\u003C/span\u003E: In accordance with the determination of the Business Committee, this bill will be divided by the Clerk of the House, and those bills are set down for third reading next sitting day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00228361c9546bf44c16bcc8bf2ca508d02e\u0022\u003ERaukawa Claims Settlement Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022dc13b45e183d4ec3803a319cd54c3a9a\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022 data-id=\u00229c6d3bca9d4d46e299edbf5481a17bca\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229c6d3bca9d4d46e299edbf5481a17bca\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time. This bill enables settlement of all the remaining historical Treaty claims of the Waikato iwi Raukawa. Last year the bill was considered by the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, and I really do appreciate the work the committee did in considering the bill and the issues that were raised in the submissions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EFor those guests of ours from Ng\u0101ti Raukawa who may be here, I say that members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee were in the T\u016Bhoe rohe yesterday hearing submissions on their bill and they have been unable to get back to Wellington because of the fog. I know that they would have wanted to be here for consideration of this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EWe are very lucky to have Mr Henare as the chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee and I really want to thank both Mr Henare and the members of the committee for their very, very efficient work. The committee considered 22 submissions from interested groups and individuals, and it heard 10 submissions. It held hearings both in Tokoroa and in Wellington. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EI am very grateful to those who took the time and trouble to make submissions. Their participation is a very important component of parliamentary consideration of Treaty settlement legislation. In a number of cases suggestions made in submissions about how the bill could be improved have resulted in better legislation being reported to the House. I should also say it is very encouraging to hear from those who support the bill. In the case of this bill the committee has incorporated a number of changes to the legislation. These changes are mainly technical in nature and they help clarify aspects of the redress. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EI do not intend to fill the Chamber with my eloquence for a full 10 minutes. We are dealing with three bills this morning, and it is important that we progress all of them. I will have a lot more to say about this settlement at the time of the third reading, so with those few words I commend this legislation to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022978ad93d67084919bb3f2eb8cc70c023\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022978ad93d67084919bb3f2eb8cc70c023\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour\u2014Hauraki-Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. E koa ana t\u0113nei ki te tuku i \u0113nei whakaaro hei whakar\u0101popoto i ng\u0101 whakaaro kei waenganui i a m\u0101tou, te komiti whakahaere m\u014D ng\u0101 \u0101huatanga, e p\u0101 ana ki t\u0113nei whakatutukitanga o Raukawa. N\u014D reira, Ng\u0101ti Raukawa t\u0113n\u0101 koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker. I am pleased to express these views that will sum up the thoughts amongst us, the committee, responsible for addressing the circumstances that relate to this settlement of Raukawa. So acknowledgements to you collectively, the tribe of Raukawa.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EIt gives me great pleasure to be able to offer a contribution in this second reading of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill. I will reserve the substance of my comments around this bill for the third reading and want to limit this contribution really to the considerations that the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee made in hearing the submissions in Tokoroa regarding each component of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill. Can I say this: I want to commend the chair of the Raukawa Trust Board, Vanessa Eparaima, and your team for presenting the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill in a way that gave a quiet assurance to members that a lot of work had gone in to building and networking the relationships that impacted on some components of your settlement. I say that with some caution because, in a sense, this settlement can be considered within the context of the Waikato River settlement, within the context of the Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura settlement, which is currently being considered by our select committee, and also\u2014hopefully, Minister\u2014the Maniapoto settlement, which, with fingers crossed, might just get to us before election time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EWhat we have is a matrix of very interwoven interests and whakapapa connections that contribute to a profile, I guess, of why settlements such as this will continue to require a lot of work. Vanessa herself, when she came to the select committee, made a very strong point about how much work had gone in to the issue of overlapping claims because of where Raukawa is situated with interests around Te Arawa wh\u0101nau, interests with their cousins in P\u014Dhara and Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, and interests with their whanaunga in Maniapoto. This is how their conversation occurred before the select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EFirstly, in relation to Waikeria, obviously, both Raukawa and Maniapoto have interests in Waikeria. One of the issues that came to the committee\u2019s attention was how both parties signalled that they were wanting to take up or purchase the Waikeria property. We heard views from both Raukawa and Waikeria. We understand that with agreement of each party, whether it is by first right of refusal or otherwise, each party will have cognisance of one another\u2019s interests to either purchase or exercise the first right of refusal interest in Waikeria. The select committee, stripping away all the narrative around this, considered that the provisions in the bill are fine and that this will be a healthy way to deal with this particular property. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe issue of Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura is a sensitive issue because the original Raukawa claim was lodged by Wally Papa who is Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura and now has since passed. His family continue to carry the interests of their hap\u016B, which is straddled by Waikato and Raukawa in a very\u2014let us say\u2014independent way. What the committee had decided in this instance is that although certain mana whenua and Ahi K\u0101 interests exist for Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, the overall benefit of the Raukawa settlement cannot get away from whakapapa links that are intrinsically tied to Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura people and marae, and the fact that there is an amount of interest that must be expressed in relation to Maungatautari and to areas of overlapping interests. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI think it would be wrong for us to try to sift through some of the internal relationship, whakapapa, and geographical interests in a legislative way. My great hope, actually, is that through good relationships and ongoing communication, these types of issues will be sorted. I will probably come back to this issue when the Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura Claims Settlement Bill comes to the House, to try to clarify how we can do that. But Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, on the substance of this bill, wanted the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee to make it absolutely clear that they had specific rights and interests from Arapuni back to Maungatautari, and that that should not be impinged upon by the Raukawa settlement. I think the solution here is not a legislative one; it is a relationship one. I stand to be corrected on that, but if I back my gut instinct on it, then the bill should enable those relationships to be strengthened in time. Whew\u2014that felt like a hard thing to say. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe next concern was the interests around Te Arawa. We had a very healthy conversation about whether Raukawa\u2019s map of association should be included or not. The nature of the conversation was that Raukawa had expressed a geographical interest in an area, or an association with an area, but the question was whether that association necessarily, Minister Finlayson, leads to an interest. The conversation we had was that if there is an expressed interest with exclusive rights, then we must be very clear about it. If it is an association, then that relationship to a geographical area should not be leveraged over and above those Ahi K\u0101 who live in a particular area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI specifically refer to the submission of Eru George, who came to the select committee, and some of the concerns that he had on\u2014I think, if I was correct\u2014the west side of Mangakino. The committee was very clear in its mind that, having understood what Raukawa was trying to affirm, it was a whakapapa relationship and, therefore, a geographical connection to certain places within its settlement. We accepted that, but we did not accept that it should be anything more than that, if there are hap\u016B, mana whenua, or ahi k\u0101 roa in areas who have a direct and relevant interest in an area. I need that to be very clearly understood in this second reading debate, because in the third reading debate, it is certainly my view, and it will have to be absolutely assured, that when people read the final Act and they read the debate in the House in reference to what was intended, the expression of interests should not be over and above those interests of mana whenua and ahi k\u0101 roa in a particular area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EWe were very impressed with the way in which Raukawa had gone about seeking participation and affirmation of their mandate, and also their governance entity. There was no doubt about the fact that they had really thought about the future and how they could better prepare Raukawa going forward, and that they had looked at this from an intergenerational perspective, from a good governance perspective, and from a representative perspective. We could not fault the way in which they had approached that. Therefore, any criticism in that component of that debate was not really received by the select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThose were, in essence, what I had identified as the key issues in this second reading that should be referred to. One last point: we did make an amendment to make it clear that should the Ng\u0101ti Maniapoto M\u0101ori Trust Board change and become some other entity, the reference in the bill needed to be clarified to ensure that any transfer of asset could go to the successor of the trust board. I wanted to make this point: given that the board is in its current process of claims hearings and it wants to be proactive in speeding up its negotiations, it may well be that any transfer of Waikeria in the future may go to another entity, not the Ng\u0101ti Maniapoto M\u0101ori Trust Board, and that is as it should be. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI enjoyed listening to the history, the passion, the expertise, and the wisdom of the people of Raukawa when they presented to the select committee. They have done a fine job. I trust that my comments relating to Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura will be taken on board by all listening, and I trust that this bill will provide a way for better relationships to continue. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022 data-id=\u0022f314c2653fa44fa79cb29bdc4d94b747\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f314c2653fa44fa79cb29bdc4d94b747\u0022\u003EHon HEKIA PARATA (Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te Mana Whakahaere. Ki ng\u0101 mema P\u0101remata huri noa i t\u014D t\u0101tau Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. Kei Raukawa, ng\u0101 kanohi o Raukawa i konei i t\u0113nei r\u0101, me \u0113r\u0101 o te w\u0101 k\u0101inga o Raukawa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. Kei te m\u014Dhio t\u0101tau m\u014D t\u0113nei \u0101huatanga o te whakaaetanga i waenganui i ng\u0101 iwi me te Karauna, he uaua, he taumaha, he wero kei roto \u0113ngari, ko te tikanga ka oti pai i runga i te m\u014Dhio, me whakatau ng\u0101 hara, me huri te kanohi o te iwi ki ng\u0101 tau kei mua i a koutou. N\u014D reira, he mihi t\u0113nei m\u0101ku ki a koutou katoa, m\u014Dku, m\u014D t\u014D m\u0101tau taha o t\u0113nei Whare, otir\u0101, i runga an\u014D i te wairua o ng\u0101 whakaaetanga nei, i runga i te whakaae tahi a te Whare P\u0101remata, kia tau t\u0113nei kaupapa i waenganui i a t\u0101tau. