"\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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220ba80b9b18c0487ab9ef222b14764b4e\u0022\u003ETUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2019\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b74045a750f34861ba960ab4f6d79e58\u0022\u003ETUESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2019\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000002\u0022\u003EThe Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000004\u0022\u003EPrayers.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002279025d463b95449ca6a773d999269f28\u0022\u003ESpeaker\u2019s Rulings\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00221f812b1f671040f19be444f2ae266bff\u0022\u003EParliament TV\u2014Use of Official Footage for Political Advertising\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002214ce6f67373f4891a09bd272e4a90efb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002214ce6f67373f4891a09bd272e4a90efb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Members, when the House last sat, I ruled on a complaint about the use by the Leader of the Opposition of official television coverage for political advertising without the permission of the members shown and publishing a false and misleading account of proceedings contrary to Part B, Appendix D of the Standing Orders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EIt is clear to me that the video complained of was a political advertisement. It was intended to encourage support for one political party or discourage support for another. Obviously, Mr Bridges did not have the permission of the member concerned to publish the video. There is a prima facie case to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee. At the time that I ruled, I deferred doing so. I then relied on assurances given by the National Party that my requirement to take down the advertisement would be complied with, and I am disappointed to have been misled. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EOn the basis of that assurance, I promoted rapid consideration by the Standing Orders Committee of changes to Appendix D of the Standing Orders. It will consider and start hearing evidence on the matter this week, ahead of a wider review of the Standing Orders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EThe rules around the use of footage for proceedings were considered at the 2017 review of the Standing Orders. I was one of the members who advocated for more extensive changes than those finally approved by the committee. Those changes were opposed by the then Government, which is now in Opposition. It is a matter for the current Standing Orders Committee to consider whether it proceeds with any further changes and whether they apply from the start of the next Parliament or by sessional order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003ENo question of privilege has, in my opinion, been established in this case, because the case involving the Deborah Russell video is a trivial breach of the Standing Orders, and no further complaints have been received about other videos before the House sat today. However, there is still a matter of order that I have responsibility to address. It is the duty of the Speaker to uphold the authority of the Chair, which in fact is the authority of the House itself\u2014Speaker\u2019s rulings 15(1) applies. I ruled that videos using Parliament TV footage had to come down by 5 p.m. on Friday, 27 September. The Leader of the Opposition has defied that ruling. I cannot choose to selectively enforce the Standing Orders agreed by the House any more than the Leader of the Opposition can choose to ignore the Standing Orders he does not agree with. It is my role to interpret the Standing Orders and to decide on cases not previously provided for\u2014Standing Order 2.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EI have relatively few tools available outside referral to the Privileges Committee or naming a member for grossly disorderly conduct. I do not intend to exercise either of these options. I will shift my supplementary question allocation system instead, under Standing Order 387. The Leader of the Opposition will have a maximum number of supplementary questions, equal to his party\u2019s total number of supplementary questions each day, divided by the number of primary questions it has each day. That means that he will have a maximum of five supplementary questions each day this week. I remind the House that supplementary questions are given at the discretion of the Speaker and no member has an absolute right to ask for them\u2014Speaker\u2019s ruling 172/1.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EThe National Party will retain its full allocation of supplementary questions, so other members can make use of them. The restriction will be for one sitting week for each working week that the advertisements have been online in contravention of the ruling. If they are [not] down by 5 p.m. Friday this week, then the Leader of the Opposition\u2019s allocation of supplementary questions will reduce by one more next week and then again each week going forward. Any new advertisements that breach the Standing Orders will result in a further reduction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e35fde9bf07841d8a82f7d31bbad1777\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c4e53be4b5e04265a53796675ec7fff7\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c851411d16c043e69d870b53675a362b\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022 data-id=\u002239fd3b1f0cb048418eea04779eff6f88\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002239fd3b1f0cb048418eea04779eff6f88\u0022\u003EHon SIMON BRIDGES (Leader of the Opposition)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all her Government\u2019s actions and policies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022 data-id=\u002275790e9b2d3f4b7a892624ed3c32b229\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002275790e9b2d3f4b7a892624ed3c32b229\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, particularly our Government\u2019s $300 million investment in Taranaki Base Hospital announced last week. The Government is investing record amounts into infrastructure, including $1.7 billion set aside in Budget 2019 for upgrading our hospitals and health services, which, of course, after nine years of neglect is much needed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022683fa5fc38774d7e9461bdf4193d0d83\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: Does she accept her Government\u2019s policies are responsible for almost 1,400 more gang members this term? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cef34ae063b469a824b60ef91ac304a\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: No. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a12cbb23b64c47e1837d7df4f8e1ad89\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: How many more patched gang members are there in New Zealand since her Government took office? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022560a473c175f45a7b0060f06b923708c\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019d like to ask the member how many he takes responsibility for when he was in office. The existence of gangs in New Zealand is not a new problem, and it\u2019s naive of anyone to suggest so\u2014particularly, I would also add, this is a Government that is bringing in more police officers. We will reach the 1,800 goal, a significant proportion of which are dedicated to organised crime. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f0e55d765d9492db387a55b13ef5382\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I don\u2019t get many supplementary questions these days, and that one wasn\u2019t answered. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d72a957df6e74ce4af373415539840cd\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes it was. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229eb5de0ee9aa478a9e9f65112b96d21c\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister remember the promise to bulldoze the gang headquarters down the day after the election, and, if so, what happened? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223b822462e2eb49a18707cf4f60da4521\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I absolutely accept that across the other side of the House, there is often tough talk when it comes close to election year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022313ffd34a0d24dec9c5ff98e125037b3\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: Has she asked for an estimate of how much extra cost to the taxpayer gang members are having in terms of benefit payments?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b09c6f13af5349fb82a629e9c58094ff\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: A number I have asked for is the number of full-time police that we have, and there are now 9,723\u2014the highest ever number of front-line police officers. If you\u2019re looking for a Government that takes these issues seriously, it is this one, and we are also the Government that increased the penalties for the manufacture of synthetic drugs as well, because we take these issues seriously. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f6c58c2924ed47bdb9133687b4fbb5fe\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Government reach its 1,800 police officers target this term? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002234380112939d49eab3a8e3d95db6685b\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221373cfff42a04eb09e74950337e21fea\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: Does she think gang members who are on the run from the police should be able to claim benefits? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228108a6d2f5f4484e87660e5d26572853\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I note that, actually, the policies that we have now in this regard are exactly the same as when the member was last in office. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022817dc6a476f143ad8f09ebdb0592c49b\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd3fb2a283464b5aadd9552a5db92fc6\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Oh! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c7f38e2110f24a9f888c2f18f4cc9ecc\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Does her Government\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d1ee5d67bfae4959b3ea9ef2395968e5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Who was that? The member will withdraw and apologise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002260fcbb21c2864bed8a77437c7bb898a8\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: I withdraw and apologise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc65a98e217b48fb87eba04a1c768500\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Does her Government have a target for reducing the number of gang members in New Zealand? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fc6fc36b48774d9fac33f6b659237e4c\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: No one wants to see an increase in gangs. The suggestion that anyone would want to see that is ridiculous. But rather than setting targets, we\u2019re actually doing something about it with extra front-line police officers, who are targeting organised crime.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e4c148ca0bf3429daf4bfd8f581d5bba\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with her Minister of Police, who earlier in this term stated that they would not make the 1,800 new police target and instead it was an aspirational target?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022332a1a0b14c44f2d83dadad328830665\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: The reason, of course, that we\u2019ve been cautious is simply to ensure that we don\u2019t recruit people who aren\u2019t right for the job. But, as I say, we have the highest number of front-line police officers ever under this Government, and we are making very good progress towards the 1,800.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002250f96d06cdbc45a5b19b1084bdaab43e\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: Has the Prime Minister seen reports of the fact the previous Government wanted to deliver 880 police over four years and this Government has delivered more than that number in under two?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221a1bf58c6ccb40619763d5fdd834eca2\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002268bacec6e5184a1dab0d712f3698883f\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Does she stand by the answer to her question about three questions ago, when she was asked if she would make the 1,800 target of new police this term and she answered our leader, \u201CYes.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c730766ed0ac447e85a8423770778853\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f15e1dc162494953bba8032ed7dbe391\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m reflecting on that question, which was the same question asked by the leader of the National Party. Now, with respect, if we\u2019re allowed to just duplicate the very same question over and over again, this House becomes a nonsense.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022291b12b00d5f461eaa7b1314a457223a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. I appreciate the point that the member\u2019s making, but I think that if that\u2019s the outcome that the Opposition want from their supplementaries, then they have the right to have it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221952643574ac4e14bfd4bd8b2a0f63f4\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Is it a fact that on 7 November the Minister of Police will be announcing the next tranche of 60 trainees to graduate, which will take the number past 1,700 under this administration?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022495a2b8575c94641b36d37554c8b2f99\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: The member is referring to the significant increase in the number that we have trained, and we absolutely stand by that. Under this Government, we now have the highest ever number of front-line police officers, and that\u2019s something we\u2019re proud of.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002218e48c3add254db9931fdf50ff2a95cc\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: Has she seen reports that under the last five years of the previous Government, police numbers actually dropped by over 70?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226454decb051c4fb386ea1dd0299c0d2b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: If she had, it would be something that she has no responsibility for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cd0e2037a1d4ceb92b47b30b451b2ca\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Can we expect, in the police target of 1,800, an announcement in the next few months the same as KiwiBuild, where we\u2019ll have to see a reset because they simply can\u2019t reach the numbers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f74f0eed27844cf683efabcd6ed74361\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: If that member doesn\u2019t want to see more police officers train for the front line, that\u2019s her issue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222070d3795b514fd79bfd6a9061706cd7\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022 data-id=\u0022f7dd721d96124c519eb5a42a4bafce1d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f7dd721d96124c519eb5a42a4bafce1d\u0022\u003EDr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour\u2014New Lynn)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the Government\u2019s finances?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00226cd4babbcd004b9ca8666e82b8f0d600\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226cd4babbcd004b9ca8666e82b8f0d600\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Acting Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Last week, the Government released the Crown accounts for the 2018-19 year, showing the books were in surplus and that net debt came in below forecast. The healthy surplus was due to a stronger economy but also a number of one-off factors, including a $2.6 billion revaluation of the country\u2019s rail assets. The accounts show the Crown\u2019s total net worth is $146 billion, a net increase of $10.7 billion. These accounts show the coalition Government has achieved strong financial results while also making significant investments in wellbeing and infrastructure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cd1885bdd5b547bc85d0adba85d3d5b3\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: What do the Crown accounts show about the strength of the economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db1c0e0af3284cfb8f31238523ab9eeb\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: The accounts show the economy is performing well. Revenue was up as a result of higher corporate profits, growth in domestic consumption, more people in work, and higher wages. The results show businesses are investing, employing more workers, and paying higher wages while at the same time reporting stronger profits. This is a timely reminder not to talk ourselves into a downturn just because it suits some people\u2019s negative narrative. It\u2019s important to remember that the underlying fundamentals of the New Zealand economy are solid.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022564e672d293e4eb9aaeb2d35fa444a5e\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: What do the accounts show about the Crown\u2019s level of capital investment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f13dc608ef644fa991bba6e2121a1920\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: The accounts show the coalition Government continues to increase investment in areas that were neglected by the previous Government. Capital investment\u2014including in new hospital buildings, classrooms, roads and rail, and the super fund\u2014was up 13.7 percent over the year. In dollar terms, capital investment in the 2019 year was more than $6.7 billion, building on the $5.9 billion we invested in 2018. This compares with just $3.7 billion in 2017, before we came to office. Our high levels of capital spending demonstrate this Government\u2019s commitment to investing in turning around the infrastructure deficit we inherited after nine years of neglect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222d67f1d4d5f240a68e10c81ddd59ebe8\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022 data-id=\u0022abdfc6e6f3dd4a23802933e2dfa97045\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022abdfc6e6f3dd4a23802933e2dfa97045\u0022\u003EHon TODD McCLAY (National\u2014Rotorua)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: Are New Zealanders paying more tax now than they were when the Government took office?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022b93508bb2c5e4c7dbcc6b84be0a7f944\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b93508bb2c5e4c7dbcc6b84be0a7f944\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Acting Minister of Finance)\u003C/span\u003E: That would depend on New Zealanders\u2019 individual situations. I can tell the member, though, that nominal core Crown tax revenue has increased over the past two years, due to rising business profits, more people being in employment, and rising wages, which are all signs that the economy is in good shape. This is being invested in areas that were previously neglected, like hospitals, schools, more nurses, teachers, and police\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022abebd16cdefb48b3998df33034a53148\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member answered the question some time ago. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002238668f338a8e4e25ba31ba4b3cdddc18\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think it\u2019s unfair that as the economy slows, New Zealanders are paying $6 billion more tax over the last year; an extra $3,400 per household? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c8cb669877ad46faaee7f760a735acd9\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: The member\u2019s presuppositions there are ones that I would question, but what I will say is that it just appears that he is unhappy about the fact that wages are rising, meaning Kiwis are taking home more money in their back pockets. From time to time, of course, Governments look at personal income tax rates, just as they look across the tax system at whether the settings are appropriate, and that\u2019s exactly what we did with the $5.5 billion family package, which gave tax breaks to low and middle income families through the Working for Families tax credit scheme. It\u2019s a matter of values, and that was our priority. I know the member is still sore, of course, that he didn\u2019t get his $1,000 a year tax cut, but we believe that the money was better targeted at the families who needed it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dee91747772d42c9a1aef0a625beb6ff\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think New Zealanders are paying too much tax given that, on average, an extra $3,400 was paid over the last year, per household? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235a6f3abe4e143ba933f14a9b11bb363\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: As I said previously, New Zealanders have more money in their pockets because wages are rising. Businesses are paying, of course, better, and they\u2019re hiring more staff. We know that corporate profits are up\u2014that\u2019s why core Crown revenue is up. Average wages are actually rising at the fastest rate in a decade, and so more New Zealanders are going home with bigger pay cheques. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223b32515e7f9b49bca3ff3c346b2226cd\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think New Zealanders are paying too much tax?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255ce87c724694264b82245faf1c54fb6\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: Average wages are rising at the fastest rate in a decade. We have, as I said to the member earlier, ensured that those working New Zealanders, through the Working for Families tax credits, do have lower tax to pay. Now, this is the Government that wants to see a strong economy and is investing in making sure that we are also addressing the infrastructure neglect that we inherited\u2014nine years of infrastructure neglect\u2014and we make no apology for investing in our schools, in our hospitals, and in our roads.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022451ef585cbf2454ba2306b85206d8cf7\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Why has the Government increased petrol taxes three times and introduced a regional fuel tax to collect an extra $1.7 billion whilst it\u2019s also cancelled or delayed a dozen major roading and transport projects? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c04d84095bb14191b8c9686622ae2903\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I reject the premise of the member\u2019s question. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002299777c8c94a149739eb037ab4f662529\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Well, does he support National\u2019s plan to index tax thresholds to the cost of living so New Zealanders don\u2019t pay more tax each year than they need to?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002292043247b6c94d5d8314d977ab37c40f\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: The member, again, appears to be unhappy about the fact that New Zealanders have more money in their pockets because wages are rising. Of course, as a Government we will make sure that we look at the settings to make sure they are appropriate, and we are making sure that New Zealanders have more money in their pockets through the $5.5 billion families tax package, which gave tax breaks to low and middle income New Zealanders. He might be sour about not getting his $1,000 tax cut with the National plan, but, on this side of the House, we\u2019re determined to make sure that New Zealanders are supported across the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022149bcf3bb78e48e8a87e8aa797f05835\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister saying that more New Zealanders now have much more discretionary spending in 2019 than they had two years ago?