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003E[Greetings to you, Mr Speaker. To all members of Parliament throughout our House, greetings to you all. To you of Raukawa, representatives of Raukawa present here today, as well as those at home, acknowledgments to you all. We are very much aware of the nature of a settlement process between tribes and the Crown. It is difficult and heavy going, and there are challenges in there. But normally wrongdoings are settled knowing full well that the tribe must face the future before you collectively. So this acknowledgment is to you all from me personally, and from our side of this House, and indeed in the spirit of these consensual agreements of Parliament for this matter to be settled amongst us. And so, acknowledgments, salutations, and greetings to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EI am very privileged to have the opportunity to rise and make a small contribution to the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill. It is not usual that I have this opportunity, because, as the Minister of Education, I believe that I am out there investing in the post-settlement opportunities, which is to ensure that as many of our young people as possible are participating in quality early childhood education and are achieving through their primary school years, so that they can go on to be successful in securing a senior secondary qualification to be the investors in, the carriers of, and the faces of the future of iwi such as Raukawa, of iwi such as Ng\u0101ti Porou, of iwi such as Ng\u0101i Tahu, and, of course, for the benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand. However, I do have that opportunity this morning, and, firstly, I acknowledge\u2014as I have done\u2014Raukawa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003ETreaty settlements are both challenging and rewarding, and we know that, as the previous speaker, my parliamentary colleague the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, has indicated, they are as much about relationships past, present, and future as they are about a legal agreement between the Crown and the iwi themselves. In that regard, can I acknowledge the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, my friend and colleague the Hon Christopher Finlayson. He has tackled this portfolio with an absolutely unshakeable conviction of the importance of achieving these settlements, and achieving them quickly but without compromising the sustainability of these settlements. His track record of work cannot be surpassed by anyone, and that is a reflection not only of him but of his commitment to ensuring that we have a better, stronger Aotearoa New Zealand. So the work that has been done on the Raukawa settlement, those that have preceded it, those that are in progress, and those that are yet to come is a great tribute to that conviction that he carries every day in the work that he does. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003ESimilarly, I would like to pay tribute to Tau Henare, as chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, for the gusto, zest, and vigour with which he tackles these challenges within the select committee. He is relentless in his passion in getting this work done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003ECan I extend that to all members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, all of whom, on all sides of the House, understand that they are carrying a responsibility on behalf of the Crown of New Zealand, which sees no divisibility in terms of our particular political partisanship. This is how Treaty settlement work should be carried out, because we are honouring the partnership that the Treaty of Waitangi, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reflects. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EThat means that we do need to put aside our partisanship and focus on how we get the best and most durable and sustainable settlements possible in the interests of not only enhancing and strengthening those relationships, and healing those that were broken in the past because of injustices in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi, but also in terms of looking forward to a future that creates a stronger Aotearoa New Zealand. So I thank the members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee for that work. Some of them are unable to be here today because of Hine-P\u016Bkohurangi, who has made it impossible for our manurere to fly today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EAs I have indicated\u2014indeed, as both the Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and the Hon Nanaia Mahuta have indicated\u2014there are particularities that relate to the Raukawa settlement that must be dealt with within this settlement bill. We know that there are relationships, given the geographic location of Raukawa, that inevitably impinge on both expectations and relationships. These are sensitivities that must be worked with and worked through in order to ensure not only that we get a durable settlement for Raukawa in terms of this settlement bill but that we get durable and enduring relationships, whakapapa relationships, that are on the boundaries of Raukawa, and, therefore, reach into the wider Waikato-Tainui, Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, Ng\u0101ti Maniapoto, and others that Raukawa bounds and is bounded by. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EThis is not an unusual feature, obviously, of the Treaty settlement map, because all of us are not only physically co-located with each other but are whakapapa connected with each other. I was thinking of that, in fact, when the Hon Nanaia Mahuta was speaking, because, of course, Nanaia is a tipuna who has particular whakapapa connections between Kahungunu and Ng\u0101ti Porou. Also, of course, we have very mobile iwi, and over the future years we will see even greater connections between ourselves. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EOur Government is particularly invested in how we get these settlements so that we can get on into economic prosperity for all. M\u0101ori and iwi have demonstrated their capacity and capability for entrepreneurial activity, for enterprise, for business creation, and for innovation. The lack of an economic base has hindered that development in a number of iwi. Raukawa has already demonstrated its extreme capability to look towards the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EI can remember many years ago sitting in the Ng\u0101ta Memorial College assembly hall as Professor Whatarangi Winiata came to talk about his vision for Whakatupurango Ruamano, and, of course, we are well into Ruamano now. But even then\u2014and I think this was in the late 1980s or early 1990s\u2014he was talking about the importance of Te Reo as the platform or vehicle for language, culture, and identity that provides the context for economic drive, for social prosperity, for political participation, and for growth in all of those dimensions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003EThat kind of vision is something that he carried, as a revered leader of Raukawa, for the iwi map of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te W\u0101nanga o Raukawa is another example of Raukawa\u2019s vision for education and for their young people, and not just for their young people but for the health and vitality and vibrancy and dynamism and strength of Raukawa in a fully rounded way. They have demonstrated that by ensuring that Raukawa has secondary tertiary qualifications that create the human capital base for realising the potential that this Treaty settlement will now give exponential heft and momentum and lift to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e1ead03-bf7f-496a-a02f-ce52859c58c1\u0022\u003ESo I am delighted to be able to have the opportunity to be in the House this morning to speak to the speedy resolution of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill, such that we can have a meeting of that investment in human capital, and, of course, we would say: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. In more clinical terms, we would talk about human capital. Regardless of the way we describe it, Raukawa has already invested in their future, continues to do so, and now has the opportunity of strapping economic, commercial, and cultural redress to that, to give lift to their aspirations for their own people and, in so doing, contribute to the strength of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is on all of those bases that I stand to support this bill in the House today. N\u014D reira, kia ora t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022 data-id=\u002283e5b18ce61a41d28341ede855ba4ce4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002283e5b18ce61a41d28341ede855ba4ce4\u0022\u003ERINO TIRIKATENE (Labour\u2014Te Tai Tonga):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou Ng\u0101ti Raukawa kua tae mai nei ki roto i te Whare P\u0101remata nei, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Huri noa, rau rangatira m\u0101 t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker. Greetings to you collectively, the tribe of Raukawa, who have arrived here into this House of Parliament. Salutations to you collectively, esteemed leaders of a hundredfold throughout, and to us all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI am delighted to speak in the second reading of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill. I wholeheartedly endorse and tautoko the sentiments of previous speakers\u2014both the Hon Nanaia Mahuta and the Hon Hekia Parata. My colleague the Hon Nanaia Mahuta covered a lot of the aspects that were dealt with at the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. We had a very enjoyable trip to Tokoroa, where we heard the submissions. I was particularly impressed with the chief executive of Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, Vanessa Eparaima, and all of the people who were involved in that team, to bring the bill to its current place here in the House. My colleague has dealt with a lot of the aspects in terms of the Waikeria lands, the overlapping claims, and the other such specific matters that were the subject of the submissions before the committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EWhat I would like to do is focus on the history of Ng\u0101ti Raukawa. I would like to make this the topic of my speech, and I would like it to be recorded in Hansard because every iwi that goes through a settlement has their own history, and I think it is right that it be recorded. The history does form part of the historical account that is contained in the bill also. The iwi of Ng\u0101ti Raukawa are central to the story of the New Zealand Wars. We know that the Waikato-Tainui settlement took care of the raupatu aspects, but these settlements, particularly for Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, encompass other aspects regarding their individual grievances and settlements. So Ng\u0101ti Raukawa were central to the New Zealand Wars, and through genealogical links and the current social status of the day, they were, in the 1860s, members of a land alliance opposed to the further sale of M\u0101ori land to the Crown and to land speculation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EWith other hap\u016B of the Waikato-Tainui confederation, Raukawa became followers of the K\u012Bngitanga movement, which led the land league movement. They fought bravely and with honour against the forces of General Cameron in Waikato, in the Bay of Plenty, and in their own tribal rohe at \u014Cr\u0101kau. They fought at Tauranga twice, in 1864 and in 1867. Some survivors of the campaigns became so-called fugitives and went on the run, with some joining small guerrilla-type bands of fighters. Having been forced into conflict with the invasion of Rangiaowhia, Raukawa really had no choice but to try to defend their tribal lands. They became part of the raupatu. The land was confiscated because they were deemed to be rebels. Ng\u0101ti Raukawa came under further pressure when land that had once been locked up in the K\u012Bngitanga land bank slowly started to be alienated. Once shady land dealers had got their mitts on land deeds, it became a free-for-all. It became apparent that not all members and beneficiaries of hap\u016B land received any recompense. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003ERaupatu issues aside, the tribe has two serious issues. In 1866 Ng\u0101ti Raukawa missed out on giving evidence in the Taup\u014D-nui-a-Tia block because they were deemed, as I mentioned, to be in rebellion against the Crown. The ancestors Raukawa and Tuwharetoa were related and had many shared interests around the western and northern Lake Taup\u014D region. It still rankles with the people of Raukawa today that they have no interest in this block, when whakapapa clearly shows that they have. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EBut by far the most egregious action against Ng\u0101ti Raukawa was the taking of land in the Pouakani block and the gifting of that to a hap\u016B that had no association with the area. It was over in the Wairarapa, within Kahungunu. That land became the incorporated township of Mangakino, on the shores of Lake Maraetai, on the Waikato River. Most of the township\u2019s shareholders probably live in the Wairarapa\u2014Featherston, Carterton; far away places, with no association to the Mangakino township itself. That is one of the country\u2019s most poorly thought-out acts, and we as members of Parliament and members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, through supporting the passage of this bill and other settlement bills, have an opportunity to right the wrongs\u2014some of the wrongs\u2014that have been inflicted on these iwi.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI do not want to prolong my contribution, but I do acknowledge Ng\u0101ti Raukawa and the long and arduous journey they have been on to get to this point. I am looking forward to passing the bill through the final stages of the House. We are a very busy committee, as the Hon Hekia Parata noted. We have, as a committee, a significant amount of legislation under consideration. Yesterday we were up in T\u016Bhoe; the day before we were up in Tauranga. We have, as a committee, a lot of work on our plate, but I can assure everyone\u2014members and all the good people out there in Aotearoa\u2014that it is very rewarding work and we really enjoy doing it. We know that when we see the looks on the faces of the kaum\u0101tua and the kuia, particularly at the final third readings, it is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a member of this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003ESo, in closing, I would like to acknowledge the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and his team and all the good work that they have been doing in loading us up with plenty of mahi to do. We are ready for more. I am sure there is more in the pipeline.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002222ee8786fda8417392d126df699d3b16\u0022\u003EHon Christopher Finlayson\u003C/span\u003E: There\u2019s a Hiku bill coming. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022525497e8b8d14ad1bb323c30203d43cf\u0022\u003ERINO TIRIKATENE\u003C/span\u003E: Te Hiku, up in the far north\u2014we are looking forward to that. But today is about Ng\u0101ti Raukawa. I tautoko this bill and I look forward to its third reading and its eventual passing. Kia ora an\u014D t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022 data-id=\u0022361f31a0a70748e4921bf57644b7a3b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022361f31a0a70748e4921bf57644b7a3b0\u0022\u003EDENISE ROCHE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou e te Whare. E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, e ng\u0101 rangatira m\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. Ng\u0101 rangatira o Raukawa nei, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker. Greetings to you collectively, the House. To the authorities, languages, and esteemed leaders, salutations and acknowledgements to you all. To you, esteemed leaders of Raukawa gathered here, greetings to you collectively.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI recognise that the fog has not only left us bereft of the presence of the wonderful Tau Henare, the chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, but I think it may have delayed some of Raukawa as well. I am sure there are lots of people watching this at home, and I acknowledge you as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIn my first speech on this bill, the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill, I said that I thought it was a privilege to speak here, and I maintain that position. I am fully aware that the passing of this settlement bill into law is a momentous occasion and it has taken enormous persistence and sheer hard work to get to this point. I acknowledge in the gallery today Chris McKenzie, one of the lead negotiators. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI also feel that to speak on this bill is a privilege, because I am Raukawa, Ng\u0101ti Huri from Pikit\u016B Marae. I want to personally acknowledge Ruthana Begbie in her role as one of the claimants and as a kuia of Pikit\u016B. In my first speech I also acknowledged the passing of kaum\u0101tua George Rangit\u016Btia, who signed the settlement deed from his hospital bed. I want to acknowledge those kaum\u0101tua and kuia who are no longer with us who have helped create a settlement that will give Raukawa an economic base for future generations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EAt Waitangi a couple of weeks ago kaum\u0101tua Maanu Paul from the M\u0101ori Council said in his kaik\u014Drero, as he welcomed us again to Te Tii Marae, that there is a concern that with the Treaty process we will set M\u0101ori against M\u0101ori, pitting M\u0101ori against M\u0101ori. Raukawa know this feeling too well. In the bill it outlines one of the grievances that the Crown apologises for, the alienation of the Pouakani Block in 1915\u2014nearly 100 years ago\u2014when the Crown gifted 20,000 acres to an iwi with no ancestral ties in the area. We heard in the first reading of this bill that the honourable Meka Whaitiri has whakapapa to that iwi, as does our own co-leader Metiria Turei. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge that this is only the second time that I have travelled with the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee to hear submissions on a Treaty bill, and I do feel that it was a privilege to have the opportunity to go to Tokoroa to hear the submissions from submitters in their own voices. I believe that there is a clearer understanding of issues when in the rohe of the tangata whenua, and it is also good to hear the submitters who oppose the settlement, because understanding is always clearer when it is kanohi ki te kanohi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIt is clear from the evidence presented that Raukawa have worked hard to maintain relationships with the iwi that are all around them\u2014Ng\u0101ti Hau\u0101, Ng\u0101ti Maniapoto, Te Arawa, Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, and T\u016Bwharetoa in the south. During the submissions I was very heartened to hear that one of the guiding principles for Raukawa has been to not settle their own grievance by creating more grievances. I have also heard that from the Chair of the Raukawa Settlement Trust, Vanessa Eparaima. She said the same thing during her speech at the signing of the settlement deed in June the year before last at Aotearoa Marae. I think Maniapoto were on the pae then too. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI have also read the submissions that Raukawa have made in support of the Ng\u0101ti Koroki Kahukura Claims Settlement Bill, with similar statements. Again, that was stated by Raukawa in their submission supporting the Ng\u0101ti Hau\u0101 Claims Settlement Bill. We did also see in the evidence the memorandum of understanding that was developed some years ago between Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura and Raukawa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003ERaukawa have also worked collaboratively with other iwi on previous settlements, including around the Waikato River and the central North Island forestry settlements. So it is obvious to me that Raukawa are genuine in their desire to settle their own grievance and not negatively impact on other iwi. Having said that, there are some overlapping interests, and we heard about them during the submission processes. I am pleased that the Hon Nanaia Mahuta has put it on record how we see those overlapping associations and interests playing out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EOverlapping interests and associations include the Waikeria Prison land with Maniapoto. I note that there is the potential for the two iwi to develop joint ventures around this land. I also note that there are restrictions on Raukawa exercising first right of refusal. They cannot purchase unless they have consent from Maniapoto. The select committee report outlines that Maniapoto\u2019s interests are protected. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EWe heard from the Te Arawa River Iwi Trust about the overlapping interests in Lake \u014Ch\u0101kuri. It has been clarified, and will be clarified in the bill, that Raukawa\u2019s statement of association includes only the part of the lake that is within the T\u0101tua West Block. We also heard from Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura, who were concerned that they may have been inadvertently included in the claimant definition of the settlement bill and wanted explicit exclusion about the overlapping areas of interest. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe report back to the House by the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee also clarifies that Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura\u2019s area of interest is explicit in their own settlement. It is explicit in their own deed. I note that Raukawa\u2019s claim over where they have stated association areas or interests does not give Raukawa mana whenua status in areas that are clearly Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura\u2019s. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI also need to make the political point that some of that unease that the Greens feel about these raupatu settlements as full and final is because it is the Crown that dictates who it will and will not negotiate with. If we look at the historical account of this settlement and the battle to be recognised as an iwi, to be recognised by the Crown was indeed a struggle for Raukawa. That was resolved only at the end of last century, so Raukawa know better than many the grievance that is felt from that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe fact remains, though, that while the Crown decides who it will and will not recognise, there may be hap\u016B or iwi left out of settlements. So our concern is that there may be some whom the Crown will refuse to negotiate with because it will choose the winners and determine who will be the losers. Fundamentally, this does little to ensure the partnership between ng\u0101 iwi M\u0101ori and the Crown, as was envisaged by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe Greens also maintain that we do not see these Treaty settlements as full and final settlements. What is lost is far greater than what is gained, and I think that is clear from the historical account in the bill. Thank you, Mr Tirikatene, for outlining some of that. Having said all this, I recognise that Raukawa have worked within the limitations dictated by the Crown over a very long period of time for this settlement, and that the passing of this bill is to be celebrated. Certainly, it gives Raukawa more of an economic base and the independence to utilise the incredible entrepreneurial skill in the iwi to raise the standard of living for our people. I know that Raukawa are already working innovatively, and are trialling youth services, for example, that could be potentially rolled out throughout the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EToday is a day to celebrate the passing of the second reading of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill. The Greens will be supporting it. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022 data-id=\u00228ee264b46519427dad3c25bc4c3e2bdc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228ee264b46519427dad3c25bc4c3e2bdc\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN (National\u2014Napier):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te Mana Whakahaere, \u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Tihei mauri ora! Wh\u0101ia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whakamaua kia \u016B, kia t\u012Bn\u0101. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Ki te Whare e t\u016B nei, t\u0113n\u0101 koe. Ki ng\u0101 hoa P\u0101remata, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Ki Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Haere mai, nau mai ki te Whare P\u0101remata. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Assistant Speaker, and greetings to you collectively. Behold the breath of life! Seek the distant horizon, draw it near, grasp and hold on to it firmly. Greetings to you. To the House that stands before me, I salute you. To parliamentary colleagues, I greet you. To the tribe of Raukawa, I acknowledge you. Welcome to Parliament House, welcome. Greetings, acknowledgements to you collectively and to us all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EKia ora. Good morning. It is a huge privilege to be one of the speakers in the history of the settlement process. Although I do not pretend to be one of those who have led the charge in this area, if we look at the history of settlement claims from both sides of the House, there have been men and women here who have worked to bring settlements to a head. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EToday I would like to acknowledge the members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, led by Tau Henare, who cannot be here. They are obviously stuck in fog, as other members of the House have alluded to. The committee has worked collaboratively across the House to bring these settlements and this second reading of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ECan I acknowledge Minister Finlayson, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, who has worked tirelessly, as Minister Parata pointed out, to bring many settlements to fruition. For those who are interested, there have been 68 Treaty settlements across New Zealand. Of those, 42 have come to fruition since 2008. We are well over halfway through the Treaty settlement process, which is indeed a milestone. If I reflect on the mihi that I used at the start of my whaik\u014Drero this morning, it talked about reaching for the big goals, the stars, and going after our dreams. I think that certainly one of the dreams that not only M\u0101ori but many New Zealanders now have is that we can progress through these Treaty settlements, get through to the end of them, and look to the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EIf I talk to many of my constituents, there have been concerns historically about the time frame it has taken and concerns about the cost of it. But when you actually reflect on what it is now achieving, it is well worth the process, well worth the time, and well worth the investment of the Crown in these settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EIn regard to Raukawa at this second reading, as in each of the bills that have come before the House there are different idiosyncrasies or different situations that have arisen in how each of the iwi or hap\u016B have arrived at the settlement process. In regard to Raukawa, they are here with this process because they became landless. That lack of land and resources undermined their ability to form an economic base and to be part of the economy. And actually that is really, really important, because when you are not part of the economy\u2014if you are not in work, if you do not have businesses\u2014it is really difficult to see a future. Having that ladder\u2014having your people in business, I guess, and in jobs\u2014provides aspiration and a strong future. So I think these settlements are the foundation to providing the economic base that is so necessary to providing that aspiration and that future for so many New Zealanders, and, in this case, Raukawa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EThe redress in Raukawa\u2019s situation includes an apology for the actions that arose through the land wars throughout that period. The Crown acknowledges this, and profoundly regrets and unreservedly apologises to Raukawa for its actions. It apologises and regrets its actions during the New Zealand land wars of the 1860s, and it apologises for its past failures. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EOf course there is some commercial redress that goes hand in hand with this. Raukawa will receive approximately $52 million. It is interesting to reflect on that, because some constituents of mine always look at the number\u2014the dollar figure\u2014and say: \u201COh, it\u2019s been millions, it\u2019s been hundreds of millions\u2014it\u2019s been billions.\u201D Well, in fact, it has not been that large. If you think about the total appropriations of the New Zealand Government on an annual basis, it is somewhere around $78 billion to $80 billion, which is pretty significant. But if we add up the total that we have spent on Treaty settlements to date, it is above the envelope, but it is only about $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion. In the greater scheme of things, it is not a significant appropriation, but it is certainly one of the best investments we can make. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EIn this case $52 million is going to Raukawa. I note that it also includes the opportunity to purchase part of the Pureora North Crown licensed land. If I understand it correctly, Pureora Forest is, obviously, below Tokoroa, which is where the rohe of Raukawa exists, but for those who are interested, Pureora is now the start of one of the great New Zealand cycle trails. Just before Christmas I decided to take my son and do the trail. For a few days before Christmas we cycled an 84-kilometre trail from Pureora and down south, through the old timber trails there. If anyone who is listening is into cycling, I have got to say that that was one magic ride. I am not sure what opportunities will come for Raukawa with that particular land. Maybe it is forestry, but I think that they could get into the tourism around the cycle trail. We stayed with one lady in the Blackfern Lodge. There are some members on different sides of the House who have said that the cycle trails would never be successful. Well, this particular lady used to have 450 bed nights per year, and she now has over 3,000 bed nights a year as a result of the trail. So those are the opportunities that come from tourism and investment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EThere are other opportunities for Raukawa here, such as the 25 Crown-owned properties that they will have the opportunity to purchase in and around their rohe there. Raukawa will have the first right of refusal for a period of 172 years on a further 36 Crown properties. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EIn addition, there is some cultural redress. There is a cultural fund of $3 million, a pouwhenua fund of some $50,000, where pou can be built and established around the rohe on sites of cultural significance, which I think is an excellent thing to do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ESo, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to stand and be part of the history of these Treaty settlements. I am looking forward to speaking on the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill, which comes up next, which is from my own rohe of Heretaunga, of Hawke\u2019s Bay. Yes, it is a privilege to speak on these historic Treaty settlements, and I wish Raukawa all the best as this bill progresses through to the third reading and to final settlement. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u002285104608754240c1a54db03e1b6b7188\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002285104608754240c1a54db03e1b6b7188\u0022\u003EMEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Assistant Speaker. E te iwi, Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, \u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. Nau mai, nau mai, hara mai. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E[To the people of Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, greetings to you collectively. Welcome, welcome, welcome.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EIt gives me an absolute privilege and honour to stand in support of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill at its second reading, and to join with colleagues in this House in doing so. It feels like this week is Treaty settlement on speed dial, with this being our second one today and with our third one to come following this. As a new member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, it definitely requires one to have their skates on when dealing with the Treaty bills. But can I say that it is an absolute honour to be part of that select committee, and I want to acknowledge all members for the commitment in what they do in bringing these very important settlement bills to the House. In my experience, when settling historical Treaty claims, a couple of things come to mind. One is the assertion of iwi in terms of their mana in their own rohe, and the settlement process also allows us to tell their story. So if I could beg the indulgence of the House, I would like to do exactly that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ENg\u0101ti Raukawa derive their identity from their eponymous ancestor, Raukawa, who descends from the Tainui waka through his father, T\u016Brongo, a descendant of Hoturoa. Through his mother,M\u0101hinaarangi, Raukawa also descends from the T\u0101kitimu waka and Tamatea Ariki-nui. In terms of relationships, you always remind yourself of how you relate to others, and so I mihi to M\u0101hinaarangi, an ancestor of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. The Raukawa rohe is described in a tauparapara used by Raukawa kaum\u0101tua. The district of Raukawa is from Te Wairere, Horohoro, and P\u014Dhaturoa, and at Ongaroto is the house of the ancestor Whait\u0101. From Nukuhau to Taup\u014D-nui-a-Tia, to Hurakia on the Hauhungaroa range, from Titiraupenga mountain, the horizon is the boundary of the district of Raukawa. To the mountain Wharep\u016Bhunga and the marae of Arowhena. To the ranges of Whakamarumaru, the view extends to the region of Te Kaokaoroa-o-P\u0101tetere to Maungatautari. The view extends beyond Wharep\u016Bhunga to the ancestor Hoturoa to the marae at Pararewa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThe Crown recognises the mandate of Raukawa negotiators in September 2008, and I do particularly want to acknowledge the chairperson of the Raukawa Trust Board, Vanessa Eparaima, for her leadership and her guidance in getting us to this point in the process. I want to acknowledge also that we have Chris McKenzie in the gallery here in the House. I mihi to you, Chris, for the mahi, and to all the Raukawa wh\u0101nau, hap\u016B, and iwi for the work that you have done. Like I said in my previous call it is not an easy undertaking. There are a lot of compromises. It is often done with a lot of humility and a lot of grace and so I mihi to you and also, clearly, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. I was listening to the previous speaker, Mr Tremain, a fellow Hawke\u2019s Bay-ite, talking about the speed the Hon Chris Finlayson has applied to the role of Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and I do want to acknowledge Mr Finlayson for that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ETurning to the historic background to the claims of Raukawa, I acknowledge that they suffered much from the wars of that time. Of course, like many, they lost a lot of land. I too joined the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee in its hearings in Tokoroa, and was pleased to see the number and range of submitters who appeared before the select committee. We had a number of interested groups in support, clearly, and with some mentions also of how the bill could be improved. We had submissions from, for example, the Te Arawa River Iwi trust, Ng\u0101ti Paretekawa, Ruthana Begbie, a wonderful kuia from Tokoroa. We also had submissions from a neighbouring iwi of Raukawa, Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura Trust. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EOne of the submissions I do want to just highlight\u2014because I absolutely believe that that is the way the country is going to be moving in terms of local and regional relationships\u2014was the submission done by the mayor of\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022155c3141167a49e681aa30ce098c1a3d\u0022\u003EHon Christopher Finlayson\u003C/span\u003E: South Waikato.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5dc86622d204f18ac779e917f3792b4\u0022\u003EMEKA WHAITIRI\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, the name escapes me at the moment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221af02cbf19984aaa9a14498fe35af848\u0022\u003EHon Christopher Finlayson\u003C/span\u003E: Neil Sinclair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228103e9dbd1fe419fabda3bf3759ff99b\u0022\u003EMEKA WHAITIRI\u003C/span\u003E: That is right, Mr Finlayson\u2014Neil Sinclair. What I enjoyed from his submission to the select committee was the ongoing relationship with Raukawa in terms of what is pending in terms of the settlement. I enjoyed the fact that he spoke not only highly in support of the bill but on the issue around maintaining relationships and the opportunities that a settlement such as the Ng\u0101ti Raukawa one will bring to the community in his area. I do not want to go on much more in terms of the detail of the bill, but I do want to acknowledge the work that people have done to bring it here, and to support it in its second reading. I, too, look forward to its third and final reading. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022 data-id=\u002284382d4ce30c4565aa5bef4145762e7d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002284382d4ce30c4565aa5bef4145762e7d\u0022\u003ETIM MACINDOE (National\u2014Hamilton West):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te Mana Whakaw\u0101, kia ora e te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou e te iwi, ng\u0101 mihi nui ki a koutou. For reasons that others have explained, and largely revolving around the lingering fog at Wellington Airport\u2014of course fog is a meteorological condition with which we in the Waikato are totally unfamiliar\u2014I find myself here rather unexpectedly. We have not had much fog in recent times, I have to say. For those reasons I am rather unexpectedly taking a call. Nevertheless, as a Waikato member of Parliament, albeit from the western side of Kirikiriroa, I am particularly pleased to be able to support this Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill, which is of such significance and interest throughout the wider Waikato region. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EOther speakers this morning have already traversed the background to the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill, and the considerable work that has been undertaken by all parties in bringing this bill to its second reading today. That is in itself a matter to welcome warmly. Could I, as other speakers have done, acknowledge very sincerely the outstanding leadership and work of the Hon Christopher Finlayson, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, who has been doing an outstanding job in that role for more than 5 years now. It is worth pointing out that under his stewardship, we have signed 42 deeds of settlement. Minister, I congratulate you on that and thank you for the huge work you have been doing in this area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EThe Raukawa grievances include the Waikato and Tauranga wars of the 1860s and the confiscation of Raukawa land following that conflict. The introduction and implementation of native land laws that facilitated the alienation of Raukawa land and the Crown\u2019s failure to ensure that Raukawa had adequate lands to ensure for its present and future needs contributed to the considerable economic, social, and cultural detriment of Raukawa. That is at the heart of the process that we have been undertaking and the major basis of the Crown\u2019s apology. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EI believe that the settlements process in New Zealand is now being seen for the considerable benefits that it can convey. As others have mentioned, some people around the country have been dubious about them. There have been some cynical comments, but now, as we see in my own area of Waikato, where the Tainui settlement was, of course, the historic trendsetter\u2014that Tainui settlement of nearly 20 years now is having a huge and enduring impact for the good throughout the Tainui region. It is a model that others have followed and that we are seeing unlock iwi economic potential and boost regional and provincial areas. In keeping with our priority as a Government to build a more productive and competitive economy, it is absolutely part and parcel that we want to ensure that iwi are in a position to be a leading part of that process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EI also want to acknowledge, as others have done, the inimitable style and leadership of the Hon Tau Henare in his chairing of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee and the contributions of all members of that select committee, who have done very good work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EThis second reading debate represents another significant step on another important journey. The process has been a long and often arduous one. It is in everyone\u2019s interest for the destination to be reached, and I look forward to the day when that occurs for Raukawa. I thank all speakers for their contributions to this debate and especially all who have been a part of this important Treaty settlement negotiation. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022 data-id=\u0022bc978bec26e741e2b9eca410c1fcc833\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bc978bec26e741e2b9eca410c1fcc833\u0022\u003ELOUISA WALL (Labour\u2014Manurewa):\u003C/span\u003E E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, rau rangatira m\u0101, nga wh\u0101nau o Raukawa. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. I specifically want to mihi to Chris McKenzie, who is here in the House. He has led the Raukawa claim as their chief negotiator for many years now. In fact, when I went on to the Raukawa website I was really impressed to read your p\u0101nui. In fact, dating back to 2011 Raukawa had comprehensive claims hui right round the rohe of Raukawa. From my perspective, the inclusive and transparent way that you have led this Treaty settlement process needs to be acknowledged. I want to acknowledge the Minister Chris Finlayson and congratulate him on the wonderful work that he is doing to enable these settlement processes to happen in a timely manner. I also want to mihi to Tau Henare in his absence, to Nanaia Mahuta, and to other members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, and, in fact, everybody across the House. This is the one area where we have consensus, where we are all working together, to ensure that our wh\u0101nau, hap\u016B, iwi can move on positively into the future. So this area of Treaty settlements is one where we have consensus about what is best for the nation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EWhat I want to highlight are just a couple of things. Firstly, I do want to acknowledge Wally Papa and others, because I did have a look at that Wai 443 claim. Wally was the initial claimant, and I think that we should always remember where processes begin. So I want to acknowledge Wally and the wh\u0101nau for, I guess, beginning the kaupapa that the Raukawa Trust Board and the Raukawa Settlement Trust have continued. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge that the deed of settlement that has now been translated into this piece of legislation had 93 percent support from Raukawa beneficiaries. I think that we should acknowledge that. Also, the trust board was mandated by the 16 marae, and the Raukawa Settlement Trust comprises representatives of those 16 marae plus 10 hap\u016B representatives. So what we have seen is a very inclusive process, as I said before, that has enabled, I guess, the smooth passage of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill and the deed of settlement through the rohe of Raukawa. What I have been particularly impressed about, and it was really in a submission by Kataraina Hodge, was the fact that throughout this process she wanted to provide some context in respect of our whakawhanaunga within our iwi. So the bill itself was carefully crafted to ensure that our whanaungatanga was maintained. I want to acknowledge throughout this process that rangim\u0101rie feeling. The ability for everybody within Raukawa to participate needs to be highlighted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EWhat I also want to highlight is that the Raukawa Charitable Trust is one of the largest iwi health providers in the south Waikato. The Raukawa Charitable Trust wh\u0101nau have been participating positively within their community. They have the capacity to deliver health services. From reading their website, I see they have got a huge focus on kaum\u0101tua health, wh\u0101nau health, the retention of their reo. So this iwi group has not waited for this Treaty settlement process to get on with the mahi. I think what this settlement process will do is enhance the mahi that they are already doing. I think we need to acknowledge the fact that this iwi grouping actually has been able to develop their capacity to develop their capability to deliver services not only for their people but also for the people of the south Waikato. So I want to acknowledge and thank them for the work they are doing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EWhen I read the Treaty settlements legislation, I am always really interested in the statutory acknowledgments. For me, that statutory acknowledgment is acknowledging the status that our iwi groups have as mana whenua of Aotearoa. It is a status that no other group has. So it is not about us being an ethnic group or another racial group within Aotearoa New Zealand; it is actually recognising the special relationship that we have. So the statutory acknowledgments within this particular settlement acknowledges the relationship that Raukawa has with aspects of the Waikato River and its tributaries, to lakes, to geothermal sites\u2014for example, part of the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, the P\u0101tetere Scenic Reserve, the Arapuni Scenic Reserve, the Kaahu Scenic Reserve. I am mentioning these names because I think the significance of that statutory acknowledgment actually creates the opportunity for the relationship that both central and local government will have to develop with Raukawa. It will be about how we manage those sites, the consents that will happen over those sites. For me it means that Raukawa, in this instance, will continue to have a formal decision-making responsibility for those sites into the future. For me that is the most significant aspect, because for ever the footprint of Raukawa will be felt throughout the south Waikato. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI also note that there will be naming rights for certain sites that Raukawa will have, which mean that we will maintain that footprint. The tupuna for Raukawa will for ever in our history be acknowledged. So I am really pleased to support this bill. I am really pleased to be a member of Parliament who has an opportunity to participate in these Treaty settlement processes. I am no longer on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. It was a committee that I was very honoured and privileged to be a member of. I, again, just want to thank my colleagues for the way in which they conduct the business of the House. I want to thank our hap\u016B and iwi groups for the way in which you have conducted yourselves. And, as always, I want to acknowledge the generosity in this instance of Raukawa to enable us to get to this point in time. I look forward to both the Committee stage and third reading of this bill so that we can make a piece of legislation that will reinforce the deed of settlement that Raukawa has created. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223792c2a0557445d89fb6dc8dccc4c83c\u0022\u003EMaungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e6dba9e251e2449189a5213a75f10220\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022 data-id=\u0022f3b57974d8034c7f9b4ebaa0eb62bed8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f3b57974d8034c7f9b4ebaa0eb62bed8\u0022\u003EHon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill be now read a second time. As with other bills, this is very much the culmination of a tremendous amount of work over many years. I particularly want to recognise Bevan Taylor and T\u0101nia Hopmans, two people for whom I have enormous personal and professional regard for the way they have worked on this matter for many, many years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EThe bill has had a very rapid passage. I signed the deed on behalf of the Crown on Saturday, 25 May 2013. I was really pleased that my colleagues Craig Foss and Chris Tremain were also there representing the Crown and Parliament. The bill was then introduced and referred to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee after its first reading on 31 July 2013. Notwithstanding the extraordinarily huge amount of work that the committee had during last year, it reported back to the House on 18 December 2013. So when viewers are watching and they may think that we say all these nice things about Mr Henare and the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, let us bear in mind that last year this committee not only dealt with this legislation but also dealt with the huge Te Tau Ihu Claims Settlement Bill, which we have just read a second time today, and the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill, which we have just dealt with. It has been working on the T\u0101maki Collective bill, the T\u016Bhoe bill, the Ng\u0101ti Korok\u012B Kahukura bill, and many others. As people say, these bills give rise to a number of submissions, and they have to be dealt with very carefully indeed. So I do really just say on behalf of all of us that when we thank the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, we mean it. It has done a very, very good job. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EAs it turns out, there were a number of submissions on this bill, but at the end of the day there are very minor changes indeed. They are of a technical nature and they are referred to in the committee\u2019s report. I am very pleased that that is the case. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003EI heard someone say something about the importance of Crown acknowledgments in the Raukawa bill. Actually, it was a very good point, and I just thought I would spend a little bit of time on it because the acknowledgments that are contained in clause 8 of the Maungaharuru bill are actually very important indeed. They are certainly not pro forma acknowledgments that are sort of drafted in a few minutes. They are the result of very careful discussion with iwi over an extended period. I can say about one bill\u2014which I will not, obviously, refer to by name\u2014that there has been lengthy and sometimes very heated discussion about what is and what is not appropriate to include in an acknowledgment. So I just want to assure the House that such acknowledgments are very carefully thought out. They are the result, as I say, of a lot of discussion and a lot of careful analysis, particularly by historians on behalf of the Crown. The decisions are not made lightly and they are a very important part of the legislation. Getting the history right, setting out the acknowledgments of what went wrong, and then the apology are, in fact, very important parts of a bill, which I think are often overlooked. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002241146229-4d11-415b-a4ac-f4e2b923e95d\u0022\u003ESeveral people from Raukawa texted me this morning to say that they were sorry they could not get to town because of the fog but they were glued to their television sets. I went back to them\u2014you are allowed to text in the House, are you not\u2014and said that it was fine and that it is the third reading where all the really lengthy speeches are given, so they were not to trouble themselves. I acknowledge Vanessa Eparaima, who is probably still beaming in even though we are no longer dealing with her bill. I do thank Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B for all the tremendous work they have done. I very much look forward to welcoming them to the House for the third reading and for a function afterwards, because they have certainly done an enormous amount of work to reach this stage, and I have so enjoyed working with them. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u00228c1687dcf2144ccca5d8231a02591301\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228c1687dcf2144ccca5d8231a02591301\u0022\u003EMEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa ng\u0101 mema o te Whare nei. It is an absolute privilege to again rise in support of the second reading of the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. I too want to acknowledge the wh\u0101nau who have not been able to make it from Napier because of the closure of the airport. Quite rightly, like the Hon Chris Finlayson said, this is really a part of the process. The critical part is the third reading. I do just want to say to those who could not make it due to fog that I know you are here in spirit and, despite your absence from here, I know your excitement at the thought that we are almost at the end of this journey. I do want to acknowledge that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI was fortunate to be on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee in Napier. We were talking about the speed with which the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee is working in terms of dealing with these bills, and can I say that at the hearing we had at Napier the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee was split. We had half in one area and the other half in Napier. I want to acknowledge the honourable Te Ururoa Flavell, who chaired the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee in Napier, and to share with the House that we had many submissions. The fact that the honourable Minister Finlayson has just commended the bill shows that the submissions were not of any major concern. But I do want to acknowledge those in Napier and around Hawke\u2019s Bay who came to submit to this bill and to strengthen it for what it has become. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThere was one thing I did pick up in the submissions in Napier. We talk about the relationships that are critical for Treaty settlements, not just between iwi and the Crown but, obviously, iwi with iwi and hap\u016B with hap\u016B. In the submissions of the early submitters to the Napier hearings there were concerns around certain hap\u016B missing out and not being reflected in this bill. I have got to say that for the short 7 or so months\u2014not even 7 months\u2014since I have been a member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, that seems to be a common thread coming through: where hap\u016B or iwi are in a claim, out of a claim, or in nowhere claim. We heard that through the Manungaharuru-Tangit\u016B but I do want to acknowledge T\u0101nia Hopmans, Uncle Bevan Taylor from T\u0101ngoio, and Petane Marae, who were able to take the concerns raised at the submissions and report back to the select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ETreaty claims are a very complex and convoluted area, and only when you know the history of not just that particular claim but previous claims and the previous injustices does the whole picture unfold itself. Clearly, it was important to have the opportunity to sit with T\u0101nia to explain the concerns of Ng\u0101i Tahu\u2014and not Ng\u0101i Tahu from the South Island but the hap\u016B of Ng\u0101i Tahu from the N\u016Bhaka-M\u014Dhaka area of the Hawke\u2019s Bay, who clearly were one of those hap\u016B who felt left out. They were not reflected in the Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera settlement, and clearly did not see themselves in the Manungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. But I was assured, having shared a flight back with T\u0101nia, that that actually was not the case. Again, it just goes to my point around what processes we allow for people who feel that they are not adequately reflected, or whose interests or beneficial interests are not reflected, in Treaty settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThe issue for me, having heard those submissions, was to do with knowing that the whakapapa and the genealogical links can go back many, many generations. I recall from both my colleagues the Hon Nanaia Mahuta and our able chair, Mr Tau Henare, that the role of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee is not to determine whakapapa. It is not to determine whose whakapapa is more correct than the others, and I think I have used that\u2014it has been a very good point made several times\u2014as a member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. This message is not just to the House but clearly to those whose Treaty settlements have not been heard, in order to reflect that it is not and should never ever be the role of the Crown to determine whose whakapapa should and should not be included. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EAgain, that goes to my point around getting to those points where there are very passionate people when it comes to whakapapa and your mana whenua over areas, but for me it is around creating a process for that to happen and where it should rightly sit, and that is with the wh\u0101nau, the hap\u016B, and the iwi. But often, for members of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, it feels sometimes that people who are putting up their cases to be included are looking for some sort of adjudication by the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, so I am proud to be associated with a committee that draws the line that that is not the role of the committee. As I said, coming back to this particular bill\u2014and subsequent ones that the Hon Chris Finlayson has acknowledged\u2014that seems to be a recurring issue. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI really did not want to take too much more time of the House. Clearly the report that was produced by the select committee with very, very minor details has been presented. I do too join with others in the House and look forward to the third reading of the Manungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. I am really confident and clear that the passing of this bill, added to the Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Act with the other four large natural groupings of the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu iwi collective settlements, is going to do some amazing things for the region of Hawke\u2019s Bay from Parit\u016B all the way down to Turakirae in the Wairarapa. It is with those closing words that I again support the second reading of the Manungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. I wish them well and look forward to them all joining us in the third reading. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022 data-id=\u0022420b724efe7b416fac31394c6029267b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022420b724efe7b416fac31394c6029267b\u0022\u003EHon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development):\u003C/span\u003E It is with pleasure, actually, that I get to stand up and speak to the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. I am standing up on behalf of my colleague Tau Henare, who could not get here today\u2014and I know he is incredibly disappointed\u2014due to the fog that has kept him in Auckland, I think. I am kind of pleased that the honourable Minister Chris Finlayson has gone, because I wanted to say one thing nice about him, and I do not like doing it when he is sitting next to me. He has done a great job in pulling this work together. I know that the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee has put a lot of work in, but I think it is the hap\u016B who get the best recognition for the work that they have done. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003EBecause I am unlikely to speak on this bill in the third reading, I am going to take 2 minutes and perhaps speak differently to the second reading than would normally happen. I had to get myself up to speed with the details in a relatively short time this morning, stepping in for someone else. I actually lived at Lake T\u016Btira for about 2 years in the early 1990s, which was an interesting time in my life, and fell in love with the area. It was an important part of my life. Reading the historical background to the claims that have been made here, and just acknowledging the grievance and the history, it is just kind of staggering. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003EIt is staggering to think of M\u0101ori and the hap\u016B in the mid-1800s going out there in good faith and wanting to seek settlement and seek a peaceful settlement for the wars that were going on at that time. When you read about how they were actually involved in a peaceful end to their involvement in the New Zealand Wars but were attacked in October 1866, which ultimately led to 23 M\u0101ori being killed and some hap\u016B individuals being among the 86 prisoners who were exiled to the Chatham Islands, where they were detained without trial for nearly 2 years, it is staggering to think of the effect that must have had on the whole hap\u016B, on all of the wh\u0101nau\u2014those who were left behind, those who had to go there, and those who were going through that death. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003EI am just so pleased, and I hope that this bill puts the Crown\u2019s apology in place, that it actually means that they get recognition financially, and that it helps them now gather that strength that they already have to actually see progress happen. So I wish them all very well in this settlement. I hope the third reading comes along quickly so that we can move on with it, and I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to get them to the place where we are at today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022871c441a98b34cafb998c8d369617a32\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022871c441a98b34cafb998c8d369617a32\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Labour\u2014Hauraki-Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E I stand as a member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee who did not hear submissions on this particular bill, the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill, but I want to acknowledge the amount of hard work and effort that has gone into compiling the deed of settlement, which was signed last year. In fact, the agreement was reached in May last year. So people can see that the progress from the deed of settlement to legislation through the select committee process has been quite swift. That is the first point. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAcknowledgment has to be given to Minister Finlayson, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, for progressing Treaty settlements where there is a sense of urgency from iwi to get things done\u2014more so in an election year\u2014to give certainty in terms of their ability to take their interests forward. Parliament surely has played its part in supporting the Minister in that ambition. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThis is one of the types of bills where you would look to the schedules to get a real feel for what it is all about. You will notice in all parts of the schedules, with the exception of schedule 6, the description of properties that are being returned to the Mangaharuru-Tangit\u016B hap\u016B. And when you go through the schedules, you see that there are lakes, streams, and conservation bits of land, and recreation reserves and scenic reserves\u2014all component parts of this settlement. It gives you a flavour, then, of what it is that these people value the most. What is it that they value the most? Obviously, your local connection to your lands and boundaries form a very important part of how you see yourselves continuing to play a constructive role in your community. But they also give a sense of what identity means, and what whakapapa links exist, for these people within this area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ELake T\u016Btira, as was referred to by the previous speaker, Paula Bennett, is a beautiful place. When I was on the campaign trail with Meka Whaitiri, the local candidate for this rohe, she took me past Lake T\u016Btira and told me some very nice personal stories about the area. But you only needed to look at the place to think \u201CWow, this is a great place to come and stay.\u201D It is relatively untouched. It still has the natural preservation of the beauty that we all know and love\u2014the New Zealand that we want to preserve\u2014and now, overshadowed on that, there is the opportunity for the local tangata whenua to be able to be active protectors\u2014kaitiaki, if you like\u2014of that area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the work that has gone in to ensuring that the most precious parts of the natural heritage\u2014the lands, the reserves, the lakes, and the streams\u2014are included in this settlement and also that there is an active management instrument tool, if you like, within this bill to give the people of Mangaharuru-Tangit\u016B a role in how these lands are cared for. There is commercial redress, which is a component of every settlement, but I do not get the feeling that that is the overriding objective of this settlement. There are statutory acknowledgments and deeds of recognition that make up the component parts of this settlement as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ECan I step back from the particulars and just make this comment with regard to how Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu as an iwi has approached its Treaty settlement process. The M\u0101ori Affairs Committee is often challenged with the internal divisions of hap\u016B within iwi collectives who may feel either disenfranchised from the process or totally disregarded. The way in which Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu has approached its Treaty settlement process for the land settlements is somewhat different from that of other iwi. They have enabled pockets of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu to settle their comprehensive claims within their rohe as a unique collective. If other iwi want to take the learnings from the whole evolution of the Treaty settlement process, I think Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu has approached this in a way, given its land mass, and its territory, that preserves the integrity of clusters of hap\u016B that have distinct interests in an area and that does not take away from the centre, from the common identity of the iwi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAgain, this is one thing that I think Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu has contributed to the settlement space. They collectively advocated for their fisheries interests as an iwi, and they enabled hap\u016B, for their land and historical Treaty settlements, to continue as unique, identifiable clusters of hap\u016B. I commend them for that, because what happens as a result of that is you get Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera and you get Mangaharuru-Tangit\u016B being able to argue for the way that they want to approach their unique interests in their rohe and administer those interests. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThere is one issue that came up that I think I could comment on, and it did come up in a previous settlement under the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu cluster, which was in regard to Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera. There were people of Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera who felt that they had some overlapping interests in this bill, which is currently being considered by the House. In my understanding\u2014and certainly from my reading of the submissions and getting feedback from the members who were at the select committee hearings\u2014that although it is acknowledged that there are overlapping interests here, it is not an exclusionary benefit to just the people of Mangaharuru-Tangit\u016B. So, for example, if someone with connections to Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera had equally strong affiliations and connections and interests in this bill, they would not be prejudiced or cut off from being able to exercise an interest in this space. I felt it was important to mention that because it was one of the areas where the select committee had to consider the extent to which this bill took account of some very real practical issues in the area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI do not want to take too long on this bill. The substance of the issues will be dealt with in the third reading. There were no significant changes to the bill from the way in which it was introduced to how it has come back to the House for its second reading, except for a change and a clarification\u2014a technical amendment to the date. Therefore, the bill is basically presented as it was tabled, with some very informative discussion as to why the settlement has been comprised in the way it has. I commend the bill to the House. I look forward to a speedy third reading. A lot of effort has gone into it. Kia ora koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022 data-id=\u00222553870eb694420c9accab93a18a8bfc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222553870eb694420c9accab93a18a8bfc\u0022\u003EDENISE ROCHE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Deputy Speaker. E te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, e ng\u0101 rangatira m\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. I want to acknowledge that for Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B, the fog has had an impact on the people both in the House and in the gallery. So I want to acknowledge the people who are probably watching this on television. They are the people of Ng\u0101ti Tu, Ng\u0101ti Kurumokihi, Ng\u0101ti Whakaari, Ng\u0101i Te Ruruku ki Tangoio, Ng\u0101i Tauira, and Ng\u0101i Tahu. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIt is my privilege to take a call for the Green Party on the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill for its second reading in the House. I said it was a privilege when I spoke at the first reading in the middle of last year. To be in the House at a time in history when the Crown seeks to right the wrongs and heal the hurts is an opportunity that very few New Zealanders get. It is where we see our founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which enables non-M\u0101ori to live in this land peaceably, finally honoured after many, many breaches that left the people of the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B poor, unhealthy, scattered, and dispossessed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI was not able to come and hear the submissions on this bill that were made to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, but I have spent some time looking at the submissions that were made. There were 45 of them. I did that so that I could get a clearer picture of the issues and add to my understanding of the report that the committee has presented to the House. I thank the previous speakers for outlining in more detail what the issues were. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThis is the third Treaty bill that the House has heard today for a second reading. Looking at the submissions on this one, there are common themes that appear across those bills. I guess to sum it up, it would be fair to say that a common fear from some submitters is that they will be either included in the settlement, with negative consequences, or, alternatively, that they will not be included in the settlement, with negative consequences. So with this bill there were submissions from those concerned about the claimant definition. Some were concerned that those descended from ancient hap\u016B who were not explicitly mentioned in the bill would not be covered by the settlement, or that they were being subsumed unfairly into another hap\u016B, or that they were not adequately recognised. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EThe second area where people were concerned is that they would not be included in the settlement because they have connections with both Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera and Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, and that the Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera settlement was enacted several years ago. I guess this highlights the point that was made at Waitangi this year by Maanu Paul from the M\u0101ori Council on the paepae at Te Tii during his whaik\u014Drero when we were welcomed on. He said that he was concerned that the settling of historic grievances may set M\u0101ori against M\u0101ori, and he is right to be concerned. It is one of the reasons the Greens have some unease about these settlements, and why we always say that we do not believe that these bills represent a full and final settlement. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EWe are also concerned at the fact that it is the Crown that determines who it will negotiate with, that some will be shut out of the process, and that because it is the Crown that determines who it will negotiate with, it perpetuates the status of the Crown and diminishes the partnership with ng\u0101 iwi M\u0101ori that was envisaged by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. So it could have the potential for creating further Treaty breaches. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EOf course, our third reason for not accepting these settlements as full and final settlements of historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi is that the historical breaches\u2014what happened in the past\u2014may yet affect generations to come in ways that have not yet been foreseen. I know that Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B, in common with iwi across our country, have no wish to short-change the children yet to come. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIt is worth noting here in Parliament that for the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B, the Crown\u2019s historical Treaty breaches nearly wiped them out. They went from having 100,000 hectares of land to now having just 3 acres at T\u0101ngoio. T\u0101nia Hopmans, the general manager of the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Trust, referred to her people as tangata whenua without whenua. With the settlement under this bill, Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B will be in a better economic condition, but they are incredibly generous in accepting this settlement when the losses\u2014people killed, detained, and executed, and land taken by confiscation and by other unfair means\u2014were so large. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge that my comments about the Crown are not in any way to detract from the sense of achievement that Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B should rightly claim as theirs for resolving these historical claims to this point. It has taken decades and decades and so much perseverance, commitment, and resolve to get to this final part, and generosity and patience. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EOne of the submissions, from Evelyn Ratima, the chair of Mana Ahuriri Inc., which is a neighbour of Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, describes their graciousness really well in her submission supporting the bill. She says: \u201CAs neighbours of Maungaharuru-Tangitu we acknowledge all the indignities and trials they have endured and in remembering the suffering of their and our Tipuna, which is much, and that is been polite \u2026 have maintained their integrity and the integrity of the people \u2026 MTI have been transparent throughout the duration of the claims process, they have \u2026 been committed and true to the legacy of their and our ancestors and are very deserving of having their Claims Bill heard, supported and passed through Parliament.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EIn Treaty settlements the commercial redress offers a chance for iwi to start to rebuild their economic base. The cultural redress is an acknowledgment and restoration of the status of iwi in relation to their land, their rivers, their lakes\u2014and I want to note here Lake T\u016Btira, which is one of the most polluted in the country\u2014the sea, and their role as tangata whenua and kaitiaki. The renaming of certain sites back to their original names is important in telling the history of the area from a M\u0101ori perspective, and again it addresses the mana tangata status of hap\u016B and iwi. The vesting of several thousands of hectares of Department of Conservation reserves, as will happen under this settlement, which Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B will return to the people of Aotearoa, is a symbolic act of recompense by the Crown, but it is a much larger gesture of generosity by the hap\u016B. All this redress is designed to start the process for Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B to heal. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EAfter my last speech in this House I received an email from one of the negotiators, which was really nice, I have to say, and I am going to quote from it because it is positive. She said: \u201CI believe there is hope and a quiet optimism among our people that things will get better for future generations.\u201D Later she says: \u201CWe are looking forward to putting this chapter in our history to rest, and charting a new course for our hap\u016B, wh\u0101nau, and marae.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222df33ee5-23d6-441c-a9ba-6495aa69f9fd\u0022\u003EI reiterate that it is a privilege to speak in the second reading of this bill. The Greens will be supporting it through to its third reading and final passage. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022 data-id=\u002239516366e5b249ff931a6019bc5e9b11\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002239516366e5b249ff931a6019bc5e9b11\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS TREMAIN (National\u2014Napier):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te Mana Whakahaere. T\u012Bhei mauri ora! Whakataka te hau ki te uru. Whakataka te hau ki te tonga. Kia m\u0101kinakina ki uta, kia m\u0101taratara ki tai. E h\u012B ake ana te at\u0101kura, he tio, he huka he hauhunga. \u0100, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Behold the breath of life! Cease the winds from the west. Cease the winds from the south. Let the breezes blow over the land. Let the breezes blow over the ocean. Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air, a touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day. So greetings to you collectively.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EThe mihi I have just used was the one that I started my speech with in the first reading on the Maungaharuru-Tangitu Hapu Claims Settlement Bill. It has particular relevance because it speaks of a new dawn for Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B\u2014a touch of frost, which is probably quite relevant today with the fog that is coming through Wellington. It has prevented many of the negotiators and members of the six hap\u016B from coming down to P\u014Dneke, to Wellington, today to be part of this second reading. In that regard, as many other members in the House have done\u2014Denise Roche from the Greens, Meka Whaitiri, and Minister Finlayson\u2014can I acknowledge the presence in spirit, very much, of kaum\u0101tua and rangatira from Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B who cannot be here today. In particular, can I acknowledge Bevan Taylor and T\u0101nia Hopmans, who are two of the lead negotiators, the rangatira, who have led the negotiations to bring the bill to the point that we are at now, where we can reach a settlement for this natural grouping. I say \u201Cnatural grouping\u201D because there was some debate from some\u2014certainly not from members of these hap\u016B\u2014that they were not a natural grouping. So to establish that fact has been excellent. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ETo be clear, the rohe of Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B sits within my electorate\u2014or, should I say, my electorate sits within their rohe. The area starts at Mana Ahuriri, which is the group that sits in Napier. For those of you who know where Napier Airport is, that land there will be part of the Mana Ahuriri claim. But going north from there, it is up along the coast. It takes in Waip\u0101tiki Beach, goes up through to Ridgemount Station, through to the Waikari River, which is where Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera and their iwi sit, further north. That claim has been settled since I have been a member of this House, which is absolutely fantastic. Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera are getting on with building an economic base and businesses, and becoming very much a part of the local economy. The rohe goes west from there, to the ranges of Maungaharuru. Interestingly, Maungaharuru talks about the beating of wings. If you go back a couple of hundred years, the Maungaharuru Range\u2014maunga, as in mountain, and haruru, the beating of wings\u2014talks about the petrels and seabirds that used to nest up in what I would not quite call mountains, but in those mid-hill areas. It is interesting to see that the iwi are now working with Julian Robertson, who has put a million dollars into bringing back seabirds to that area, which is absolutely fantastic. This is a wonderful point in time\u2014that we have got to this point, and we can settle. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EI have actually got quite a close connection to the area. I happen to be fortunate to own some property at Waip\u0101tiki Beach. Just this January I worked very closely with Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B. We had Bevan Taylor out to the beach. I have got a property that sits right beside the beach\u2014actually about 18 acres there\u2014which had one of the old p\u0101 sites around it. So we had the members of the iwi out to look at where some of the dugouts were and just to have a sense of what may need to be protected in future years if that site was to be developed. It was really interesting. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EIn terms of the settlement itself, as I said on the Raukawa settlement, it actually empowers Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B not only by returning land to them but there is some financial redress there as well, plus cultural redress. In terms of the redress there, we see the vesting of part of \u014Cpouahi Station and the \u014Cpouahi Scenic Reserve, the vesting of the Te P\u014Dhue Domain Scenic Reserve back into Maungaharuru hap\u016B, and the vesting of lake beds at Lake T\u016Btira, Lake \u014Cr\u0101kai, Lake Waik\u014Dpiro, and Lake \u014Cpouahi. Also, we see the return of the lake beds to the hap\u016B and the vesting and gifting of a number of significant cultural properties, including boundary streams, scenic reserves, the Bellbird Bush Scenic Reserve, and the balance of the \u014Cpouahi Scenic Reserve and Whakaari Landing Place Reserve. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003ESo all these things come together and have reached what I think is an excellent settlement for the Maungaharuru hap\u016B. It has taken a long time to get to this point, but, as I said earlier, Bevan Taylor, T\u0101nia Hopmans, and the other negotiators have worked hard to get to this point. I think there is definitely hope there for a quality settlement, and, as my colleague in the Green Party Denise Roche said, there is genuine optimism amongst the hap\u016B about the future. I must say that when I was there for the signing of the agreement in principle at the marae, it was fantastic to talk to the people, who were very optimistic and who really wanted to look forward and put behind them the issues of the past, to look forward for their own mokopuna, their tamariki, their children, and to focus on how they could get them really, really well educated so that they could then become significant contributors not only to their own community but to the wider community, and with an understanding of their place in the world in what is now more and more a global community. I think you actually need to have your roots very clearly embedded in some part of the world, which for me is the mighty Hawke\u2019s Bay and very much a part of this area, Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221368ba6c-25be-40f6-a2a0-8f81e1f78b79\u0022\u003EThank you for the opportunity to speak in this debate. As I said in the speech on the Raukawa bill, it is a huge privilege to be part of these historical Treaty settlements and a huge privilege to have those settlements from my own electorate taking place and seeing genuine progress being made and huge development in Hawke\u2019s Bay as a result of these settlements. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022 data-id=\u00226178db36daa24ede9f3a6f922789e233\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226178db36daa24ede9f3a6f922789e233\u0022\u003ELOUISA WALL (Labour\u2014Manurewa):\u003C/span\u003E E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, rau rangatira m\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. Ng\u0101 mihi ki ng\u0101 wh\u0101nau o Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, ng\u0101 hap\u016B o Ng\u0101ti Kurum\u014Dkihi, Ng\u0101ti T\u016B, Ng\u0101ti Whakaari, Ng\u0101i Tauira, Ng\u0101i Te Ruruku ki Tang\u014Dio, Ng\u0101i Tahu. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003E[To the authorities, languages, and esteemed leaders, greetings and salutations to you collectively and to us all. Acknowledgements to the families of Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, subtribes of Ng\u0101ti Kurum\u014Dkihi, Ng\u0101ti T\u016B, Ng\u0101ti Whakaari, Ng\u0101i Tauira, Ng\u0101i Te Ruruku ki Tang\u014Dio, and Ng\u0101i Tahu. So, greetings to us.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI would also like to take this opportunity to mihi to my colleague Meka Whaitiri, who represents the area of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti, within which Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu is a very significant iwi, and also in recognition that this settlement is a settlement of a hap\u016B cluster that affiliates to Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. I would also like to acknowledge the Hon Chris Tremain, who represents the area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI would like to start with a place name that will have official status by virtue of this piece of legislation, the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill\u2014that is, Whakaari. Hawke\u2019s Bay will, after this piece of legislation goes through, be able to be called Whakaari. It will be interesting to see whether or not Hawke\u2019s Bay businesses start using \u201CWhakaari\u201D. It could see the introduction of bilingualism within the region. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EThe interesting thing about the name is that Whakaari is the name that tangata whenua have regarded this area of Aotearoa as. When I look at the history of Hawke\u2019s Bay I want to share it with the House today and with those who are watching, because it is a name that Captain Cook gave New Zealand in honour of Admiral Edward Hawke, who defeated the French at\u2014and excuse my French\u2014the Battle of Quiberon Bay. That happened in 1759. So it is really interesting that we have this place name that comes from France in honour of an Englishman, and that by virtue of this piece of legislation we are actually going to have a name that honours the tangata whenua, the mana whenua, of Aotearoa and it comes from here. So I particularly want to highlight that fact, which will be enabled through the passage of this piece of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EI also want to highlight that the deed of settlement for this piece of legislation was signed on 25 May 2013. Of the 5,000 registered members of this hap\u016B grouping, 62 percent voted, and it had 98 percent support. It is one of the highest engagements that has been seen through the Treaty settlement process, so I do not underestimate how important and how engaging this settlement process has been for the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B wh\u0101nau to be involved in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EWhat I do want to do is share an article from Hawke\u2019s Bay Today that was written by Doug Laing. It was written on 27 May 2013 and it starts: \u201CThe Crown has made one of its most profound Treaty settlement apologies in redressing grievances of four Hawke\u2019s Bay hapu decimated by the military invasion of their marae almost 150 years ago.\u201D What this article acknowledges is that in 1866, 20 people were killed at \u014Cmarunui and P\u0113tane and 13 others were incarcerated on the Chatham Islands for 2 years. The other thing that is highlighted in this media reporting is that land confiscations happened within the context of the time that resulted in the hap\u016B becoming a landless people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EWhen we look at the settlement processes that we are engaged in, we always have an opportunity to look at New Zealand\u2019s history. I think that we should be very clear, in moving forward, that the generosity of our hap\u016B and iwi means that we should always acknowledge the atrocities of the past. We do so today actually fully embracing that history. We do so today honouring our hap\u016B and iwi groups. All of them have endured stories like this. But we do so today honouring the generosity of the hap\u016B and iwi in enabling us as a country to move forward. So I always want to thank our hap\u016B and iwi groups\u2014leaders such as Bevan Taylor, Joseph Reti, and others. As well, there are leaders such as Ms Hopmans, who, if I read the article that I quoted from earlier, decided as a university student that she wanted to write a piece of research that Dr Richard Boast is now going to turn into a book, which is going to be called Forgotten Raupatu. So the other part of this Treaty settlement process that I think has been enabled is the telling of our stories, and telling of our stories in a way that not only will we never forget what has happened in the past but it actually provides a really solid platform on which to move forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EThe other thing that I wanted to highlight within the context of this settlement is actually the kawenata\u2014the relationships that this piece of legislation will enable with our hap\u016B and iwi. For example, there will be a partnership agreement with the Minister of Conservation within the context of this piece of legislation. There will be a relationship agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries, so that the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporation and other hap\u016B that wish to participate will have a direct and formal relationship to discuss fisheries, which are a major asset for the hap\u016B and iwi. They will also have a relationship with the Ministry for the Environment. I will not go through the list of statutory acknowledgments, but, again, that formal relationship enables the wh\u0101nau within the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B hap\u016B collective to for ever have a say in how those specific sites of significance will be managed. The other thing worth highlighting is that a protocol will be developed to facilitate a working relationship with the Minister of Energy and Resources in respect of Crown minerals, and also with the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage in respect of taonga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EThe legacy that these Treaty settlements are creating will enable M\u0101ori to move on. I truly believe that, and I do truly believe in this Treaty settlement process and the way that it has been, and is being, managed by the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Christopher Finlayson, and I want to acknowledge him in his absence, again. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b4a597dd-ed8b-42b8-975b-40c6e0cdaee1\u0022\u003EIt is these statutory acknowledgments\u2014it is the relationships\u2014that we are forging within these Treaty settlements that actually give our hap\u016B and iwi a rightful place to stand and a rightful place in terms of the development of our country as we move into the future. They really are truth and reconciliation documents, and we in this House should all just take the time to read some of the histories. I know that, depending on where we come from, a lot of us engage in these processes on a daily basis, but what I see is that these pieces of Treaty settlement legislation are actually creating the Treaty partnership that was envisioned when M\u0101ori signed the Treaty. They are making that partnership a reality as we move into the future. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 tatou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022 data-id=\u0022bdab351a514247c7ae53a7e343dc246e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bdab351a514247c7ae53a7e343dc246e\u0022\u003EDr PAUL HUTCHISON (National\u2014Hunua):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, e ng\u0101 hap\u016B o Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, e ng\u0101 iwi o te motu, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003E[Greetings to you, Mr Assistant Speaker. To the authorities, languages, and subtribes of Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B, and to the tribes of the country, greetings, salutations, and acknowledgements to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EIt is indeed a great privilege to speak on the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill, the purpose of which is to give effect to the deed of settlement signed by the Crown and Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B. May I specifically acknowledge the hap\u016B and their six component hap\u016B, their ancestors, those who are living now, and those who are going to come in the future. As my colleague Louisa Wall mentioned, it is hugely important to recognise the great harms that have occurred in the past. Hopefully, this is indeed one way of seeing reconciliation take place and a very positive and constructive future for those who are going to be born in the years ahead. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003ESettlements are designed to recognise and right the wrongs of the past and to strengthen the partnership between the Crown and M\u0101ori. Hopefully, this is indeed a quality settlement. Settlements also help unlock economic potential and boost regional and provincial areas, in keeping with National\u2019s priority to build a more competitive and productive economy. We do indeed want to see M\u0101ori and young M\u0101ori totally involved in the economic progress of this country and to be able to participate fully. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI remind myself so often that when I went to university down in Otago, less then 0.05 percent of the students at that time were M\u0101ori; now it is in the order of 9 percent, and growing. It is through education and it is through economic power that the practical ability to move forward and create high standards of living is effected.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI was not on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. Indeed, it is a great privilege just to be able to make some comments regarding this settlement. I understand the committee recommends the bill be passed. I am told a number of submitters expressed dissatisfaction with the way Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B claimants have been defined in the bill. The concern centred largely on two issues: the entitlements for claimants with connections to both Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera and Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B, and those individuals descended from ancient hap\u016B who may fall between the two settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EI want to mention Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera. It is an important part of the settlement process for claimant groups to have the opportunity to set out their whakapapa as they see it, and this is done in the deed of settlement. Although different approaches to self-identification have been taken, the select committee is confident that this has not resulted in any entitled individuals being excluded from benefiting from one or more settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EWith regard to ancient hap\u016B, the committee also heard from submitters who believed that as their ancestral hap\u016B were not explicitly mentioned in the deed of settlement, they could not benefit from it. The committee, I am told, is satisfied that between the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B and Ng\u0101ti P\u0101hauwera settlements, the people and hap\u016B in the region will be fully represented, and after the enactment of this bill no outstanding claims will remain to be settled. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cfdabe42-521a-4dca-afab-3e781731a130\u0022\u003EAs I said before, it is a great privilege to speak on the second reading of this bill and I, like many others, commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022 data-id=\u00229f015d3ff9d840e99ee5934fd4dcc51b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229f015d3ff9d840e99ee5934fd4dcc51b\u0022\u003ECAROL BEAUMONT (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E It is a pleasure to stand and speak on the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill. E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, e ng\u0101 tangata o te w\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. It is the first time I have had the pleasure of speaking on a Treaty settlement bill, and I take great pleasure in doing so. Can I acknowledge the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B and all of those who have worked on this settlement in getting it to this point. I think that, for me, having the opportunity to say a few words on this is important. It is important, obviously, to the hap\u016B concerned, but it is also important for all of us in this country. As a P\u0101keh\u0101 New Zealander, I want to acknowledge the importance of Treaty settlements for our nation. One of the inspiring times in this House, really, is when we debate Treaty settlements and we have strong cross-party support for this process in moving forward as a country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EOne of the things I am also clear on is that when I was a young person, the history that I got taught in school did not include the history that we are now all learning and seeing as a result of the Treaty settlement process. I think that that history is a taonga for us all. It is important for us to all know and understand the real history of this country\u2014the good, the bad, and the ugly, really. In the case of the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B, I have looked at a summary of the historical background, and there are so many things that are truly unfortunate, tragic, and just downright wrong that happened to the hap\u016B. This is a hap\u016B that tried to negotiate a peaceful end to their involvement in the New Zealand Wars, but were attacked and then exiled to the Chatham Islands and detained without trial. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EThis is not something to be proud of as a country\u2014prisoners summarily executed, confiscation, and then deforestation and the development of pastoral farming in their area, which has significantly increased erosion and pollution there. These are not things to be proud of as a country; nor are the infectious diseases and diseases of poverty that cost the lives of so many of that hap\u016B. Obviously, living conditions and health services have improved, but, as we all know in this House, there is still a significant gap between what is experienced by many M\u0101ori and many P\u0101keh\u0101 in this country. So we have a long way to go. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EI do not record these things to be negative at all, but just to say that this is part of the history that we need to understand as a country so that we can move forward. I want to pick up on the point that my colleague Louisa Wall made about generosity. Each and every one of us, wherever we live in this country, benefits from the generosity of the local iwi in our area. Many of the public places and many of the open areas that we all use are there because of the generosity of the local iwi. So, again, that is something that I believe we as New Zealanders should all know and acknowledge. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EThis settlement bill\u2014again, I was not part of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee\u2014has three components. It has the apology and the cultural redress, and I understand from talking to my colleague Nanaia Mahuta that one of the really interesting parts of this settlement is around the active guardianship of the natural environment that the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B will gain as part of this settlement. That active guardianship role that they will play in our natural environment will benefit us all. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EI just conclude by saying that settlements like this one and the other two that we have had in the House today are an important way for us in the whole of New Zealand Aotearoa to move forward. Again, can I acknowledge the Maungaharuru-Tangit\u016B Hap\u016B for their work and I congratulate them on this settlement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 12.15 p.m. (Thursday)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20140219e091815ac6f5468794f13c0363974518000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223facbb72-b3b0-464b-b24d-e6de0616f323\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"