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002233a788d47488424399d5509706d15c68\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: We know that more New Zealanders are better off because of the wage rises that we\u2019re seeing across the country; the business profits being up, investment, and so on. The member is absolutely right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223717127c595440998729d139e4432153\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Housing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022 data-id=\u00224f1ab78b94844110a5498072c6b9fa31\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224f1ab78b94844110a5498072c6b9fa31\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS (National\u2014Papakura)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Housing: Were any of the 859 houses that have received a KiwiBuild underwrite but have not yet been announced \u201Cin places where there was little first-home buyer demand\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u0022d792c70aecd74b48af894252d5b68238\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d792c70aecd74b48af894252d5b68238\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing):\u003C/span\u003E The 859 houses are spread across multiple developments around New Zealand. These houses are in developments contracted via relationship and option agreements. They remain commercially sensitive because they are still in the early stages of planning and some decisions are yet to be made. Therefore, I do not believe it is in the public interest to provide further details at this time. However, I can tell the member that none of the houses are in the three areas identified in the KiwiBuild reset as having little first-home buyer demand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222076f094c14f43ae8092dce050df1a15\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Well, when will the Government release the details of these contracts to the public?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221376f39f78eb46d9a5b76c33a463a994\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: When it is no longer commercially sensitive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284c672847c45423bac9cea7c19bc0b86\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree that the 470 KiwiBuild houses contracted for in W\u0101naka, Te Kauwhata, and Canterbury were built in places where there is \u201Clittle first-home buyer demand\u201D, and why were they built there?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293c6db097b6c43af95924023a07a3cef\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I certainly agree\u2014I think, in fact, I said it in my press statement at about the time of the KiwiBuild reset, and this is the reason why we have removed them from the KiwiBuild houses and are selling them on the open market. We freely admit we didn\u2019t get it right the first time, and we\u2019re making the changes to put KiwiBuild right. But I am pleased to tell that member that in the less than six weeks since the reset, 132 KiwiBuild houses have been sold, another 126 KiwiBuild houses have been contracted, 23 additional houses have been completed, and 27 additional houses are now under construction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002271f4c5aaacc24967a366b840782b0d19\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: If she agrees with me that they should not have been built there, why were they?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225c406623861a4f898f1fdb9b37d50163\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: We have been through this quite thoroughly. In fact, I think I did a 58-minute press conference spelling out what went wrong with the KiwiBuild reset\u2014that one of the issues that was driving this, actually, was perversely having a target, and it was forcing us to look at numbers over getting the right house in the right place. We are a Government that is committed to getting affordable houses for New Zealanders. We will not give up on it like the previous Government did. They committed to build over 39,000 houses while they were in Government; they delivered 100 affordable houses over nine years. We have done more than double that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d257e5a2bb4443fbb792b555e9c553e3\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Can she confirm that no studio or one-bedroom homes that have received the KiwiBuild underwrite have yet had their sales settled?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022092a9144c50d4b17a754ad036b0b48ca\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: The member will have to put that question in writing to me, and I\u2019ll get her a detailed answer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229653926f785c42e383b2dadd32106496\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to table an attachment for parliamentary written question No. 34124 (2019), which has not yet been officially released; it\u2019s simply available to me at the moment. It\u2019s a table showing\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223076804c561e4bdab2464ebca10c0ccb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is there any objection to that being tabled? There appears to be none.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ccb348f9817345eaa41676d9e586044a\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022 data-id=\u00221bcdbec48dac4e61b5f9234a9bf3ad8f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221bcdbec48dac4e61b5f9234a9bf3ad8f\u0022\u003EPAUL EAGLE (Labour\u2014Rongotai)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: What announcements has he made about ensuring New Zealanders\u2019 safety on our roads?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022 data-id=\u0022d778d11be2e345e08ed816c69d010b5d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d778d11be2e345e08ed816c69d010b5d\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mr Speaker. Last week, I announced that the Government is acting swiftly to strengthen the New Zealand Transport Agency\u2019s (NZTA) regulatory role to make sure that New Zealanders are as safe as possible on our roads, following a review into the New Zealand Transport Agency. We are enacting all of the recommendations of the review, including creating a statutory director of land transport who\u2019s responsible for carrying out NZTA\u2019s regulatory functions; getting the NZTA board to develop a new regulatory strategy; instructing the Ministry of Transport to update the NZTA\u2019s regulatory objectives, functions, and powers; and injecting up to $45 million into the NZTA\u2019s regulatory work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d28236e46bf484f982e9f7d7535557a\u0022\u003EPaul Eagle\u003C/span\u003E: What were the findings of the review into the Transport Agency?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f9422c1f25d494b89eccb11611838b5\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: The independent review has found that NZTA failed to properly regulate the transport sector under the previous Government, NZTA was failing in its duty to properly check the companies that certify vehicles as safe for the road and other services, and when problems with these companies were identified there was often no follow-up. This was exacerbated in 2014 when the agency lost staff from its heavy vehicle compliance team and the number of investigations halved. The report found that previous transport Ministers had directed the Transport Agency to \u201Cfocus on\u201D\u2014and I quote\u2014\u201Cbuilding roads\u201D\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293c8e7832f064c2ea870c5a60e33a4c1\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s not what the report says. Stop making that up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022488e251e2b1647a9b075d63660eeeed7\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s not true.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b443a676051248b48b4507d44d090a09\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014\u201Cat the expense of keeping people safe.\u201D Safety is our Government\u2019s top transport priority, and we\u2019re getting the transport agency back on track\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002290a573685efc4829a5dcebda8a58bd89\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Who interjected, \u201CThat is not true.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b529fbee549b4d94afc6436a17603989\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I did.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ff7f3d3342f847aaa04706314646e3be\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: I did.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224b074018d22843c5b6ded7542df163fc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The members will both withdraw and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022987aa929b63549d59feb6f841972396b\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I withdraw and apologise. Point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b263b1e35a994e49866c1deab0b8bd2d\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: I withdraw and apologise\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022327a1ab6bf3f43cd8e7f6fdabe8f73cb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I will have Mr Bishop withdraw and apologise first.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dbf4963fb409472b930fad754429e8b6\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: I said it. I withdraw and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ca3917093dc438588f90728f0283be2\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. If the Minister was quoting from a document, then it would be, I think, appropriate that he tabled it to verify the statement that he\u2019s just made.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e765f1165db24c3c9f334031682acaca\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Was the member quoting from a document? [Interruption] Further supplementary\u2014Paul Eagle.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a3190dbbb79e41b69349d1aa8c6c4683\u0022\u003EPaul Eagle\u003C/span\u003E: What steps has the Transport Agency taken to strengthen its regulatory function?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a98fae39711748c1a9c5f878834d3e66\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: NZTA has made good progress in the last year. They have cleared the backlog of 850 regulatory compliance files that had been left open and unattended under the former Government. In April this year, a new role, general manager of regulatory compliance, was created. The Transport Agency is also in the process of recruiting up to 100 new positions across their regulatory services group over the next 18 months. Our Government is fixing the difficult long-term issues and addressing years of neglect of the Transport Agency\u2019s safety role.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002203c3ba56015547a5a07ec9834918782e\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002256aa081f1ac646188f1c5de26fff9a48\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002256aa081f1ac646188f1c5de26fff9a48\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s come to my attention that the person who is the subject of question No. 6 is a protected person under the Immigration Act 2009. Section 151 of that Act requires that confidentiality be maintained in respect of protected persons and may require confidentiality to be maintained as to the existence of a claim or case if disclosure of its fact or existence would tend to identify the person concerned or be likely to endanger the safety of the person. It is a criminal offence to breach this confidentiality. Members have absolute privilege in the House and cannot be held liable in relation to statements they make in the House. However, this privilege is not a licence to break the laws of the country\u2014Speaker\u2019s ruling 35/1. I caution members against identifying the person concerned or disclosing information about the case in questions that would identify the person. I will listen carefully to the answers and to the supplementary questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022 data-id=\u0022b695186b29b44f81a932b542dfaeb43c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b695186b29b44f81a932b542dfaeb43c\u0022\u003EHon MARK MITCHELL (National\u2014Rodney)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by his decision to grant residency to a person with six convictions for driving with excess breath alcohol and two convictions for driving without a licence?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022 data-id=\u0022af0cf94a209a431d96b9856418675f65\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022af0cf94a209a431d96b9856418675f65\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY (Minister of Immigration):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. This case involves a protected person. Deportation of this person would be a breach of the convention against torture. They cannot be deported by law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002220c10066671d4b478f6631a58acb9019\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Why did the Minister grant residency to a recidivist drunk-driver? [Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229820fb0b686f46a9ba07301307abb734\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022854fa101d36f4ee79e28ab425a32a9fe\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY\u003C/span\u003E: Because the person cannot be deported.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002254d4e820634440cfbe27bd0c6bccf1e5\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Were there other options available to him other than granting New Zealand a residency to a drunk-driver?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e9bad327e4a4cdf9195592c4c44e130\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, and I\u2019m aware that previous Ministers in the National Government issued revolving temporary visas to this person. That, essentially, has the same effect. The person is in the country. They are here in the country, but, of course, it does come with the unnecessary bureaucracy of continually having to reissue a visa to someone who cannot be deported.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266838eb839ca49db854879c775b60e49\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Why did the Minister not grant a temporary work visa and instead grant a New Zealand residency visa that comes with all the privileges associated with that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d7120ae2822455a8d03417b08d6ea3f\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY\u003C/span\u003E: Because the person has been in the country for the better part of 20 years now and continually reissuing a temporary visa has, essentially, the same effect as issuing a residency visa, except for the fact that it comes with the additional bureaucracy of having to process those applications every three years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db2c29c528f1447fa59a27fed73bd8f3\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Was public safety a consideration when he granted a recidivist drunk-driver a New Zealand residency?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022693057a7531a490fb2c22b85a6c0b917\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I do not condone drunk-driving, and anybody who drinks and drives\u2014whether they were born here in New Zealand, whether they\u2019re here on a temporary visa or they\u2019re here on a residency visa\u2014should be prepared to face the full force of the law if they do, and this person did.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f762e043fdc649b1b32c55d9c8bfcba2\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Who was in the Government when he was first allowed to come to this country?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022490ccdbf-7c22-4e12-98f2-f3aa08f8e676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285c87a37253f40c198a13f40fdb0cd00\u0022\u003EHon IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY\u003C/span\u003E: It goes back some time. As I say, the individual\u2019s been in the country for close to 20 years now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022effd19ad47944b8f87bbe26365563b43\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Education\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022 data-id=\u0022b53a9913335942dbbb9fd883fcd2dffd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b53a9913335942dbbb9fd883fcd2dffd\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Education: What action, if any, is the Government taking to improve the welfare and pastoral care of students living in halls of residence and other tertiary accommodation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u002230b1c9c402694a9f82e27d4758ee3846\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002230b1c9c402694a9f82e27d4758ee3846\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E Yesterday, the Government introduced legislation\u2014well, today, actually, the Government introduced legislation to change the Education Act to create a new mandatory code of practice that will set out the duty of pastoral care that tertiary education providers have for their students. Recent tragic events have highlighted that a lack of minimum standards for domestic students in tertiary accommodation exists. Students and their families pay a premium for a package of accommodation, which includes a legitimate expectation that the provider will include a level of pastoral care and support. Our changes are designed to ensure that they get what they pay for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f5bbfda194aa4124ba25f4ccc9277c3c\u0022\u003EJo Luxton\u003C/span\u003E: What did initial investigations by the Government uncover around the pastoral care of students living in halls of residence and other tertiary accommodation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221a90aca514a40c2bac5967feb7a362b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: A couple of weeks ago, following media publicity around a tragic death, I asked the Tertiary Education Commission to contact all tertiary education providers that operate student accommodation, and I asked that they check on all of their students in halls of residence, and I asked for initial information to be gathered on the processes and systems that they have in place to ensure the welfare of students living in accommodation provided by them or on their behalf. It revealed significant inconsistency in the pastoral care that\u2019s provided across the country, and some concerning gaps in the delivery of pastoral care. I also found that the voluntary code of practice for tertiary accommodation that was developed by providers and stakeholders back in 2004 had, effectively, fallen into abeyance. The Government is prepared to act to ensure that every student is provided with a high quality of pastoral care wherever they are in New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d006d7bc5c2143d585f9f69043ce3c90\u0022\u003EJo Luxton\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government moving so quickly to put in place a code of practice for tertiary students?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b3d2b53befbc43ea9ee004693b7c0ee3\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Right now, today, there are thousands of students living in tertiary education provider - provided accommodation throughout the country, and parents and students will be making decisions for next year about where young people will go and where they might stay during that time. The Government wants to ensure that every one of those families, as they make that decision, can be confident that if a student is enrolled in a hall of residence provided by a tertiary education institution, they will receive an adequate standard of pastoral care, and that their safety and welfare will be paramount.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225b3dcf4835e04e09985d163041f157aa\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014State Owned Enterprises\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022 data-id=\u0022c4b8467f65464dd79f34b70c6a76ef56\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c4b8467f65464dd79f34b70c6a76ef56\u0022\u003EMARK PATTERSON (NZ First)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: What actions, if any, is KiwiRail taking to maintain and improve the North Auckland Line?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022 data-id=\u00226c8a1c0058ee4dcd9e8fd709bd67beec\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226c8a1c0058ee4dcd9e8fd709bd67beec\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Minister for State Owned Enterprises):\u003C/span\u003E The member should be commended for his question because the answer has positive and profound implications for the good people of Northland. As part of the $94.8 million to be invested in that line this week, we saw remediation on tunnel 2 reach 90 percent completion and it will be completed by the end of this month. The investment in railways is one new source of employment for locals, and KiwiRail has briefed Northland firms to discuss planned work and is aiming towards design contracts in early December, using local people and local resources wherever possible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a8416194512145f19ac81e60870eae34\u0022\u003EMark Patterson\u003C/span\u003E: What economic benefits will these actions have?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022210d4446e6744fe496a8c12f9ac0e82a\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: To use a biblical term, the economic benefits will be legion. The maintenance of the line will allow many of the speed restrictions to be lifted. Our railways in Northland will be faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. It will make freight services more timely and reliable, setting the conditions to make rail more competitive and allow KiwiRail to grow its freight business. Use it they will, if they don\u2019t have interfering nobodies trying to stop the service\u2014and interfering nobodies are no longer representing Northland in that respect. This will enhance Northland\u2019s productivity\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c903c7d376454c388486d6a5ad177282\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Who\u2019s the MP for Northland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226de40f69f7474c6896a5081cc379d061\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and free up space on the roads. Trucks have congested Northland\u2019s roads and highways because, for decades, the investment in rail has been neglected. And as to who is Northland\u2019s MP, well, he\u2019s the person being threatened by Paula Bennett. You got that? He\u2019s the person that\u2019s being threatened by Paula Bennett.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002203bc983a4cc34194b4acfa0fe78b20f1\u0022\u003EMark Patterson\u003C/span\u003E: How will KiwiRail\u2019s actions specifically help Northland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e2c2ba04db44d538bb8cb34d7e3a1f9\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Very good question. Northland stands not only to gain from the improved infrastructure that this investment brings but related economic benefits that will flow to local people and business. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228efea84cdfb14700bba1d4faee4a7447\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Is he feeling threatened by it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f3f7ef15da964baeaeba40b76b2dd9c8\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: KiwiRail has promised that whenever possible\u2014no, I don\u2019t feel threatened; I\u2019ve never felt so good in my life. I mean, if I was in a party that has been polling at 47 percent and the best I can do is 9 percent, I\u2019d give up. Whenever possible, KiwiRail will be sourcing materials within Northland, and, consequently, Government investment\u2014[Interruption] Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be trying to get on my side very shortly. It always happens. Consequently, Government investment will be flowing directly into the region. For too long our regional centres have missed out while investment has been poured into a few big city centres. It\u2019s going to be a long journey back for rail in Northland, but we\u2019ve started that journey and intend to complete it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b9023d7c1edc40ee941a9732c98cef64\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Sorry, I didn\u2019t want to interrupt the member while he was speaking, but I couldn\u2019t understand him before and I was wondering if he could repeat it because he was\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236529d2ed215469b87bde92667fda466\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, certainly\u2014the member will resume her seat\u2014any point of order that starts off with \u201CI don\u2019t understand\u201D in relation to an answer\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002263776108-58dc-4cab-baf1-95282c61d0de\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236490efd289a4d76ae8526c88f7ad626\u0022\u003EHon Paula Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: I couldn\u2019t hear him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b210405e39c04b95a2bfdc0e30fce974\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019m not going to ask the member to repeat it, but I am going to warn Mr King that he should not use in this House the sort of gestures which the All Blacks, when the Wainui\u014Dmata boy Piri Weepu was leading the haka, use, with regard either to myself or the member on his feet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220387b7e47d75447a85d6e6e38b6a21b1\u0022\u003EMark Patterson\u003C/span\u003E: Is Northland the only region to benefit from KiwiRail\u2019s maintenance improvements of its lines?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235a5dd395ec54a99850be4242959977f\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Happily, Northland is far from the only region to benefit from KiwiRail\u2019s good work getting New Zealand railways back on track. [Interruption] Name one? I\u2019ll name just three for a start: $331 million investment in existing facilities, $375 million towards replacing 50-year-old South Island locomotives and container wagons, and $35 million to progress procurement of two new rail-enabled ferries to improve connection between the North Island and South Island. That\u2019s part of an over $1 billion investment\u2014just to name three.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c833a03faaa24aaf9506b9b816762fe6\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Health\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u00221cd9c67e5f55467c8a7855a63c0ad175\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221cd9c67e5f55467c8a7855a63c0ad175\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: Is it his expectation that district health boards operate within the fiscal appropriation provided to them by the Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00222968684ce41d44f48efdff8ff83982cd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222968684ce41d44f48efdff8ff83982cd\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E My primary expectation is that district health boards will deliver the high-quality health services their local population need and deserve. That\u2019s why this Government is investing a record amount in our DHBs, including an extra $2.8 billion of operating funding in Budget 2019, and it\u2019s why we\u2019ve hired 1,500 more nurses, nearly 600 more doctors, and over 500 more allied health workers since coming to office. I do expect DHBs to demonstrate sound financial management and map out a path to financial sustainability, but after years of underfunding, it\u2019s not realistic to expect all DHBs to run surpluses, particularly when they have one-off historic costs such as compliance with the Holidays Act to address.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fc46df93a8da45bc897ee794a1b420a8\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Is he satisfied with a combined deficit that has ballooned from $90 million to nearly $1.1 billion in just two years?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d22742a3f7e84cbd8cbaa5d1c0611c6a\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t accept the member\u2019s characterisation of that, and as the member knows, well over half of the total DHB deficit is a result of one-off costs, including more than half a billion relating to Holidays Act compliance dating back as far as 2010. In fact, one-off costs total $666 million in the deficit\u2014$666 million\u2014all historic legacies of the previous Government. The member, with the number 666 in front of him, should be careful of the questions he asks, because the devil is in the detail.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002232326a50d460438c91dc1b45edef3884\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Given that answer, has he seen reports that DHBs repeatedly told the previous Government that they had been \u201Cquite diligent about making sure their payroll systems are compliant and can confidently say that all DHBs are compliant with the legislation.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c43aa9a23fce4c058cf7930a8cb256ff\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I accept that the previous Government failed to notice the problem that working people were being underpaid for years and years and years, and I accept that on this side of the House, we have inherited a lot of challenges left to us by the previous Government: neglect of our buildings, neglect of the health system as a whole, and, in this instance, the Holidays Act mess to clean up and fund so that workers get paid a fair amount for the work that they did, even under the previous Government\u2019s watch.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d9e7d69f2704d8da8fb32263abe93e7\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Very interesting answer\u2014that did not address a clear question of \u201Chad he seen reports with those quotes in them?\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b8b7293892f943cbbb3db162bb19ccc3\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I thought it was implied in the\u2014I at least inferred it from the answer that he had seen reports about it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002213c5d3dd12ec4adfa6497e7d364e88d5\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: If I may add further, I\u2019ve seen the member\u2019s press release to that effect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022372f7e68648640248c93ccf7f75df204\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I wouldn\u2019t really regard that as a report.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf2b636b979c4f1c8a13e9e2c4d940d5\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Does he believe he has increased DHB funding in the manner committed to by Dr David Clark in 2017?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ea20e5f23c24deb9c2976e96cc19964\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: This Government has invested a record amount in DHBs: $2.8 billion in the Wellbeing Budget; $2.3 billion the year before. We\u2019ve said that in our first four years of Government, we wanted to invest $8 billion in the health system over the forecast period, and we\u2019re well on track to do that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022437b1f950bc947449d44e6d8c288c19e\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: In that case, why does he continue to blame the previous Government when he believes he has put in sufficient funding to make DHBs viable?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a0a11ee2bed746a480656998e4cba36b\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: As I\u2019ve said many times before, it will take more than two Budgets to make up for nine long years of neglect. They ran the health system into the ground, and it will take us a wee while to put that right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220fe73947360144ed89057373c0309991\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: When is he going to take responsibility for the clinical and financial performance of the health sector on his watch rather than blame the previous Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b22decf50479489687443e61cd86639f\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll take responsibility when I\u2019ve finished cleaning up that Government\u2019s mess.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022adb0531db2d54d46a2bda2e0209eeffe\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u00226e08982cd8d34ac3bf27894f613453e9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226e08982cd8d34ac3bf27894f613453e9\u0022\u003ECHRIS BISHOP (National\u2014Hutt South)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: Does he stand by his statement of 16 May 2019 when announcing the Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving transport package, \u201CWhat we have said in terms of the Mt Victoria tunnel, and we considered this very carefully, where we have landed on this is that the work on an additional Mt Victoria tunnel would happen towards the end of the first decade\u201D, and is this still the case following the Wellington City Council election results?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022 data-id=\u0022a22e8d02c72d485fa2c251ff16658944\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a22e8d02c72d485fa2c251ff16658944\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E After years of stagnation, Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving is a groundbreaking opportunity to give Wellington rapid transit to ease the gridlock and tackle climate change. It was supported unanimously by all the councils in the region. The public feedback on Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving noted that the majority of people believe that Wellington cannot add to private vehicle infrastructure provision and expect reduced congestion. More roads will result in more cars. Alternative approaches are sought. We are taking a balanced approach and integrating the roads and the motorways with public transport, walking and cycling, and rapid transit, which is the only lasting solution to congestion. So to both parts of the question, yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d88a8e6157e479eadd43afeaaa568d8\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Will he discuss re-sequencing the Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving. transport projects with Mayor elect Andy Foster in light of the defeat of Labour mayor Justin Lester, who he agreed the transport package with in the first place?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a88eb1924a29435892361f30dddc484f\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: Well, once the Wellington City Council has met and discussed its position on this, once the Greater Wellington Regional Council has met and elected a chair and discussed their position on this, I\u2019ll be more than happy to meet representatives from both councils to discuss a way forward on Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f5a9000e0324b1283ec58753753e7fb\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the second Mt Victoria tunnel scheduled to be built after 2029 and after mass transit has been delivered when officials recommended the opposite?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002253d65c82a8e84467a6a08d3c83a466c5\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the member will know from the voluminous documents that were proactively released on Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving that the decision was made to prioritise rapid transit, public transport improvements, and walking and cycling because that\u2019s what\u2019s needed to ensure that this city gets a 21st century transport system that tackles climate change and encourages people out of single-occupant vehicles and into other modes of transport. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve prioritised those things over adding additional roading capacity, but I will remind the member that, actually, sorting out the Basin Reserve intersection and building a second Mt Victoria tunnel are funded components of the plan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002218c0b04d681b45c1a16d47e0079234f5\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Did Associate Minister Julie Anne Genter\u2019s letter to him of 26 March 2019 prompt him to get further advice from officials about the sequencing of the second Mt Vic tunnel and mass transit?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222ccdb4e80c47493791aff53074b3e788\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the letter was certainly part of an ongoing discussion about the priorities and the sequencing of the Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving project, but it shouldn\u2019t surprise anybody in this House that the member Julie Anne Genter argues for public transport, better walking and cycling infrastructure, and modern rapid transit, and on all of those issues she\u2019s correct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227c3cd9e9fb324beca4fb0d2eef9c39ec\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: When will he release the 26 March letter from Associate Minister Julie Anne Genter?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002273082824f0964f919e5149cc3b9048fc\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m waiting for the decision of the Ombudsman on this, because the question of whether or not parties under an MMP Government or Ministers should be able to have free and frank exchange of views while they prepare a paper for Cabinet\u2014that is a very important issue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b1b1ece68541402b9ec10237391b4d6a\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: What does he have to say to the 63 percent of respondents living outside Wellington City and the 61 percent of respondents living in Wellington City who supported a second Mt Victoria tunnel during the Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving feedback process?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022453ab6cded1f4afc8f98b10e2b498bb3\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: I say to those people: thank you for the support that you have given through your elected mayors and councillors, who unanimously supported the project because they understand, actually, that Wellington City\u2019s transport networks are a critically important asset for the entire region, that access to the airport and the hospital are absolutely essential for people who live throughout the region, and that\u2019s why they supported Let\u2019s Get Wellington Moving. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c6548c01da54b82a55b198701cdd56b\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: If the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Wellington City Council ask him formally to bring forward the second Mt Victoria tunnel ahead of mass transit, as was recommended by the officials in the first place, will he undertake to consider that request in good faith?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022765119ac5258468e91c018b2b8c8bcdd\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve said that I\u2019m more than happy to sit down with both the regional council and Wellington City Council, when they\u2019ve had time to get their feet under the desk, to elect a new chair of the regional council, and to discuss their position on these matters, and I\u2019ve signalled that I\u2019m very happy to discuss questions about business case processes, and sequencing of projects when we have that conversation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e369ed85e44e49d69f02d1c93762e8dc\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Building and Construction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022 data-id=\u00224809bdd50bbc44a2b9d978b81265febf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224809bdd50bbc44a2b9d978b81265febf\u0022\u003EANAHILA KANONGATA\u2019A-SUISUIKI (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Building and Construction: What recent announcements has she made about delivering more warm, dry, safe houses to New Zealanders?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022 data-id=\u0022b80b64ee020f4be1a07545bdc41f0638\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b80b64ee020f4be1a07545bdc41f0638\u0022\u003EHon JENNY SALESA (Minister for Building and Construction):\u003C/span\u003E Faakalofa atu ki a mutolu oti. Happy Niue Language Week. Last Friday, I announced the first tranche of changes to the Building Act 2004 that will make high-quality large-scale manufacture of warm, dry prefab houses a reality. Off-site manufacturing and modern methods of construction are the future of construction. These modern methods of construction can mean reductions in cost, up to a 60 percent reduction in construction time, and up to a 77 percent reduction in construction waste. By introducing a nationwide end-to-end manufacturer certification for off-site manufacturing, we\u2019re able to cut the red tape on a number of building consent inspections that are required, while continuing to ensure high-quality durable homes are built.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d0e6bd90dc6485bbfca00adfb2207df\u0022\u003EAnahila Kanongata\u2019a-Suisuiki\u003C/span\u003E: How will the proposed changes speed up building consents?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ac2bfab0dda432ab3dd2b53e3df383d\u0022\u003EHon JENNY SALESA\u003C/span\u003E: In addition to the changes for off-site manufacturing, we heard a lot from industry and from the public that one of the main reasons for delays in councils issuing building consents is a lack of information about the building products they are using. We know building consents are placed on hold by an average of up to 21 working days due to councils issuing requests for information on the building products, and it costs around a thousand dollars for each week of delay. That\u2019s why we\u2019re introducing minimum information requirements for manufacturers and suppliers of products. This will speed up consenting by ensuring councils, builders, tradies, and DIYers have the information that they need about the building products that they\u2019re using.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251e88eb9a27e494e9e39913c5d96748c\u0022\u003EAnahila Kanongata\u2019a-Suisuiki\u003C/span\u003E: What other announcements will help deliver better homes and buildings? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d398552ce8bc424c81cf1a1dd1677814\u0022\u003EHon JENNY SALESA\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re also making changes to lower the building levy, which will reduce the cost of building consents while allowing the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to maintain a high-performing building regulatory system. We\u2019re also increasing the maximum financial penalties in the Building Act to make sure that builders, engineers, and tradies are complying with the law and helping to drive out the cowboys.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dea5df5808ff4eb0aa2ff1ae3023ff20\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: When will the Minister actually deal with the real issue of traditional consenting and make sure that that process is sped up and made more flexible and quicker so we can build a lot more houses?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b35b36cfe844ca3857e47a116dd2436\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! That\u2019s not an area of responsibility for this Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4ccded3ec374fb189e890e3bc398e92\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Sorry, I thought the building and construction\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b2d735d6a2114b06a3f2023965f5b6ca\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, sorry. I thought the Minister wasn\u2019t the Minister responsible. I thought the local government Minister was. Am I wrong? I am wrong. I\u2019m sorry. The Minister will answer the question. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022834ed007b98643ed9a4b118b18cf40bc\u0022\u003EHon JENNY SALESA\u003C/span\u003E: The amendments to the Building Act 2004 that I announced on Friday are one of the things that we\u2019re doing as a Government. We\u2019re bringing through\u2014and I\u2019ll be announcing it soon\u2014the other areas of work. We have a whole lot of work that we\u2019re doing in building and construction. There are a whole lot of issues that were left to us, but in terms of building consent, that is one of the reasons why we have announced that we will go through with off-site manufacturing. It will ensure that consents are much more efficient. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220fd3931ae84b433386a7fdd3c0146e75\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Local Government\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022195175aa12274b7bbec3c4d46f325f41\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022195175aa12274b7bbec3c4d46f325f41\u0022\u003EHon JACQUI DEAN (National\u2014Waitaki)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Local Government: Does she stand by all her actions and policies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022719932c10789420a8e827f543a3a8f36\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022719932c10789420a8e827f543a3a8f36\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Fakaalofa lahi atu\u2014Happy Niuean Language Week. Yes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281076f01ffcd41fbadce25e640713750\u0022\u003EHon Jacqui Dean\u003C/span\u003E: Is it her expectation that the proposed wellbeing work will be undertaken by councils at the same time as they work on the three waters programme and the planned changes that will be required under the action plan for freshwater?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022430c80e1cf4147b89f01998d09101777\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, and I\u2019m pleased to say that one of the early representations that I had as the Minister for Local Government from the sector was to insert the wellbeings because it sits alongside environmental outcomes, outcomes for better urban planning and urban design, and outcomes for better places to live, and I\u2019m pleased to be able to support the sector by including the wellbeings back into legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d3a1b47c03ca4066a25ccfbbdba1aae5\u0022\u003EHon Jacqui Dean\u003C/span\u003E: How will communities set \u201Cspecific objective and subjective priorities for intergenerational wellbeing\u201D under the wellbeings framework? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022adc3fb71b78c4755a7207c2b32128d6f\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m pleased to say that this is a matter that the sector themselves have led out. The Society of Local Government Managers have actually launched for some time now a live document on wellbeing indicators. They have discussed the matter thoroughly within the sector, to determine the types of indicators that councils can use and apply to achieve a number of outcomes in the environmental area, social wellbeing area, and physical and built environment, and I think we should support them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d0b504c0106b4e00adb902a448932f90\u0022\u003EHon Jacqui Dean\u003C/span\u003E: How much will all this cost?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7581d8f94624608b06a6b9f16c27d1d\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: The cost will be determined in accordance to the priorities of those councils, and this is well-established. And, more importantly, this enables councils to engage with their communities to set the types of priorities that look across environmental wellbeings, social wellbeings, the types of cities and communities that people want to live in, and, most importantly, so that their children can thrive and grow in a prosperous region. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f520168ab0d4352964f24f4b6c90c98\u0022\u003EHon Jacqui Dean\u003C/span\u003E: How much does she expect rates to rise in order for councils to fund all of the work she has just described?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022addd04125d494589aa94fb978a30d42f\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s a matter that I can\u2019t be entirely responsible for. The setting of rates is a matter for local councils to determine, and they are mindful that, in balancing the impact on ratepayers with the priority that their people have within their communities, they must balance the books based on what the revenue is that they get from rates. But can I say this: when we came into Government, it was very clear that the local government sector had been left to languish for nine years and the issues of affordability on councils had been neglected. That\u2019s why we embarked on a Productivity Commission report that is looking to provide some solutions, and we\u2019re considering that report and will respond in due course to the cost pressures facing councils. \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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f6404124f06e4cc8a0cf122d5c93ab59\u0022\u003ETe Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00226954a9941900424ca0cc10d624cf3a5c\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022eafcc97e09624bf5a33606d9905f1973\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022eafcc97e09624bf5a33606d9905f1973\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister for M\u0101ori Development):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee to consider the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThis approach that we\u2019re leading is taking whenua M\u0101ori and these reforms to a different place. The previous Government tried to introduce a bill that was championed as M\u0101ori-led reforms but had massive opposition from M\u0101ori land owners. At the time, we opposed these reforms which appeared to preference the utilisation of M\u0101ori land over the protection of M\u0101ori land for the next generation and engaging M\u0101ori land owners in the development of their own whenua. So I\u2019m pleased to say at the heart of this new bill are small and targeted reforms which will reduce the compliance and complexity M\u0101ori land owners encounter when they engage with Te Ture Whenua Maori Act and the M\u0101ori Land Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAs an example, these reforms will introduce a tikanga-focused resolution service that will offer M\u0101ori land owners a way to settle issues outside of a formal court hearing. Tikanga, in relation to M\u0101ori land, can better accommodate beneficial outcomes, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re seeking to do. To realise the full potential of M\u0101ori land, wh\u0101nau need an effective regulatory framework that is fit for purpose, clear, accessible, and futureproofed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThis is an important bill, as 1.4 million hectares of whenua M\u0101ori remains in M\u0101ori freehold title. It\u2019s crucial that this land becomes more economic, in the interests of not only M\u0101ori land owners but all of Aotearoa, and M\u0101ori must be at the centre to that development. M\u0101ori have a deep spiritual connection to whenua. It\u2019s an intergenerational connection which is recognised as taonga tuku iho. M\u0101ori are the kaitiaki of this taonga, our whenua, which provides a source of unity and identity for tangata whenua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EA long and complex history precedes M\u0101ori land tenure here in New Zealand, and the role of the M\u0101ori Land Court has been chequered in and of itself. But we can now say that Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 represented a shift in the legal framework from one that transferred whenua out of M\u0101ori control to one that promoted both retention and utilisation. The Act has now been in operation for over 25 years and can provide a sound framework for M\u0101ori land tenure, supporting M\u0101ori to retain as well as develop and utilise their land, but we can improve the way in which the Act is operating.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EOur Government is committed to improving services and outcomes for tangata whenua who are seeking to use their land in a productive and sustainable way. That\u2019s why we need to make some practical and technical changes to the Act to reduce the complexity and compliance they encounter when engaging with the M\u0101ori Land Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s go to the bill. The bill addresses various issues associated with the processes of succeeding to M\u0101ori land. Currently, to succeed to M\u0101ori land interests an application must be made to the M\u0101ori Land Court to prove the successor\u2019s right to succeed. All applications need to be heard at a sitting of the court. The length, complexity, and associated costs of this judicial process can be a disincentive for wh\u0101nau to succeed to their whenua, and this has contributed to a high number of land interests remaining in the name of deceased persons. The bill will allow for simple and uncontested succession applications to be received, confirmed, and recorded by a M\u0101ori Land Court registrar. This simplified process will reduce the time and cost of wh\u0101nau of attending court and encourage wh\u0101nau to reconnect with their whenua and participate in its management.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ESome additional changes will also be made to address other issues with succession. For instance, the bill will specify that the right of wh\u0101ngai to succeed to M\u0101ori land interests of a deceased person will be determined by tikanga M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EIn terms of dispute resolution, the bill provides for a tikanga-focused mechanism to assist M\u0101ori land owners to resolve disagreements and conflicts about their land. The resolution process recognises that disputes involving M\u0101ori land are often delicate, sensitive situations involving people with close kin ties to each other. Enabling the parties to come up with their own solutions to resolve a dispute outside of court will be a helpful and progressive step forward and will maintain the relationships between wh\u0101nau. The dispute resolution process will be available for proceedings that are already before the M\u0101ori Land Court as well as those in which court proceedings have not yet been identified.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EApplicants will be given the ability to choose their own mediator to assist the resolution of disputes. At the moment, however, there are only a small number of suitably qualified people skilled in both mediation and tikanga. For this reason, the process will begin with judges providing mediation, which is now the case for disputes involving M\u0101ori fisheries and aquaculture. There is a pool of talent on the bench to be able to apply tikanga, and I\u2019m pleased that this is an innovation where we can use their expertise. The use of external mediators will be delayed until 2022 to enable a pool of potential mediators to be increased. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe M\u0101ori Land Court does not have jurisdiction to hear certain matters relating to M\u0101ori land, even though it may be the more appropriate forum to do so. The bill will allow the court to hear applications relating to M\u0101ori land for matters associated with the Family Protection Act, the Property Law Act, and a range of other legislation. The bill makes improvements to the way that the M\u0101ori Land Court functions, such as allowing a registrar to deal with simple applications relating to M\u0101ori land trusts and also ensures that remedies available to enforce a decision are practical and effective. For instance, when wh\u0101nau apply for an injunction, the court will now be able to require a person to remove an object or repair any damage to the land. These changes will bring the M\u0101ori Land Court in line with other courts and enable it to oversee matters that lead to better protection over whenua M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ETo obtain an order to occupy\u2014that is, to live on the land\u2014the applicant must generally be a beneficial owner of that whenua. This disadvantages people who have placed their interests in a wh\u0101nau trust, as legal owners are not able to apply for an occupation order. The bill addresses this shortcoming by enabling the M\u0101ori Land Court to grant occupation orders in favour of a beneficiary of a wh\u0101nau trust, and I know that this will make a huge difference for wh\u0101nau considering moving back home. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe bill also removes one of the main obstacles to the development of papak\u0101inga housing on M\u0101ori reservations. Currently, a lease or occupation licence may only be granted for 14 years on a M\u0101ori reservation, which makes it really difficult for wh\u0101nau to get funding from banking institutions for papak\u0101inga development. Enabling a lease or occupation licence to be granted for longer terms will enable wh\u0101nau to access finance and will support them to connect to their marae and whenua, contributing to the intergenerational wellbeing of their wh\u0101nau. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EA small number of minor and technical changes are being made to improve the operation of the Act. These changes will better align M\u0101ori land trusts and incorporations with similar governance bodies and will make it easier for wh\u0101nau to establish M\u0101ori incorporations, if that is their wish. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe difficulties associated with accessing landlocked land prevents the use and enjoyment of whenua. Currently, the factors that the M\u0101ori Land Court may take into account when granting an order for reasonable access to landlocked M\u0101ori land are too restrictive\u2014for instance, the court is not able to take into account the culture and traditions of the applicant with respect to the land. The bill allows the court to take account of a broader range of factors. By doing so, it will help unlock the unrealised potential for growth, including job creation for wh\u0101nau, especially in relation to landlocked land. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe targeted amendments to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act are part of the Whenua M\u0101ori Programme, which was announced in February last year. As part of the Budget, $56.1 million was allocated over four years towards implementing the programme, which aims to stimulate the social and economic development of wh\u0101nau through the 1.4 million hectares of whenua M\u0101ori that remains in M\u0101ori freehold title. This investment will do a number of things: it will modernise the M\u0101ori Land Court information system, it will provide new and enhanced M\u0101ori Land Court services, it will create a whenua knowledge hub and website specifically for M\u0101ori land owners so that they have access to accurate data and information to make decisions, and it will enable regional advisory whenua services providing on-the-ground support, starting with Te Tai Tokerau, Waiariki, and Te Tai R\u0101whiti. There is further legislative reform on the way, but I\u2019ll save that for another time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI do look forward to hearing from submitters, M\u0101ori land owners, legal practitioners, and the select committee, who will be, I understand, having a full set of hearings. There\u2019s a lot of potential out there amongst our M\u0101ori wh\u0101nau, if they can access their land. These changes are designed to ensure that there is a method to be able to ensure not only that they can access and succeed to their whenua but they have knowledge, information, streamlined processes, and services on the ground to help them realise their true potential. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI\u2019m really pleased to be able to support this. I want to acknowledge Meka Whaitiri, who led the charge on the way in which this Government should be going forward on ture whenua M\u0101ori reforms. I commend the bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022 data-id=\u00221c70a8ec60b544cf8cd4cb4776e0904e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221c70a8ec60b544cf8cd4cb4776e0904e\u0022\u003EJO HAYES (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand to take a call on Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. I\u2019m really pleased to see the bill come into the House. We have been waiting a little while for the bill to get here, but it is with heavy heart, really, because we had an opportunity at the last sitting period to get this bill across the line and, unfortunately, it was Labour that kept blocking the opportunity for that to happen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EIt does concern me a little bit that Minister Nanaia Mahuta talked about some minor changes in the bill, and that\u2019s what we\u2019ve actually seen on reading the bill\u2014that it does tinker around the edges. It was an opportunity for the Labour-led Government to take this bill and really upgrade it to where it should be today, rather than adding more amendments and more amendments to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, and that\u2019s what this bill that\u2019s been put before us is actually doing. It\u2019s tinkering around the edges. It\u2019s adding more amendments to an Act that should have actually been upgraded and brought into this time and up to this year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EI want to let the Minister know that the part around the landlocked lands\u2014and that is great. But I didn\u2019t see anything within the bill around how the Government is going to address those who own land ahead of the landlocked lands\u2014so big farm stations that have private ownership\u2014and whether they will agree to easements being put across their land to access the landlocked lands in the back. One farming area that I am referring to is M\u014Dkai P\u0101tea\u2019s land that sits at the back of Ngamatea Station. Would Ngamatea Station agree to an easement being put across their land so that M\u014Dkai P\u0101tea wh\u0101nau could actually access that land and start to get some good economic development opportunities there for their wh\u0101nau, rather than leasing it out to private deer hunters? So I think that\u2019s where I\u2019m talking a little bit around lost opportunity in this bill and the weakness of the landlocked lands area. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EAround the mainly judicial changes, where the wh\u0101nau can actually go to the M\u0101ori Land Court and have some of their issues, technical changes, complexities, etc., addressed within the M\u0101ori Land Court, I think that, really, we need to take a step back and work with wh\u0101nau about how they\u2019re actually going to get to that place in the first place. Around wh\u0101ngai, now, I\u2019m obviously part of M\u0101ori land ownership, and that\u2019s one of the issues that we have had around wh\u0101ngai, and who is a wh\u0101ngai and who is not. I think allowing iwi or hap\u016B to try and sort that for a wh\u0101nau does actually limit the wh\u0101nau. It doesn\u2019t support the wh\u0101nau to make that decision, and I know that for my wh\u0101nau in the Wairarapa, they will be quite disappointed around the ability of the M\u0101ori Land Court to dictate as to who is a wh\u0101ngai and who is not a wh\u0101ngai. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m disappointed that the Labour-led Government just didn\u2019t pick up the whole of the National Government bill and use that, because new Part 3A that\u2019s being inserted, around dispute resolution, was actually extracted from the National Government\u2019s Te Ture Whenua M\u0101ori Bill, as well as the succession part in our bill, and that just tells me that Labour did see some good in our bill. Actually, the whole bill was really good, and why they didn\u2019t just pick it up, I have no idea. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EFinally, this side of the House will be supporting this bill in the first reading to send it to the select committee. I do look forward to the submissions coming. It will be interesting to see how those submissions are different to the ones that we received in 2016, and are there going to be many changes within those submissions? Will we get submissions coming in stating that this Government could have done a lot more in this bill in giving power to wh\u0101nau? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EAround the occupational parts of this bill, which the Minister talked about, occupation on M\u0101ori land\u2014that\u2019s great. However, there are issues\u2014as the Minister talked about\u2014in being able to access funds from the banks. Well, that\u2019s great. However, it\u2019s about being able to repay that loan, as well. So there\u2019s a whole lot of other things that sit in behind this bill that actually haven\u2019t been brought out through this bill, including the difficulties that some wh\u0101nau may have with being able to build on their land and their ability to be able to pay those bank loans back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EI don\u2019t know whether this bill is actually a voice for M\u0101oridom, whether it is an empowerment for M\u0101oridom; we\u2019ll just have to see how we go. Personally, where I stand, I don\u2019t think it is a very good bill. I think that a lot more work could\u2019ve been done on it, and that\u2019s why we\u2019re supporting it to select committee. That\u2019s why we will do exactly, on this side of the House, what Labour did to our te ture whenua bill: we will make sure that we scrutinise it in depth and that we will debate it with vigour on this side of the House, to make sure that we turn every single stone over to make sure that it is a solid bill going forward for our people. So without any further ado, on this side of the House we support the bill and commend it to the House. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022 data-id=\u0022ed3f0cc9964a405a8eca2c01538fcbae\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ed3f0cc9964a405a8eca2c01538fcbae\u0022\u003ERINO TIRIKATENE (Labour\u2014Te Tai Tonga):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m proud to stand in support of this very important bill, Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. M\u0101ori land, as the Minister for M\u0101ori Development has said, is 1.4 million hectares of the land mass of Aotearoa. That\u2019s about 5 to 6 percent of our total land mass, so this is a very important piece of legislation, and it is really important that we are unlocking the potential of that 6 percent of the land mass of Aotearoa through the enactment of this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the Minister, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, for her outstanding leadership with her department, Te Puni K\u014Dkiri, in crafting this bill so that it is acceptable to Te Iwi M\u0101ori katoa, because, as we know, in the previous Parliament, we had a massive bill that the previous Government put forward to the House. Quite frankly, it was a cumbersome bill which tried to totally repeal and replace the existing Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, and it just didn\u2019t meet the grade. It didn\u2019t cut the standard that was required to be accepted by our people as an acceptable piece of legislation which would be workable\u2014workable\u2014for Iwi M\u0101ori katoa, all M\u0101ori land owners. There were so many deficiencies in that bill\u2014I don\u2019t really want to go into it. I\u2019m pleased, though, that it was withdrawn, because there were tremendous concerns about the impacts of that bill had it passed. So I want to acknowledge the Minister for withdrawing that bill but also putting this much-improved bill before the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EThis is a much-improved bill because we are making targeted amendments which are widely regarded as necessary, which are easy to implement, and which further the coalition Government\u2019s agenda of boosting productivity and strengthening our regional economies. We know that M\u0101ori land, particularly in the geographic regions where it\u2019s concentrated\u2014unlocking the potential of those lands will indeed strengthen our regional economies, and so this is a very welcome piece of legislation. It fits, as the Minister has said. It\u2019s not a bill in an island of its own; it\u2019s integrated into a wider whenua M\u0101ori plan providing support for wh\u0101nau and for M\u0101ori land owners, providing better service, providing access to better information, streamlining processes, making it easier to go through various processes such as succession, dealing with wh\u0101ngai, dealing with disputes\u2014making all those processes much easier.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the members opposite for their support of this bill, because this is a good bill. This is a no-brainer bill. This is a bill that we want to put through this House and which M\u0101ori will greatly welcome, and I\u2019m looking forward, as chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, to hearing from submitters on this bill. If there are refinements that can be made, certainly we are always open to doing that, but this bill actually has been well-canvassed, well-consulted upon, and it has the broad support of M\u0101ori leadership. When we think of groups like the Federation of M\u0101ori Authorities, the strongest and largest M\u0101ori business network of M\u0101ori land interests spread across Aotearoa, who support this bill; when we think of the Iwi Chairs Forum, who support this bill; and when we think of all of the M\u0101ori legal practitioners and those who are involved in the M\u0101ori Land Court, and possibly the bench also, who support this bill, it has been well-canvassed and consulted upon, and there is strong support for the provisions that we are seeking to enact.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EJust to go into the targeted amendments which we are implementing in this bill: succession in trust matters. It\u2019s very welcome. As all M\u0101ori know, we all have interests in M\u0101ori land spread up and down the motu. I\u2019m legally trained. I practised law, and I remember having to do a succession application. I had to fly from Wellington to Christchurch, wait for a court sitting, and fill out paperwork. It wasn\u2019t an easy task, having to fill out all of the actual forms and then actually wait to be scheduled for a court hearing just to do a succession, just to succeed to the land and set up wh\u0101nau trusts or the like. That poses a huge cost on wh\u0101nau, and also delays\u2014delays in terms of waiting for court scheduling, waiting to appear before the judge\u2014and what does this bill do? Well, it streamlines that process. It makes it easier for wh\u0101nau, and it puts those administrative functions in the hands of the court registrar, and that\u2019s where they should rest, really. These are more administrative tasks. So that\u2019s a very welcome amendment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003EAs we go on, the other targeted amendments are around dispute resolution. We need to think outside the box. Court processes shouldn\u2019t be just focused on adversarial litigious processes before a judge. I mean, it might be welcome for their counsel and lawyers that represent certain clients, but it\u2019s not the optimal process. The fact that through this bill we are providing expanded options for dispute resolution, I think, is a very welcome addition to the court processes, which will make it much more user-friendly for those applicants, those wh\u0101nau that will be interacting with the court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003ELikewise, the issue around wh\u0101ngai and adopted children. It can be quite a very sensitive issue in terms of succession for particular\u2014just in general, it can be quite a contentious topic. With this bill, we are clarifying and making sure that those decisions will ultimately be determined by M\u0101ori tikanga of the relevant hap\u016B and iwi. I think that\u2019s the best place for those very tricky issues to be determined, in accordance with the tikanga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003ESo just returning to the purpose of this bill\u2014it\u2019s very important. We are legislating to unlock the potential and enhance the further development of 1.4 million hectares of land across Aotearoa. This is going to be a very welcome piece of legislation, and we know that this is just the first in a series of bills and further actions that the Minister and that this coalition Government are doing. We mustn\u2019t forget that we are helping\u2014this forms part of our broader programme as a Government about boosting productivity, about supporting our regions and economic development, and enhancing the opportunities for our whenua and our wh\u0101nau on those lands\u2014be that through economic generation from their lands or through the ability to have papak\u0101inga housing and support, right across hap\u016B up and down Aotearoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002281825190-fd5d-4ed0-bb80-f12f3c93e653\u0022\u003ESo this is a welcome piece of legislation. Again, we are looking forward, as a committee, to giving it further consideration. I want to acknowledge my colleague the Hon Meka Whaitiri who led the charge when we were in Opposition, in terms of highlighting the shortcomings that were evident in the previous incarnation of a ture whenua M\u0101ori bill. I\u2019m looking forward to her contribution, sitting on our committee, with her expert knowledge that she will be able to share with our committee as we further hear from submitters and give further examination to all the different provisions of the bill. So with that, I look forward to the work that lies ahead and I commend this bill, at its first reading, to the House. Kia ora t\u0101tou. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022 data-id=\u002203def037bb9447869e9867229e8b6cea\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002203def037bb9447869e9867229e8b6cea\u0022\u003EHon NICKY WAGNER (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m very pleased to be able to speak to this Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. I\u2019m very interested in the comments from the member Rino Tirikatene. What he said was true about National\u2019s bill, Chris Finlayson\u2019s bill\u2014it was comprehensive, it was complicated, it was a very big bill, but, actually, I see that as an advantage rather than as a disadvantage. The issue with this bill is really\u2014although it\u2019s taken the eyes out of that bill, we will support it because that was the work that was done in the past, and the member did point out the amount of consultation and submission that was done on that bill. We will support it because of that, but this is a truncated, pale version of that bill, and in that case it\u2019s particularly disappointing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EAs I\u2019ve said, it has picked up several of the issues that were addressed in our bill, and I just want to point out, as the member has said, that that was voted down by Labour. These issues in that bigger bill were voted down by Labour. We will also support it because we see it as a first step. It is a small first step, but it is absolutely a step towards unlocking the economic value of M\u0101ori land, and this is something that is particularly important to New Zealand, and to all M\u0101ori and all New Zealanders. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EI just want to flip back and look at the original Te Ture Whenua Maori Act, because that was passed back in 1993. While that was really focused on the retention of M\u0101ori land in M\u0101ori ownership it wasn\u2019t a perfect Act. It was only within five years of that Act being passed that there was agitation for reform, and, in fact, there have been at least six different panels, advisory groups, and discussions considering changes over that time. In 2011, the Hon Chris Finlayson began an update of that Act, and he began that update because he was asked to do that. He was asked to by M\u0101ori and iwi leaders, because they expressed a real concern that the Act was not delivering the way that it should, and, as I say, the Hon Chris Finlayson spent three years working on that Act. They wrote a bill, they took it out for consultation, they took it out for submissions, and it culminated in a bill that was designed to ensure that M\u0101ori land owners had the right to decide about their land and how it was used. They also had the right to take advantages of opportunities to develop that land for themselves and for future generations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EIt also provided a very clear and accountable governance framework, including the dispute resolution that we\u2019re looking at today, and mechanisms to overcome fragmentation to help unlock that value. At that time, the value that they were looking to unlock was $8 billion\u2014$8 billion towards the M\u0101ori economy, which is a significant and important thing to do. Again, I note that that bill was never passed and Labour voted against it. I also want to note the member was talking about the Hon Meka Whaitiri and the fact that she was an expert in this area. I just want to note what she said about the bill: she couldn\u2019t vote for it because it was not comprehensive\u2014well, actually, that\u2019s exactly the opposite of what we\u2019ve just heard\u2014and it didn\u2019t deal with the issues, in particular, landlocked land, paper roads, and land acquired under public works, and rating. None of those things are in this bill, so I\u2019m wondering if she\u2019s actually going to support the bill and if she\u2019s actually going to vote for it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EBut if we go back to this bill, as I said, it doesn\u2019t provide for real reform, the real reform that M\u0101ori have been wanting and needing. This Minister herself, Nanaia Mahuta, has said that it is a small and targeted amendment and it\u2019s only stage one. There\u2019s also going to be stage two and stage three, I believe, but no one has any idea at this stage what they are going to look like. So as we\u2019ve already heard this bill merely tinkers around the edges and doesn\u2019t provide the reform that will make a real difference. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EI think a complete revision of this legislation is essential, and I think it\u2019s essential. As Rino Tirikatene said, M\u0101ori freehold land is extensive\u2014between 5.5 percent and 6 percent of all of New Zealand. Most of that\u201495 percent of that\u2014is in the North Island, and that\u2019s about 12 percent of the whole land in the North Island. Actually, that\u2019s interesting, because much of the area where this land is located is crying out for new opportunities to make their land more productive, and the thought that they can open up this land, that they can create jobs, and that people who want to return to these areas\u2014return to their land\u2014have an opportunity for work, have opportunities to develop their families, and to move into a brighter sort of future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EJust looking back on the laws in relation to land, there\u2019s been 180 previous laws dealing with M\u0101ori land\u2014180 of them\u2014and some of those in the past have actually led to the reduction of M\u0101ori land ownership and the fragmentation of that landownership. When we look at that now, there are over 2.5 million ownership interests in M\u0101ori freehold land\u20142.5 million people have an interest in a particular piece of M\u0101ori freehold land. This is particularly problematic when we have enormously large numbers of people with an interest in an individual piece of land. There have been examples of single blocks that might have 14,000 landownership interests, and, on average, right across the country, each block has over a hundred people interested in it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003ESo we do need better mechanisms to protect the rights of the owners of M\u0101ori land, to protect their rights so that they can retain control, so that they can occupy that, and also so that they can develop their land for the benefit of the present and future generations. I\u2019d like to reflect on a whakatauk\u012B from Ng\u0101i Tahu: M\u014D t\u0101tou, \u0101, m\u014D k\u0101 uri \u0101 muri ake nei\u2014for us and our children after us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003ESo as we\u2019ve heard, this bill proposes a simplification around succession processes, a tikanga-based dispute resolution service\u2014and that\u2019s very similar to what Chris Finlayson had been talking about\u2014and changes to the M\u0101ori courts. None of those ideas are new or very controversial. However, there are issues around the inheritance of wh\u0101ngai and adopted children, and I think that\u2019s going to require a little bit more debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002292824476-4e66-4052-8435-b049833d8b83\u0022\u003EAs I\u2019ve said, the difficulty for us in supporting this bill is that it doesn\u2019t deal with the big, tough issues. It takes out the small, discrete things that we can deal with\u2014which is a good thing\u2014but it hasn\u2019t tackled the stuff that we really have to do if we\u2019re going to open up and protect M\u0101ori ownership and open up the land for development. So, although it\u2019s limited and it doesn\u2019t do that, National will support this bill to select committee. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u00224f8289f0dd4f42fb9eb39849aa1df684\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224f8289f0dd4f42fb9eb39849aa1df684\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora. I roto i Te Reo M\u0101ori i te tuatahi\u2014in the M\u0101ori language, firstly. T\u0113nei m\u0101tou te tautoko nei i te pire nei. T\u0113nei pire hira noa atu i te pire i hinga ai t\u0113r\u0101 hoa \u014Dku, a Te Ururoa Flavell, n\u014Dna i roto i Te Whare P\u0101remata. Kotahi anake te take i pokea ai t\u0113r\u0101 tangata me tana hikoi i roto i te ao t\u014Drangap\u016B, ko te pire whakamutunga i wh\u0101rikitia ai ki roto i Te Whare nei. T\u0113nei pire? Ka nui noa atu tana pai. Hira atu i te pire tawhito.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EAhau e t\u016B nei, me te rangatira o t\u014D m\u0101tou r\u014Dp\u016B, ka nui noa atu t\u014D m\u0101tou taunga ki ng\u0101 p\u016Bng\u0101werewere o t\u0113nei pire. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EAhau rawa, n\u0101ku taku p\u0101p\u0101 i \u0101whina kia haere atu ki te k\u014Dti kia whakawhiwhia mai ki a ia t\u0113tahi paku p\u0101nga m\u014D t\u0113tahi whenua iti. Ka hia noa atu te roa, ka mate taku p\u0101p\u0101. Horekau t\u0113n\u0101 take i oti. Koia t\u0101ku e tautoko nei kia t\u016B ai t\u0113tahi mana takawaenga e oti ai i roto i te wh\u0101nau, i te hap\u016B r\u0101nei, hei \u0101 wai r\u0101nei ng\u0101 p\u0101nga, ka whiwhi, ko wai r\u0101nei te r\u014Dp\u016B e tika ana kia whakat\u016Bria hei pupuru i \u0113nei kongakonga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EN\u0101, koia t\u0113n\u0101 tetahi wahanga ka nui noa atu te tautoko atu i a m\u0101tou n\u0101 runga i t\u014D m\u0101tou taunga, me ng\u0101 k\u0101rawarawa kei o m\u0101tou tuar\u0101 M\u0101ori m\u014D te roa noa atu o te w\u0101 e wheke ana, e okeoke ana m\u0101tou kia whakawhiwhia mai ng\u0101 p\u0101nga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EKei ahau kei t\u014Dku wh\u0101nau \u0113tahi p\u0101nga e hoki ana ki te w\u0101 o taku tupuna whaea, te kuia n\u0101na ahau i napinapi, n\u014Dku i te tamariki. T\u0113r\u0101 kuia, wh\u0101nau mai i te tau 1892. Ka p\u0113r\u0101 rawa te roa o te w\u0101 k\u0101hore an\u014D kia oti i roto i \u0113tahi o \u0101 m\u0101tou nei toronga te whakawhiwhi i ng\u0101 p\u0101nga i t\u012Bmata mai t\u014D m\u0101tou kuia. P\u0113r\u0101 rawa te p\u016Bng\u0101werewere o ng\u0101 take e p\u0101 ana ki te k\u014Dti nei. Me p\u0113hea r\u0101nei ng\u0101 take iti nei e whakam\u0101m\u0101ngia ai? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EAra t\u0113tahi atu take m\u0101ku te k\u012B\u2014me p\u0113hea r\u0101nei he whare e waihangatia ai ki runga i te whenua M\u0101ori? Ahau, e mahara ana ki te w\u0101 i te mana a Helen Clark. Ko tana Minita m\u014D Te Hanga Whare ko Sandra Lee. H\u014Dnore Sandra Lee. Whakamatua? Whaka-aha r\u0101nei tana ingoa M\u0101ori n\u014D roto i a Ng\u0101i Tahu. Ka mutu, t\u0113r\u0101 wahine ka haere atu ki te taha o Dover Samuels ki roto i Te Tai Tokerau ko te tau 2000. Rua mano! Take o r\u0101tou i haere ai ki reira? i toro t\u0113tahi whare ki Matauri, ka mate te mokopuna i roto i t\u0113r\u0101 whare. Mai i t\u0113r\u0101 w\u0101, tae noa mai ki t\u0113nei r\u0101, kei te pokepoke tonutia o t\u0101tou whenua M\u0101ori, te korenga e \u0101hei ki te whakat\u016B he whare hei noho m\u0101 te wh\u0101nau.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EN\u0101, t\u0113tahi w\u0101hanga e oti ana i konei kia \u0101hei ai te hunga n\u014D r\u0101tou te whenua kia whakanekehia ai te roa o te w\u0101 e oti i a r\u0101tou te noho p\u016Bmau ki runga i t\u0113r\u0101 whenua. Me tautoko m\u0101rika t\u0113nei whare i t\u0113nei w\u0101hanga, t\u0101 te mea, ko te hunga e tino t\u0101mia ana m\u014D te kore whare, m\u014D te mate m\u012Btara me \u0113tahi atu take ka hia r\u0101nei te tinitini e hamahama nei, n\u0101, ko te iwi M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EHe w\u0101 an\u014D m\u0101ua ko taku rangatira kei te werawera o m\u0101ua i t\u014D m\u0101ua iwi, t\u014D t\u0101tou iwi M\u0101ori pua noa, m\u0101 r\u0101tou an\u014D r\u0101tou e whakatikatika engari me p\u0113hea r\u0101nei e r\u0101tou e oti i t\u0113tahi kaupapa kia pai ai, kia pai ake t\u014D r\u0101tou noho p\u0113na p\u016Bng\u0101wereweretia ana o r\u0101tou p\u0101nga ki roto i te ture o te whenua M\u0101ori?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E[Greetings. In the M\u0101ori language, firstly. We support this bill\u2014this bill, which is much better than the bill that befell my friend Te Ururoa Flavell when he was in Parliament. There was only one thing that dragged him down politically, and it was the final bill he presented in this House. This bill? It is much better; this bill is much better than the prior one.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI stand here today, alongside the leader of our party, and we very much agree with the reach of this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EFor me personally, I went with my father to court to try and sort out a matter about him receiving a small number of shares in a small parcel of land. After who knows how long, my father passed away. His matter had not been resolved. That\u2019s why I support the establishment of a mediating authority, be it within the wh\u0101nau or the hap\u016B, to vest shares within the appropriate group which is established to hold these miniscule holdings. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ESo we strongly support this section because of our familiarity with these aspects, and the constant lashings we M\u0101ori receive who are angry and frustrated at the time it takes to receive shares. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EMy family and I have shares that date back to my grandmother, the grandmother who raised me when I was a little boy. That grandmother was born in 1892. That is how long we have been waiting to receive shares in some of the blocks she has an interest in. That is how old some of these court matters are, so how can these small matters be made easier?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThere is another matter I would like to speak on\u2014how can we build houses on M\u0101ori land? For me, I go back to the days when Helen Clark was in charge. Her Minister for Housing Construction was Sandra Lee. The Hon Sandra Lee. Whakamatua? Whaka-something or other\u2014her M\u0101ori name from Ng\u0101i Tahu. In the end, she went with Dover Samuels to the North in the year 2000\u20142000! Her reason for going there? To visit a house in Matauri, where a grandchild had died in that house. From that time, all the way to the present day, our M\u0101ori land is still being tied up, unable to have houses for families built on it for them to live in.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ENow, one thing is achieved here so that it becomes possible for those who own the land to change the length of occupancy on their land block. This House must support this clause because those who are adversely affected by homelessness, by measles, and are hammered by countless other issues are the M\u0101ori people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThere could well come a time where my leader and I are criticised by our tribe or M\u0101oridom generally, but at the end of the day, they have a degree of independence to deal with their own matters, but, really, how can we do something constructive to deal with these long-outstanding issues of shares within the framework of M\u0101ori land laws?]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI stand to support this bill. As I said, in our M\u0101ori language, part of the reason why it ought to be supported is that there is genuine hardship in trying to navigate our M\u0101ori Land Court system. Often that hardship is born of frustration, of no clear direction, and of a shortage of tools on how to resolve, often, very simple transmission issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve recited a story, and I think New Zealanders do derive\u2014certainly, M\u0101ori New Zealanders\u2014some confidence from hearing the parliamentarians of M\u0101ori extraction actually talk about experience. I gave the example of both my grandmother, who was born in either 1892, 1893\u2014one of those two years\u2014and her younger sister, and to this day, members of my own wh\u0101nau have struggled to navigate the system, to actually have the shares transferred to either an entity or to the next generation who are willing to use the land and create something more substantial or something that\u2019s possible with the myriad of services that exist today. So to the extent that a process will exist to enable us circumventing a very laboured process through the M\u0101ori Land Court, we should be celebrating that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI also started off by saying that the last bill may have been ambitious, the last bill may have even been heroic, but I say to this House: it is that bill that caused my old head boy and friend Te Ururoa Flavell, from St Stephen\u2019s School, to lose his seat.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ESo this issue of M\u0101ori land is most certainly an issue that can not only be vastly politicised but it strikes people in a way\u2014in a M\u0101ori community\u2014that they understand. The understanding that we\u2019re trying to enlarge today is that there will be a process where you can circumvent the court with an appropriate statutorily mandated mediation process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ENow, I\u2019ve actually been on a mediation committee, mandated by the M\u0101ori Land Court, and it was chaired by Judge Hingston and a koroua from Te Arawa\u2014the name eludes me. I had to leave the mediation meeting early because my former wife, Ng\u0101reta, was having one of our seven children\u2014I can\u2019t remember which one. The reason I was there is that it pertained to not only the mandate and the mana whenua of Rangit\u0101ne, Kahungunu, and Dannevirke but also the local government and resource management provisions. Naturally, we made a decision, the quality of which still shines many years later\u2014though that\u2019s another matter. But it\u2019s just to demonstrate that those of us who come with not necessarily bags of professional experience as lawyers appearing before the court, but, actually, trying to go through the court without lawyers, are of the view that this is an improvement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EOn the question of papak\u0101inga, I dare say, Mr Speaker, yourself, for the many years you\u2019ve been in the House, and not unlike my own leader\u2014Lord knows how many iterations we\u2019ve sat through, debated either remits, policy suggestions, potential legislative amendments as to how we free up M\u0101ori land so that it can offer an opportunity for expanded housing. I think for a number of us who have straddled both the world of policy and trying to understand the ambitions of M\u0101ori constituents\u2014and you don\u2019t need to be a M\u0101ori to suffer that malady\u2014we\u2019ve been exhausted by it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ESo to the extent that this bill enables the owners of M\u0101ori land either within a trust or in another sort of aggregation to free up that land to boost the supply of housing, then we\u2019ll be doing something that my tuakana Dover Samuels struggled to do for the eventful period of time that he was here. I won\u2019t expand the word \u201Ceventful\u201D for fear it afflicting my good self. And at that stage he was aided by the Hon Sandra Lee who went to Ng\u0101puhi land around about the time in the Helen Clark Government when there was an awful tragedy and a fire in Matauri Bay and in that fire perished some mokopunas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EI only tell that story because ever since then we\u2019ve seen precious little movement on blocks of available M\u0101ori land to actually expand housing, and to the extent that this might offer that solution, then naturally we should support it, because it is potentially\u2014if we can get this provision in a more orderly fashion, then you\u2019re freeing up a home purchaser from the obligation of having to buy the land. Now in Auckland I\u2019m sure it\u2019s about $600,000 or $700,000 to buy a section in a half-decent part of Auckland. That in itself is grossly immoral\u2014that in our own country as a consequence of worsening immigration and poor planning laws we\u2019re saddling the next generation with $600,000 worth of debt before they even put a stick in the ground. However, if you own M\u0101ori land then all you\u2019ve got to focus on is the infrastructure associated with living and good sanitation. Don\u2019t buy the land, pay a small rental, and put the money into the actual physical infrastructure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ENow, for fear of causing the ire of the Labour Party to fall upon me, I have similar ambitions for Ihum\u0101tao. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022 data-id=\u00222889aec91b40480bb7598a5804f6f39b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222889aec91b40480bb7598a5804f6f39b\u0022\u003EMATT KING (National\u2014Northland):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. Look, it\u2019s a pleasure to speak on behalf of Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. We support this bill. It\u2019s a 25-year-old Act and it\u2019s well in need of updating, but they took our bill and they gutted it, and then they gave the remnants back, and they put it forward as their bill. It\u2019s rather like taking a substantial steak meal and giving us back burnt two-minute noodles. So they could have taken our bill\u2014100-plus hui consultation run and headed by the Hon Te Ururoa Flavell, and a far superior bill. They said \u201Cambitious\u201D; I\u2019d say \u201Ccomprehensive\u201D\u2014yes, ambitious, comprehensive, a thorough bill. But do you know what\u2019s happened? It was politically hijacked, opposed by Labour at every turn, and so some of the blame for it not getting through has to be laid at the feet of Labour. And they stalled it all the way. So at every stage they were working through the committee stages and it just got stalled and held back. So we could\u2019ve had that bill through and I can tell you, no doubt, it would have been beneficial for M\u0101oridom if we\u2019d got that bill through. So those are the facts. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022\u003EI do note that they\u2019ve pulled out some parts of our bill. The alternative dispute resolution, that\u2019s plucked straight from our bill. And I know that in Northland\u2014it says here from a Ministry for Primary Industries study in 2014 that M\u0101ori land, 85 percent of M\u0101ori land, is under- or undeveloped, and in Northland I would say almost more than any other part of the country we would benefit from legislation that improves M\u0101ori land. It would unlock economic potential worth billions of dollars in Northland. A third of our land in Northland is M\u0101ori land\u2014roughly a third. Large parts of it are landlocked, and I note that this bill does nothing to address that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022\u003ESo I look forward to the select committee process. I look forward to there being significant improvements at the select committee process to address some of these matters. I think that this legislation, with significant improvements, could be massive for Northland. So I support it. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022 data-id=\u0022fbd3bb6cb7d74f3ea26fd0621337b629\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fbd3bb6cb7d74f3ea26fd0621337b629\u0022\u003EGOLRIZ GHAHRAMAN (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise with pleasure to speak in support of this bill, which focuses on strengthening a tikanga M\u0101ori approach to dealing with M\u0101ori land. This is a welcome development and it should be a development that we see across all policy areas if we are to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living constitutional document of our nation, and I note that we do stand today\u2014or sit\u2014on land that was never ceded. So it is important to keep coming back to the issue of M\u0101ori land as having special cultural significance, as being qualified as taonga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EM\u0101ori land comprises some five percent of New Zealand\u2019s total land area. It\u2019s 1.4 million hectares. Although 5 percent is quite small, 1.4 million hectares is representative of quite an enormous opportunity for M\u0101ori, for iwi, for hap\u016B, and for wh\u0101nau to exercise their ongoing right to self-determination, which we know is what our country must turn to and must begin to provide to M\u0101ori as the indigenous peoples of this land. So this bill seeks to make that easier to facilitate M\u0101ori to manage that land, to use it whether it\u2019s for housing, whether it\u2019s environmental protection, whether it\u2019s developed in another way, by decision-making processes that best reflect tikanga M\u0101ori and the will of wh\u0101nau, of hap\u016B, and of iwi\u2014the way that it was always intended to be. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EThe law, as we\u2019ve heard, the existing law is now some 25 years old, so the need for modernisation and update and reform was really there. So this is a welcome change. And as with all law\u2014as with all good law\u2014this bill signals modernisation by way of making the law much easier to access by those that it seeks to serve. So it is simplifying processes, it\u2019s making processes clearer, it\u2019s bringing them in line with other laws like the trust legislation. And importantly, it\u2019s allowing people to access succession, which has been a huge impediment procedurally to M\u0101ori from engaging with land that they would otherwise have a right in and, in fact, it\u2019s an obligation of Government to facilitate that right to access.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s simplifying that process by allowing succession to be carried out in a better way by the M\u0101ori Land Court in that applications for succession won\u2019t have to go to court to a live hearing of the court where wh\u0101nau would have to actually travel to court, to take time off work, to pay for presentation, and to be present even where there is no dispute being heard, essentially, and succession is being done by agreement. So in simplifying that process, this bill will allow for registrars to administratively approve succession applications. We\u2019ve been getting some 2,241, on average, applications per year over the last 10 years. And knowing how difficult applications are to make, how difficult the court is to access for most ordinary people, that number is likely to go up and it will be a vast number of people who will now be able to better engage with their right to have a say and to manage how M\u0101ori land\u2014their land\u2014is being used, and that engagement will be so enriching for those communities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EThe bill also allows, importantly, a mediation process for dispute resolution. We know that where disputes are not forced into an adversarial framework the outcomes are always better; they\u2019re better, in particular, where ongoing relationships between people are at the centre of a dispute. That mediation will also be meaningful in retaining relationships within the community that need to continue to have access to and to cooperate together in managing land and leaving a legacy for descendants that will then succeed to that land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003ESo, all in all, the bill simplifies the law, simplifies access to M\u0101ori land, makes dispute resolutions less adversarial, and, more than that, ensures that everything is much more focused on tikanga M\u0101ori processes. So this is a welcome change in the law when it comes to M\u0101ori land, but I do also want to recall that it\u2019s the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the work that we do need to do as a nation to ensure that land and other taonga are made available and that M\u0101ori rights are facilitated in an ongoing way. I do want to notice that that doesn\u2019t mean that we just settle everything away necessarily, and sometimes it means looking back and righting wrongs, as we know have to do when it comes to the sacred land at Ihum\u0101tao. So looking forward to doing that work in Government, but I commend the bill to the House today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022 data-id=\u0022a9c91b7cb3ff406f88df9b144301e737\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a9c91b7cb3ff406f88df9b144301e737\u0022\u003EDAN BIDOIS (National\u2014Northcote):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te Mana Whakaw\u0101. It\u2019s a pleasure to rise and take a very brief contribution to the first reading of Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. I certainly want to acknowledge the significance of the issue: 1.4 million hectares, roughly 5 to 7 percent of New Zealand\u2019s land mass, and roughly $8 billion in economic opportunity for M\u0101ori in New Zealand. So it\u2019s a really important issue and National absolutely supports the kaupapa of this bill that we have before us today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EBut what I have as a question to the other side is why reinvent the wheel? Why is it that we are here discussing a new bill when we had another bill that we brought into Government in the last Parliament? The arguments that I\u2019ve heard from the opposite side have not been satisfactory to me. We\u2019ve heard from a number of people about the succession of trusts and that process, but this Government could have proposed amendments to that bill. I think that what they\u2019ve been talking about is actually very sensible, but they could have proposed amendments to that bill instead of bringing a new bill to Parliament.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EThe dispute resolution and making that a user-friendly process\u2014well, that was already addressed in the bill that we put forward in the last Government. That bill\u2014may I remind the House\u2014had already been through a robust process of consultation. That robust process began with the Minister at the time getting a panel together. We\u2019re not going to call it a working group; we\u2019re going to call it a panel. Through that panel they made a whole bunch of recommendations that led to the formation of the original bill. That bill then subsequently went through Parliament. It went through the select committee process, as far as the stage of the committee of the whole House, but, unfortunately, the Labour Party did not support that bill. It\u2019s just such a shame, because we\u2019re back here now, having to go through this process once again, when we could have actually just not reinvented the wheel\u2014taken a bill that was already in good formation, made slight amendments to it to address the issues that the other side has raised today, and move forward.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003ESo it is with that reservation that National is supporting the bill. We support the kaupapa, but we\u2019re just disappointed that we\u2019re here again, and that we could have, actually, taken another bill that we were discussing in the last thing. So that is the brief contribution that I have today. As I said, we support this bill. I commend this bill to the House in its first reading. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u00224cae3ed067114fa0a7d6b422c622625e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224cae3ed067114fa0a7d6b422c622625e\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: This is a split call. I call the Hon Willie Jackson\u2014five minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022 data-id=\u002200fb5d30872644c4938f3c3a16e686aa\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002200fb5d30872644c4938f3c3a16e686aa\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON (Associate Minister for M\u0101ori Development):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Tuatahi, tautoko te k\u014Drero a Shane Jones. Rawe ki te whakarongo ki tana k\u014Drero, tana whakam\u0101rama e p\u0101 ana ki t\u0113nei pire and tika me mihi ki a koe Shane m\u014D t\u014D k\u014Drero rawe. N\u014D reira, tino tautoko t\u0113nei kaupapa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E[Firstly, I support the speech of Shane Jones. It was excellent to listen to his speech, to his explanation of this bill, and it is only right that I thank you, Shane, for your excellent speech. So I strongly support this matter.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003EI just wanted to remind the previous speaker, Dan Bidois, who seems to be so surprised and shocked that there was some disagreement, that the M\u0101ori community found the previous ideas from the National Party, in terms of ture whenua, as abhorrent. In fact, it was actually called \u201Cpoisonous\u201D\u2014the bill in the previous form was called \u201Cpoisonous\u201D by the Mana Party leader, Hone Harawira, who was\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220628f9e5dfbb433b97e5fffb358bf069\u0022\u003EMatt King\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, ha!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f572e6900278459296662707f2614173\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s absolute fact. You can laugh all you like but that\u2019s an indisputable fact. Let me elaborate for you. The M\u0101ori Women\u2019s Welfare League also found the work that was done by the previous Government as abhorrent, as well as the union movement, as well as the\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227940e9f2-9cea-43d5-8f16-3b470e34f47f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c53d07fb18542b5bd76b4bfd4ee433d\u0022\u003EMatt King\u003C/span\u003E: Well, we should support it then. They should support it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225cb485d511ef4721ac3c186760e73962\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019ll carry on. The Waitangi Tribunal said it would be a breach of principles in terms of Te Ao M\u0101ori. The Human Rights Commission found the work from the previous Government and the M\u0101ori Party\u2014they also said it was a total breach. So just to that previous speaker: that is why we have had to change things. So I just felt that there\u2019s an explanation. They seem to be stunned that we had to change things when you had the whole of the world saying how useless the previous Government were\u2014and the M\u0101ori Party, who were advocating for something. I think it was absolutely imperative that we change things. So I have to say, as the M\u0101ori campaign chair during the 2017 campaign, it worked a treat for us\u2014it worked a treat for us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003EI want to mihi to my tu\u0101hine here, the Hon Meka Whaitiri, for her work in exposing the previous Government and the tricks that they were getting up to in terms of this bill. Members here, particularly within the M\u0101ori caucus\u2014Kiritapu Allan and others who\u2019ve worked in the legal fraternity\u2014knew in their communities how abhorrent this bill was. It was one of the big kaupapas of the last election. As the Hon Shane Jones said, it contributed mightily, sadly, to the demise of the M\u0101ori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell, who fell out of favour with his constituents, and, of course, eventually to the M\u0101ori Party going out of Government. So I hope that I\u2019ve explained that well to the previous member. Again, I want to pay tribute to the Hon Meka Whaitiri for the work she did\u2014just fantastic.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003EI think, as others have explained, at the heart of this bill are small and targeted reforms which will reduce the compliance complexity for M\u0101ori land owners when they engage with the M\u0101ori Court. I think one of the best examples of this in terms of the reforms is the tikanga-focused resolution service that offers M\u0101ori land owners a way of settling issues outside of the formal court hearing. So I think that that is a great opportunity for us to be able to roll out a tikanga that we\u2019re used to and we\u2019re able to get innovative and creative in that area. I think it\u2019s vitally important for us\u2014when you have 1.4 million hectares of whenua remaining in M\u0101ori freehold title, it\u2019s crucial that this land becomes more economic in terms of the interest of not only M\u0101ori land owners, but this country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003EAs a Government, I think we\u2019re absolutely committed to unleashing the potential that we have. And our people said\u2014and again, I refer to the Hon Shane Jones, his story. His story is the story of hundreds, literally thousands, of M\u0101ori through the years who have been restricted and inhibited within this whole process. So I mihi to our people who have taken up the fight, and to our Minister who has put forward this for our select committee. I have a sincere hope that we will have M\u0101ori land owners contributing\u2014that\u2019s my sincere hope\u2014throughout the whole process. Kia ora t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022 data-id=\u0022cb373dd9e6974349a629b1a186352655\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cb373dd9e6974349a629b1a186352655\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO (National\u2014Whanganui):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Carrying on from the previous speaker, Willie Jackson, and colleagues around the House this afternoon, it\u2019s been well-traversed\u2014the stories of each party, in terms of this bill. I take a brief call this afternoon and, importantly, it\u2019s one to say that the National Party, we stand and we speak in support of this bill to the first reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s been much talk around the demise of previous members of this House. I think it\u2019s really important to look at how we rebuild, how we reframe this k\u014Drero, this conversation, and, particularly, reframe the bill to make it somewhat better than what is proposed at the moment. Although I do not sit on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, I will be seeking leave to be able to do so, so that I\u2019m able to contribute in a constructive manner, which is the tone and the tenor of that select committee, so we can seek to construct and improve what is proposed in this bill. There\u2019s been much said about the previous Government and the efforts that have been made there. I consider that my role and duty as a member of this House and as a member of Parliament for my electorate is to contribute in a constructive way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EI will just briefly traverse the history of the M\u0101ori Land Court. We all know that the purpose and the intent of the original Native Land Court was to divide and to rule. The purpose and the intent of my contribution to this House, and, hopefully, to the select committee, is about how we can reframe and reconstruct and strengthen what\u2019s proposed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s so much detail around this bill. It is a complex one. It has been fraught in terms of the complexity of the divide and rule and the monopoly and domination of M\u0101ori land. The ownership issues have been talked about in terms of percentages of M\u0101ori freehold land, which are very minimal. It is about seizing the potential to whakamana the opportunity, the people, and the land. So I leave it at that, because this is a brief call, and I will seek to contribute in a constructive way for the benefit of our M\u0101ori communities and our M\u0101ori land owners. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022 data-id=\u002282a6917292f249fb98263a951576e42b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002282a6917292f249fb98263a951576e42b\u0022\u003ETAMATI COFFEY (Labour\u2014Waiariki):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe Te M\u0101ngai, t\u0113n\u0101 koe Te Whare, otir\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa, rau rangatira m\u0101 huri noa i te motu. Kei konei i t\u0113nei pire hou, ar\u0101, ko Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill e h\u0101ngai p\u016B ana ki Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 i t\u0113nei p\u0101nui tuatahi kei mua i a t\u0101tou. Ka tika me mihi atu r\u0101 ki Te Minita, ko Nanaia Mahuta, n\u0101na t\u0113nei pire i kawe mai ki Te Whare i te rangi nei.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EHe aha te mahi o te pire? Tuatahi, ko te whakam\u0101rama ake i ng\u0101 h\u0101tepe tauatanga, tauatanga te kupu M\u0101ori m\u014D succession, kia m\u0101m\u0101 ai te m\u0101rama. Tuarua, ko te whakat\u016B i t\u0113tahi p\u016Bnaha kia t\u0101ea ai te whakatika raru m\u014D ng\u0101 whenua M\u0101ori, ar\u0101, ko te \u201Cdispute resolutions\u201D. Tuatoru, ko te whakapakari i ng\u0101 ratonga e h\u0101ngai ana ki Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EK\u0101ti r\u0101, e t\u016B ake au ki te tautoko t\u0113nei pire, n\u0101 te mea i te tau 2017 i porot\u0113hi a Ng\u0101i M\u0101ori, ng\u0101 tiati o Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori, Te P\u0101ti Mana, me \u0113r\u0101 atu r\u014Dp\u016B M\u0101ori hoki m\u014D te pire o mua, te pire i raro i te k\u0101wana o mua, Nahinara me Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori. E ai ki te k\u014Drero o mua, tino kino t\u0113r\u0101 pire. E p\u012Brangi ana r\u0101tou ki te whiu i Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 ki te ipu para. N\u0101 r\u0101tou i p\u012Brangi he t\u012Bmatanga an\u014D m\u014D Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori, heoi, e ai ki te iwi M\u0101ori, eh\u0113. N\u014D reira, kei konei te pire hou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EEngari, he aha te pire wh\u0101nui? K\u0101ore e kore, he taonga tuku iho te whenua M\u0101ori m\u014D ng\u0101 whakatipuranga katoa. M\u0101 te whenua e whakahaumako t\u014D t\u0101tou oranga, \u0101-ahurea, \u0101-\u014Dhanga an\u014D hoki, kia whai hua te pito mato o te iwi M\u0101ori. 1.4 miriona ng\u0101 heketa o ng\u0101 whenua M\u0101ori e rite ana ki te 5 percent o te whenua M\u0101ori o Aotearoa. Ko te nuinga o te whenua kei te puku, kei Te Waiariki, heke iho r\u0101nei o Te Ika-a-M\u0101ui. M\u0101 te h\u0101tepe ture whakamanawa, whakamana hei tautoko i te hunga mau whenua M\u0101ori kia oho mai te hunga moe. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EE k\u0101wanatia ana te whenua M\u0101ori e Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993. N\u0101 te ture nei e tohu ana Te Karauna he taonga tuku iho te whenua M\u0101ori. He momo p\u016Bmanawa an\u014D hoki t\u014D te whenua. E ngana ana t\u0113nei ture kia whakautu i te papa t\u0101karo, me k\u012B, o te whenua Maori kia mau tonu te iwi M\u0101ori ki t\u014Dna ake whenua kia whai mana an\u014D hoki te M\u0101ori o t\u014Dna whenua. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ENeke atu i te 25 tau ki mua i whakamanahia Te Ture Whenua Maori Act e te P\u0101remata, \u0101, e tautoko tonu ana te ture nei i te h\u0101tepe ture wh\u0101nui o Aotearoa kia mahi Te M\u0101ori i t\u014Dna ake mana M\u0101ori motuhake ki runga i t\u014Dna whenua M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ETe tauatanga\u2014ko t\u0113tahi o ng\u0101 raru e aro mai nei te hunga M\u0101ori. Ko te nui o ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata e whakap\u0101nga ana i te whenua M\u0101ori m\u0101 te whakapapa M\u0101ori, te aha atu r\u0101nei, engari k\u0101ore an\u014D kia whakauru m\u014D te tauatanga kia tau ai te tauatanga o te whenua M\u0101ori. Me whakap\u0101nga atu te tangata ki Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori, kia whai mana t\u014Dna whakapapa \u0101-toto, \u0101-aha atu r\u0101nei.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EKi t\u0113r\u0101 e k\u014Drerotia ana. Kua whiwhi Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori i ng\u0101 tono 2241 ia tau, ia tau. Ko te katoa o ng\u0101 tono, ka tika me rongo ki roto i te k\u014Dti whenua M\u0101ori i te nuinga o te w\u0101. Me haere tawhiti te wh\u0101nau, te hap\u016B, me puta atu i te w\u0101hi mahi r\u0101nei kia \u0101hei te tae atu ki te hui. Me whai tonu ng\u0101 wh\u0101nau i t\u0113nei huarahi, ahakoa te aha. Ina whakaae rawatia e te wh\u0101nau t\u0113nei whakap\u0101nga atu, koinei te ara me whai r\u0101tou. Ko te roa\u2014me uaua, me te utu m\u014D te whai i t\u014D t\u0101ua atu ki t\u014D te whenua M\u0101ori, he momo kawa ki Te M\u0101ori, he tohu kia kaua e whai atu i t\u014D honohono atu ki t\u014D whenua. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EK\u0101tahi te raruraru p\u014Duriuri ko t\u0113nei m\u014D t\u0101tou. N\u0101 te pire nei ka whakam\u0101m\u0101 ake i te tauatanga m\u014D te tuku tono ki te k\u014Dti. Ki te kore ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata e tau whawhai i te tono a t\u0113tahi atu, ka taea e te kaitono te haere t\u014Dtika ki te kair\u0113hita o Te K\u014Dti Whenua M\u0101ori kia whiwhi, kia whakamana, kia r\u0113koata. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EKa tukuna au, t\u0113nei Whare, t\u0113nei pire ki Te Komiti Take M\u0101ori, heoi an\u014D, e Te M\u0101ngai o t\u0113nei Whare, ka whakaae ai, ka whakaae au ki t\u0113nei pire. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Speaker. Greetings to the House and greetings to you all, the distinguished leaders from throughout the country. We have a new bill\u2014that is, Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill, which is directly related to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, on this first reading before us. It is only right that I acknowledge the Minister Nanaia Mahuta, for she has brought this bill before the House today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EWhat does this bill do? Firstly, it clarifies the processes around tauatanga\u2014\u201Ctauatanga\u201D, the M\u0101ori word for succession\u2014so that it is easier to follow. Secondly, it establishes a system that allows M\u0101ori land disputes to be dealt with; there will be a mechanism for dispute resolutions. Thirdly, it will strengthen the services that are aimed at the M\u0101ori Land Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EFurthermore, I stand to support this bill because in 2017, M\u0101oridom protested, as did the M\u0101ori Land Court judges, as did the Mana Party, as well as other M\u0101ori groups, because of the old bill, the bill that was proposed by the previous National - M\u0101ori Party Government. According to what has been said previously, it was a bad bill. They wanted to throw Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 into the rubbish bin. They wanted a fresh start for the M\u0101ori Land Court; however, M\u0101ori said no. So we have a new bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EBut what is the bill generally about? There is no doubt that M\u0101ori land is for all generations. The land will nourish our existence, culturally and economically, so that M\u0101ori reach their potential. 1.4 million hectares of M\u0101ori land is equal to 5 percent of the total land in New Zealand. Most of this land is in the central North Island, in the Waiariki, or further down the North Island. The legal process will support and empower those who own M\u0101ori land to energise those who need to be woken up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EM\u0101ori land is governed by Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993. It was this Act that established to the Crown that M\u0101ori land was an intergenerational gift. It is like land has its own heartbeat. This law seeks to reset the playing field, you could say, to ensure that M\u0101ori people continue to hold on to their land, and that M\u0101ori retain mana over their land. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EIt has been a little over 25 years since Te Ture Whenua Maori Act was passed by Parliament, and it is still supported by legal power here in New Zealand, which allows M\u0101ori to have a degree of independence and control with regard to their own land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ESuccession\u2014this is one of the common disputes within M\u0101oridom. Most people have an interest in M\u0101ori land, whether by genealogy or other reasons, but have not yet applied for succession so that the succession on M\u0101ori land can be dealt with. A person then needs to apply to the M\u0101ori Land Court so that their genealogy or other connection has legal force relative to that being discussed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EThe M\u0101ori Land Court receives 2,241 requests/petitions every year. All of the requests/petitions are rightly heard in the M\u0101ori Land Court most of the time. Wh\u0101nau and hap\u016B have to travel from afar or take time off work in order to make it to the hearing. Families must follow this process, irrespective of the circumstances. If applying to the court is what families have agreed on, this is the path they should follow. It is the length, and the difficulty, and the cost of doing it through the land court\u2014it is a type of custom to M\u0101ori; it is a sign to not make your connection to your land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EWhat a catastrophic disaster this is for us. This bill will make successions easier than applying to the court. If people don\u2019t settle a dispute amongst themselves, the petitioner can go straight to the registrar of the M\u0101ori Land Court to receive, to enact, to record.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI, and this House, commend this bill to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, and also I support this bill. Thank you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022 data-id=\u0022615b006bf2724b09a7cf1e3f91e2aaf1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022615b006bf2724b09a7cf1e3f91e2aaf1\u0022\u003EDr SHANE RETI (National\u2014Whangarei):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Mr Speaker. Kia ora mai t\u0101tou, everyone. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak to this bill, to take a very brief call as the last speaker for the National Party, and I\u2019d like to make a few acknowledgments, first of all, and echo some of the words of my colleagues. I\u2019d like to acknowledge the Hon Chris Finlayson and the substantial contribution that he made to this piece of work in the last Parliament. I recall him talking about it, how probably three to four years ago\u2014probably five years now\u2014he went to the Prime Minister, who was John Key at the time, and said, \u201CI want a crack at the ture whenua M\u0101ori bill.\u201D The Prime Minister at the time said, \u201CYou know that\u2019s a big piece of work?\u201D and Chris said, \u201CYep, but I\u2019m up for that. I think we could make some real changes, make some real differences.\u201D And so Prime Minister John Key said, \u201CYep, go on then.\u201D So he did, and I think it became a real passion for him. I think if we look at the fingerprints of Chris Finlayson through his parliamentary career, a large number of people would point to ture whenua as being a piece of work that really does have his fingerprints. Yes, we weren\u2019t able to reach it to a conclusion, as we\u2019ve heard from some of my colleagues here tonight, but I do want to acknowledge the in-depth work that Chris did on that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EI also want to acknowledge Nuk Korako, the chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee in the previous Parliament, who also had an important role in leading this bill, or the bill in its previous iteration, through to as far as we were able to take it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003ENow, you\u2019ve heard from my colleagues that we\u2019ll be supporting this to the next stage. There are parts of this\u2014and we can claim attribution or we can say it was the Labour - New Zealand First Government; it sort of doesn\u2019t matter to some degree, because there\u2019s good parts of this that are going to benefit M\u0101ori. In particular, I think the improvements in efficiencies to the M\u0101ori Land Court, that increasing in scope that the M\u0101ori Land Court registrar will be able to do, and some of the extra actions that M\u0101ori Land Court judges can undertake\u2014the issuing of injunctions to compel and granting equity relief\u2014are really good steps in productivity for the M\u0101ori Land Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve heard from our colleagues some of the issues around succession. That ability for succession to be immediate and yet still retain the rights of the spouse or partner is a nice piece of work, and wh\u0101ngai\u2014for the court to be an arbiter working in collaboration with tikanga hap\u016B, tikanga iwi, I think are also nice pieces of work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003ESo, again, this is a short call to wrap up the National Party contribution to this part of today\u2019s proceedings. You\u2019ve heard from my colleagues Jo Hayes, Nicky Wagner, Matt King, Dan Bidois, and Harete Hipango. They\u2019ve described the history of the bill to this point, where it was in our hands and what the contribution from the Government of the day is here now, and our plan is to support this to the first reading. We look forward to it going to select committee. Kia ora mai t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u002209b44326c146460fa9f5ddba31c439f1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002209b44326c146460fa9f5ddba31c439f1\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te M\u0101ngai o Te Whare. Otir\u0101, e ng\u0101 mema o Te Whare nei, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. I am pleased to add my voice of support, as all members have, in this first reading of Te Ture Whenua Maori (Succession, Dispute Resolution, and Related Matters) Amendment Bill. It is really important that we get M\u0101ori land legislation right, not just for M\u0101ori land owners, not just for M\u0101oridom, but for this nation. What do I mean by that? If I look at the M\u0101ori economy, if I look across the M\u0101ori asset classes\u2014to enlighten members of this House\u2014to see M\u0101ori ownership, in forestry, 40 percent of New Zealand forestry is owned by M\u0101ori. In lamb production, 30 percent of lamb production is owned by M\u0101ori. In dairy production, 10 percent is owned by M\u0101ori, and sheep and beef production is 30 percent. Kiwifruit is 10 percent, and, of course\u2014not land-based\u2014fishing is 50 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EMy point is that a piece of legislation that enables and unlocks the economic value of M\u0101ori land while retaining the protection mechanisms, as described in the preamble of the existing Act, which talks about taonga tuku iho, is really, really critical, and that\u2019s why I support this bill. I support this bill because it simply acknowledges the complexity around unlocking the economic potential but not at the risk of losing your rights to M\u0101ori whenua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo I am pleased that the Minister for M\u0101ori Development has worked to bring this amendment bill to the House. It does isolate the targeted processes around succeeding in the M\u0101ori Land Court, and if members have never ever been to a M\u0101ori Land Court hearing where you hear succession orders, I encourage you all to go along and have a listen. I encourage you to go along and have a listen, because, as the Hon Shane Jones indicated, it\u2019s not an easy process. Now, I consider myself fairly educated. I\u2019m no expert on M\u0101ori land. I feel, myself, that I\u2019m fairly educated in succeeding to my father\u2019s land interests and my deceased uncle\u2019s land interests\u2014thought I had succeeded only to find out I hadn\u2019t, and that\u2019s by going to the land court. That\u2019s not a reflection on the M\u0101ori Land Court at all; it\u2019s a reflection on the complexity of the process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo that\u2019s why I\u2019m supporting this bill, because it tries to unlock the complexity of succeeding, which is the rightful right of M\u0101ori who have interests in land to do. How they do it, when they do it, and why they do it is really, really important. We\u2019ve got to have a legislative framework that allows M\u0101ori land owners and those that have interests or beneficial shareholdings to do exactly that, and that\u2019s what Minister Mahuta has brought to this House in terms of the succession and trying to simplify it. I love the fact that she\u2019s introducing a sort of low-level succession standard which only requires the registrar of the M\u0101ori Land Court. Anything more complex, it\u2019ll obviously get kicked up to the M\u0101ori Land Court judges, and can I please just acknowledge the work of the M\u0101ori Land Court judges throughout the motu. Can I also acknowledge the work of the M\u0101ori Land Court staff, because under that lot, they got under-resourced\u2014they got under-resourced. I know, under this side, we\u2019re making amends on the infrastructure of nine years of neglect, and it\u2019s not going to get fixed overnight, but we\u2019re on that pathway.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo Minister Mahuta\u2019s bill here, the ture whenua bill, absolutely talks around a M\u0101ori land plan. Like she said, announced last February, there was $56 million in the last Budget, and that\u2019s to deal with, again, the targeted issue, the vexed issue, of how we succeed to land without jeopardising the protection measures of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EShe talked about mediators. I\u2019m pleased to hear that in 2022, we\u2019re going to have a suite of new mediators, that one of the criteria is that, one, you\u2019ve got to have tikanga M\u0101ori, but you\u2019ve also got to be a good mediator. During the hearing of the last disastrous bill by that side, that\u2019s what came to bear with the submitters: the need for good, skilled mediators, mediators not just in mediation but mediators who had a tikanga M\u0101ori skill as well. So I look forward to the Minister bringing that roll-out of that plan. It\u2019s an opportunity for a lot of M\u0101ori to be those mediators throughout the M\u0101ori Land Court, and I encourage our wh\u0101nau who have an interest in M\u0101ori whenua, wherever they are round the motu, to consider for themselves an opportunity around mediation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThe Minister also talked about the ongoing plans. She talked about addressing paper roads, talked about land acquired under the Public Works Act, and she also talked about landlocked lands. So I\u2019m looking forward to seeing further plans that come rolling out as a part of this bill, that\u2019s just kicking off the phase around the introduction of this particular bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EYou see, it is a complex issue. It\u2019s a complex issue that ensures that with M\u0101ori land, a lot of M\u0101ori land owners, for right or wrong reasons, may not want to develop it economically. You know, it might be a w\u0101hi tapu, it might be of significance, and they might just want to protect it for future generations, and that\u2019s entirely their right to do it. But the other fact that I want to bring to the House is that most of the M\u0101ori freehold land, the 1.4 million hectares, is actually in the hands of M\u0101ori land owners. They don\u2019t necessarily sit at an iwi level, and so it\u2019s critical that when we roll out M\u0101ori land legislation, we\u2019re actually going to those that that legislation\u2019s going to impact on. As we did in the previous one, having toured quite extensively during the consultation rounds\u2014I think two rounds that I went\u2014it was really clear, the complexity that M\u0101ori land owners were saying. There isn\u2019t a M\u0101ori land owner who doesn\u2019t want their whenua developed\u2014there isn\u2019t. They just want to be in the middle of that development, driving that development, leading that development, and absolutely acquiring the returns from that development.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EWhat we heard when the last lot were in Government is that that wasn\u2019t what M\u0101ori land owners were seeing. They weren\u2019t seeing that. That\u2019s why you got the public outcry that they got. That\u2019s why Te Ururoa Flavell lost his seat. That\u2019s one of the biggest prices that that side needs to acknowledge. You guys cost a M\u0101ori member his seat by pushing a piece of legislation that M\u0101ori did not want. So it\u2019s pleasing that you\u2019re supporting this bill to first reading and select committee, and I do hope that you keep your ears open to what M\u0101ori land owners are going to say, because on this side we are going to make sure that M\u0101ori land owners do come in front of the select committee and give us their honest feeling about what this bill is proposing, because it is a no-brainer bill. It\u2019s a no-brainer bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s around succession orders. It\u2019s around mediation. It\u2019s around low-level succession that only requires a register. But the biggest thing for me, which is why I\u2019m standing in support of this, is that it\u2019s part of a bigger suite of plans to unlock potential in M\u0101ori land that this coalition Government committed to, the day we came into office\u2014the day we came into office. We are a Wellbeing Budget. We are a wellbeing Government that believes in deriving benefits for all. And M\u0101ori whenua, as I expressed when I opened my contribution, in terms of the M\u0101ori economy\u2014conservatively valued at $50 billion and growing\u2014is something that should be of interest to all members of this House. So I stand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to also acknowledge all the former leaders, M\u0101ori leaders, M\u0101ori politicians who have always fought for the retention of M\u0101ori land while also looking for opportunities to develop it. So it\u2019s with pleasure that I support this bill to first reading and look forward to the many submissions that are going to be coming to our select committee as we work through this piece of legislation that\u2019s going to bring those opportunities for M\u0101ori land owners throughout the motu. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBill read a first time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBill referred to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee.\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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022457d2ae3245246a99a8c2414c0969c7e\u0022\u003ELegislation Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022cdfbae85aff3421285f05156d40de800\u0022\u003ESecond 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=\u00226aac09aca5cd4270833f0eff91ccc0d1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226aac09aca5cd4270833f0eff91ccc0d1\u0022\u003EHon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO (Associate Minister of Justice)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Attorney-General: I move, That the Legislation Bill be now read a second time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThis bill was introduced in June 2017 and had its first reading in December that year. The bill rewrites and replaces the Legislation Act 2012 to bring together the law relating to legislation and to ensure that New Zealand\u2019s law is easy to find, use, and understand. Under our stewardship, this Government has now improved this bill significantly. It will, for the first time in New Zealand law, identify clearly what is secondary legislation and therefore what this House\u2019s oversight is through the disallowance process. It will provide for improved access to that legislation. It\u2019ll absorb the Interpretation Act of 1999 with a small number of technical improvements. It will enact legislative disclosure requirements to make key information about the development and content of new legislation available to support legislative scrutiny. It re-enacts with minor changes the current Legislation Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003ESecondary legislation is a new term in the Legislation Bill for all legislation made under lawmaking powers delegated by Parliament or under the royal prerogative. There are thousands of these instruments, called by different names\u2014for example, regulations, rules, orders, or notices. They are made by Ministers, officials, and a wide variety of agencies within Government and are often technical in nature. Examples include the food standards, transport rules, and health and safety regulations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe secondary legislation that is drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) is easy to identify and is published on the New Zealand Legislation website along with Acts of Parliament. However, secondary legislation is drafted by over a hundred other agencies. It\u2019s often not easy to identify as legislation and is published in a wide variety of other places. This impedes Parliament\u2019s ability to supervise the exercise of powers it has delegated as well as New Zealanders\u2019 ability to identify the law that applies to them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThis problem was highlighted by the Regulations Review Committee in 2014. That committee described the difficulties it faces in identifying instruments for it to review, known as disallowable instruments. That category includes any instrument that has a significant legislative effect as defined in the Legislation Act of 2012\u2014a test that doesn\u2019t always have a black and white legal answer\u2014creating uncertainty about what instruments are legislation and what the House can disallow. This bill resolves the problem by simply defining secondary legislation to be any instrument that is stated by an Act to be secondary legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EIn the near future, a bill of amendments, a secondary legislation bill, will be introduced to add those statements to all the Acts that delegate lawmaking powers. By defining unambiguously what constitutes \u201Csecondary legislation\u201D in New Zealand, this legislation and its companion secondary legislation bill will provide a solid foundation for the first time for the management of secondary legislation and its oversight by this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe key exception at this stage is that secondary legislation made by local authorities is out of scope of these changes, and while there is scope to improve the framework for local authority lawmaking, that would be a substantial exercise in its own right. The Government has therefore decided to defer further work in this area to allow reforms of this bill to be delivered within a reasonable time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe Government has released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) for the Legislation Bill today. The changes made by the SOP will allow the Legislation Bill and its companion bill to come into force very shortly after they are enacted but preserving existing publication requirements for the time being.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe sheer scale of the exercise of republishing all existing secondary legislation means that the work will necessarily be staged. The effect of the SOP is to deliver immediately the benefit of defining what is secondary legislation, while the PCO and agencies continue to prepare for the changes to their publication systems. When those preparations are complete, the provisions of the bill that require agencies to lodge secondary legislation for publication on the legislation website will be brought into force. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EAs mentioned earlier, a key pre-condition for implementing the bill is to define which instruments made under Acts of Parliament are secondary legislation. As I also mentioned earlier, the PCO is drafting a companion bill, the secondary legislation bill, that will amend each provision that enables secondary legislation to be made to expressly state that instruments made under it are secondary legislation. This is a substantial job. The aim is to produce the bill in November.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EReturning to this bill, this was referred to the Justice Committee for consideration in December 2017. The committee received some very helpful submissions to the bill from interested groups and individuals. The committee completed a thorough examination of the bill and reported the bill back to the House on 1 June last year. It recommended that the bill be passed with some further improvements and clarifying amendments, and I want to thank the committee for that work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EMany of the committee\u2019s recommended changes are technical in nature to clarify the meaning of the scope of provisions. However, some changes are more substantive and are designed to better implement the bill\u2019s purpose. The main improvement I would particularly like to highlight is a new list duty that will apply before the duty to publish secondary legislation in full on the New Zealand Legislation website. This is a duty for makers of secondary legislation to provide the PCO with information about all of the secondary legislation made by them, including the title, administering agency, where it\u2019s published, and any other information required by regulations. From this information, a complete list of secondary information will be compiled and published on the New Zealand Legislation website. This will bring forward the achievement of one of the key benefits of the project, establishing for the first time what secondary legislation exists. There will be a new regulation-making power to set a date on which any secondary legislation would be revoked if it\u2019s not on the list, ensuring that the list is definitive. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe committee also suggested changes to the way exemptions from the lodgement and publication requirements of the bill will work. The bill as introduced provided for three methods of exemption from full publication. This will be reduced to two, reflecting the two cases in which exemption from publication is warranted. The powerful regulations to exempt some secondary legislation from the publication requirements will be removed from the bill. As introduced, the bill required the PCO to publish consolidations of any secondary legislation that is amended, because it may take some time for agencies to be able to prepare and lodge consolidations of their legislation. The committee recommended that the requirement to publish consolidations be restricted to secondary legislation drafted by the PCO, and other cases will be dealt with by regulations. Facing the requirement for consolidation will help speed up the full publication of agency-drafted secondary legislation on the New Zealand Legislation website.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe bill also relocates the general rules and principles of the Interpretation Act 1999. This was a Law Commission recommendation. These rules and principles help to communicate the law clearly to people so they can easily use and understand the law. The committee recommended some useful improvements to these interpretation rules. These include clarifying the provision setting out when time periods in legislation start and end. Also, in recognition that Parliament may pass a revision bill with any amendments it chooses, the committee recommended better reflecting this in the reinterpretation provision about when revision Acts change the affected law. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EAnother key aspect of the bill is the legislator requirement to prepare disclosure statements for Government-initiated legislation. This is done administratively at present, but legislation for this bill will contribute to delivering on this Government\u2019s commitment to open Government through supporting more informed parliamentary and public scrutiny of legislation. This, together with the recognition of PCO\u2019s legislative stewardship role, will contribute to enhancing the quality of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EIn conclusion, I thank the committee for its careful and thorough work on some important reforms and some very technical legal and transitional issues. I want to acknowledge Minister David Parker for him picking this work, that started under the previous Government, but by significantly improving it under the stewardship of this Government. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022 data-id=\u0022633c712765f24837b7dc1165cea75b36\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022633c712765f24837b7dc1165cea75b36\u0022\u003EHon TIM MACINDOE (National\u2014Hamilton West):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, sir. Before I respond to that memorable and electrifying speech by the Associate Minister of Justice, made on behalf of the Attorney-General, in the second reading of what is yet another excellent bill that was instigated and drafted by the previous National-led Government, I wondered if I might just seek the indulgence of the House for a moment in order to enable me to acknowledge the very sad death last week of one of the Waikato region\u2019s finest sons, Lance Coombes of Ng\u0101hinap\u014Duri.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003ELance\u2019s funeral service at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton yesterday afternoon was attended by nearly 1,000 people. I had the privilege of delivering one of the tributes to a man who was highly regarded, deeply loved, and a very humble but generous contributor to our community. Numerous good causes and local projects have benefited from Lance\u2019s strong support over many years and he will be deeply missed. I am confident that all who knew Lance would join me in extending our deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Dulcie, and their family. I have lost a very dear friend to whom I owe so much. God bless you, Lance. May you rest in peace. Thank you, Mr Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EAs the shadow Attorney-General, I\u2019m pleased to confirm that the National Party will, of course, be continuing to support this bill at its second reading. The Legislation Bill was, as I mentioned, drafted by the previous National Government following a considerable body of work that was undertaken by the Hon Chris Finlayson and his officials when he was Attorney-General. I am grateful that the current Attorney-General, the Hon David Parker, has picked it up and is continuing to move it through the House, albeit at a slightly glacial pace, because it was last before the House some 18 months ago. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EI\u2019m grateful that the Associate Minister of Justice did acknowledge the work of the previous Government but I thought he could have been a little bit more effusive in his praise of the work that was undertaken. As he noted, the bill updates and replaces the Legislation Act of 2012, in order to implement publication and other reforms relating to the production of high-quality legislation that may be easily accessed, easily comprehended, and will be user-friendly. It also updates and re-enacts the Interpretation Act of 1999. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s interesting that both of those measures are bills of less than two decades in age\u2014in fact, the Legislation Bill is less than one decade. It just shows how rapidly evolving both the law is and also the technology and the requirements on all of us to ensure that we respond rapidly to changing times, conditions, and expectations of legal practitioners and to all who rely upon the effective and fair application of our laws. It\u2019s very important that we, as parliamentarians, do all we can to produce an accessible and up-to-date statute book, to afford clear and transparent public access to the law. This bill will make it easier to find and access secondary legislation by requiring it to be published on the New Zealand Legislation website alongside Acts of Parliament, creating a single, official public source for New Zealand legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EI\u2019m very conscious that, because this is a very dry measure\u2014I don\u2019t think there will be many of them, but it may be for those who will be listening outside the House to this particular debate\u2014if I perhaps just give one practical example, which the committee has worked on and which I have no doubt will be discussed in greater detail, assuming this bill passes its second reading when it returns for its committee stage debate, and that is the recommendation of the select committee to produce an exemption for council-controlled organisations. It relates to Auckland. The committee is recommending amending clauses 75 and 113 to extend the exemptions that apply to secondary legislation made by local authorities to those made by council-controlled organisations. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EThose amendments would exempt this legislation from the obligations to lodge and publish the legislation under this bill and to present the legislation to the House of Representatives, unless the empowering provision expressly requires it. It would avoid anomalies, if that particular recommendation is adopted, such as those that currently require traffic bylaws made by Auckland Transport under section 22AB of the Land Transport Act 1998 to be published on the New Zealand Legislation website and presented to the House, whereas traffic bylaws made by Auckland Council under the same provision would not be. I\u2019m sure that that is an anomaly that has just arisen over time as more and more local and central government legislation comes into existence, and it\u2019s right that we should acknowledge that anomaly and do something to fix it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003ECustomarily, the second reading debates focus on submissions that have been received on the bill and the select committees deliberations. However, I\u2019m at a disadvantage because I was not a member of the committee. I wasn\u2019t in my current role until a few months ago so I wasn\u2019t able to hear the submissions that were received and to work with the committee on it. In fact, I note that there have been many changes to the committee\u2019s composition in recent times and it seems that almost every member of the House will get a turn on the Justice Committee during this Parliament. The current chair of the committee is another one who is new to the committee in recent times. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228a1cb04e-8a86-44d1-9004-6e158e220339\u0022\u003EI can, however, report that the committee received eight submissions from interested groups and individuals and heard oral evidence from two of those submitters. I thank those who made those submissions and I\u2019ll leave it to subsequent speakers to report on their recommendations and the committee\u2019s response. But I want to assure the submitters that they have been heard and the committee has made several suggestions for amendments and additions to the bill in response. I\u2019ve just covered one of those by way of example. That is good process and no doubt the Minister will also respond to those suggestions further in the next debate. So I\u2019ll just say in conclusion that the bill enjoys widespread support. The low number of submissions indicates that it reflects good work and sensible initiatives, and I anticipate that we will consider some of its key features in more detail when it moves on to its part-by-part examination in the committee of the whole House. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou e Te Whare, e Te Mana Whakaw\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u0022e955786d0b5e4ef086c788f1b14a5d4b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e955786d0b5e4ef086c788f1b14a5d4b\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E The previous speaker gave me an excellent segue into this by pointing out that there has indeed been a large turnover of the Justice Committee, a select committee in which I am one of only two survivors from the original appointment, a Justice Committee that\u2019s sat more than any other committee last year. It went through the End of Life Choice Bill, and this was one of the pieces of legislation that we did consider. I\u2019m hoping at the end of this term there\u2019ll maybe be some handing out of awards for longevity\u2014not just age but for stamina. I think that those of us who have survived\u2014myself and my colleague Ginny Andersen\u2014are certainly deserving of recognition. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EThis was one of the first bills that we did consider. Of course, when one comes to the House here, even though many of us have had a background where we\u2019ve required an understanding of legislation, we are relatively limited. As an eye-opening exercise, this was actually very much a bill where certainly I personally got an understanding of just how complex government is and can be, and that, in fact, everything we do as a country, everyone out there listening\u2014the thousands who\u2019ll be listening to this this afternoon will know that virtually every time they step out the house or every time they do business, somewhere there is a piece of legislation or regulation behind what it is they do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EI suppose, like many of these things, the understanding comes in the breach. What really brought things to a head\u2014and we heard about this at this committee\u2014was when we well remembered the Government inquiry into the whey protein concentrate incident, better known as the botulism scare, when those doing the inquiry, Miriam Dean QC, went looking for the legislation under which we do operate, under which New Zealand exports its whey protein in its journey from cow through to consumer. When they went looking for the secondary legislation, the regulations under which all these activities are carried out, quite frankly, they couldn\u2019t find them. What they found was there was no central point we could go to have a look to see what legislation, what regulations, were considered, should have been considered, or may have even been breached in, again, the journey from cow to consumer. That really did highlight just how much of what we do as a country, how much of what people out there who are carrying on business\u2014simply, there is no one who really oversees the whole lot.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EThat was when the decision was made, and that\u2019s why this Legislation Bill was indeed born, to ensure that we can understand that. Again, looking at the exemptions again gives a better understanding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EThere will be a couple of significant exemptions which are in the bill, one of which will be around the need to publicly disclose around the pharmaceutical schedule. Obviously, there\u2019s going to be changes, particularly operating under the pharmaceutical schedule\u2014listing things that are going to be changing all the time: it doesn\u2019t make sense to be listing many of those things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo that\u2019s one exemption, but one of the more important ones, of course, is where there are those rare instances where the instruments in question contain information that cannot be publicly disclosed. For various reasons\u2014one might have thought it\u2019s just because of secrecy, but it\u2019s not; there are various reasons. Market sensitive, such as takeover notices\u2014again, with these things, surprisingly to me, there are all regulations under which these are done. They are secondary legislation. Or things that relate to the defence or security of New Zealand, the international relations of New Zealand, and security and intelligence matters\u2014again, common sense. There are parts of doing business which, obviously, have to operate outside the gaze of those who may benefit in some ways\u2014to the detriment of New Zealand, to the detriment of any company\u2014by finding these things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo it\u2019s again quite an informative piece of legislation for someone like me. My knowledge of the Crimes Act and other criminal Acts was reasonably intense; it also was a great education to understand just the complexity of the legislation which allows our country to operate. This bill certainly outlines that, and I have no hesitation recommending it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022 data-id=\u00224b1ff451a39f4f3894c8eb81361b357f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224b1ff451a39f4f3894c8eb81361b357f\u0022\u003EHon MARK MITCHELL (National\u2014Rodney):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a call on this, the second reading of the Legislation Bill. I want to acknowledge the previous speaker, Greg O\u2019Connor. As a past detective, he seems confident that he knew a lot about the Crimes Act and the Summary Offences Act, but the best thing\u2014the best thing about his speech\u2014is that he\u2019s supporting a great piece of National Party Government legislation. That\u2019s great. I want to acknowledge him for that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EIt is a very good bill. It\u2019s a bill that will make it easier to find and access secondary legislation by requiring that it is published on the New Zealand Legislation website alongside the Acts of Parliament, creating a single official public source for New Zealand legislation. I think often legislation and legal speak can sometimes feel like a foreign language to people that aren\u2019t always engaged in the process, and so to make it easier to actually find the information and access that is a very good idea. It\u2019s a very good bill, and I recommend this bill to the House. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022570972f3b0fe498db5912a090fe2421b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022570972f3b0fe498db5912a090fe2421b\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Minister of Forestry):\u003C/span\u003E For fear of raising the ire of my leader, the Rt Hon Winston Peters, I will say that we vote for this bill, but then, I presume, it was initially brought to the House by the Hon Chris Finlayson, someone who I personally have a great deal of time for. But, unwisely, he in the past crossed swords with my rangatira sitting over here, so the less said about the Hon Chris Finlayson in that context the better for him and the better for me.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThe bill deserves our support. It takes us to the heart of what we empower in this House. At a principal level, we pass primary legislation, and then we enable, via the passage of primary legislation, for the Crown, via the Minister, to pass regulations through the Executive Council.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EA former Deputy Prime Minister, Geoffrey Palmer, described that as a recipe for making far too much legislation that enjoyed too little scrutiny and added to the dead-weight effect of unwise regulation upon the functioning of the economy. So if there is a way via such a piece of legislation\u2014and, in all seriousness, I certainly do support it\u2014of ensuring that we\u2019ve got visibility and ease of access to this subsidiary legislation, then that is positive in terms of how we discharge our duties in the Whare P\u0101remata.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThere is an area, it would appear, that will not enjoy\u2014thankfully, on my part\u2014the scrutiny of parliamentarians, and that is what councils get up to with by-laws pertaining to vermin, rodents, roads, dogs, and other such matter\u2014and indeed waste. We will leave that with local government\u2014and it\u2019s an amazing set of circumstances that have come to pass, with new people coming into local government. I look forward, as the champion of the provinces, to working effectively with them and spreading good cheer and fiscal love where appropriate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ENow, the element that I want to finish off on, in terms of this piece of legislation, is: when we are in this House, we rely on the select committee process. We rely on the fact that when a Supplementary Order Paper comes in before the third reading, it\u2019s a transparent process. That is not the case with much of the regulation that is passed, and often Ministers in the past have been enslaved by their officials, acquiescing and agreeing to regulatory changes without fully understanding their impact. I am not one of those Ministers. I rather take the view that before you introduce new subsidiary legislation or regulations, you should be creating a bonfire of old legislation to get rid. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a very sad state of events that the last regime has left the country reeling under reams and reams of red tape, and therein lies the riddle about the last regime: they preached all the virtues of private enterprise, they preached the virtues of economic empowerment, but, under the dead-hand effect of Nick Smith and various other Ministers, they have saddled the economy with the weight of redundant pieces of regulatory detritus. This bill hopefully will enable future Governments and the current Government to shine with some level of sunlight on that level of activity, to enable us to check the excesses of the bureaucracy who continue believing that only by regulation, as opposed to liberating markets, can we get the level of clarity required to support the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1f8d4f5cedf4f138c96f2cc36e23bba\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1f8d4f5cedf4f138c96f2cc36e23bba\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK (National\u2014Helensville):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Legislation Bill at this the second reading. I love a good bit of tautology: Legislation Bill\u2014a law about a law. Other speakers have already made points about the purpose of this item that is before us now on the agenda that is the parliamentary Order Paper. I would just emphasise its value as an item that promotes accessibility\u2014laws being easy to find as well as easy to understand and to find one\u2019s way around. So it\u2019s a valuable addition to the law of the land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003ESecondary legislation, as it\u2019s known\u2014otherwise known as regulations\u2014is secondary only in that sense, not in terms of its importance to the lives of ordinary New Zealanders in the way that they conduct their personal lives, their business lives, and other dealings. The closer that one gets to one\u2019s life in terms of laws that have effect, the easier they should be to understand\u2014unlike impressionist paintings. So I\u2019ll just leave you with that impression: that it\u2019s a positive move that this piece of legislation will enable New Zealanders to see more clearly the laws that affect them through regulations, in this bill. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022 data-id=\u0022b1449f8aca174bb8be19e96f86c76617\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b1449f8aca174bb8be19e96f86c76617\u0022\u003EGOLRIZ GHAHRAMAN (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise in support of this bill. As others have said, this is a law about the law. But it is incredibly important because, of course, the right to justice encompasses also the right to know the law, and for that to happen and for us to fulfil our obligations as a Government, we have to make sure that the law is knowable and accessible to those outside of this House and to those without legal expertise. So this is a bill that aims to do a little bit of that by bringing together the Legislation Act and the Interpretation Act as well, and it makes sense to say that the mechanism by which law is made and defined should be accessible, together with the mechanisms by which we interpret the law, for ordinary people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EThis particular piece of legislation aims to make more knowable to the public the secondary legislation, or regulations, as we have already said, which are laws just as enforceable as primary legislation and much more likely to affect the everyday lives and dealings of New Zealanders and everyone in New Zealand. So it makes sense that we would make access to secondary legislation easier. It surprises me, and probably most of us here, that secondary legislation\u2014though it is so all-encompassing of our lives in New Zealand\u2014wasn\u2019t required to be published online in any way and wasn\u2019t, until now, easily defined in the law, so people weren\u2019t able to easily find out what regulations affected them and where they were and how they were interpreted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003EThis, in part, brings into law recommendations of the Regulations Review Committee in 2014. I note that the reform is really overdue, so I do commend the move. Although, of course, it is technical, it will have huge implications for the clarity and accessibility of New Zealand law. 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=\u00223a78bd6688f542cb891aeab11651c431\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223a78bd6688f542cb891aeab11651c431\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s my pleasure to stand in support of this Legislation Bill, which was introduced by the National Government and continued by this coalition Government. This bill improves the access to legislation in New Zealand by providing that all the secondary legislation other than that made by the local authorities must be published on the New Zealand Legislation website. That will ensure that individuals and businesses can access this legislation, which is not all available at one portal. They will have one access point where they can look into these issues. It\u2019s important, because we need to make sure that the businesses and individuals have ease of doing business, and that is the intention of this legislation also. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022ca51846ca7804dfab3b564d7a270172d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ca51846ca7804dfab3b564d7a270172d\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: This is a split call. I call Clare Curran\u2014five minutes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022 data-id=\u0022624d2c2da887402595ba045a65e6aece\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022624d2c2da887402595ba045a65e6aece\u0022\u003EHon CLARE CURRAN (Labour\u2014Dunedin South):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I\u2019d also like to acknowledge Chris Finlayson and the preparation work that was done in bringing this legislation to the House before the last term of Government. It\u2019s good when everybody in the House is supporting a practical, useful piece of legislation. It is a law about laws, not a law about a law, because it actually applies to every piece of legislation and all the regulations that go with them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll also just like to comment on the Justice Committee, which\u2014yes\u2014has been through many iterations in the last two years. But can I assure the House that it\u2019s in very good hands, and I acknowledge the chair, Meka Whaitiri, who\u2019s sitting next to me. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EThis is a bill that is, essentially, about making it easier to find and access secondary legislation, but it is also ensuring that New Zealand\u2019s law is easy to find\u2014it\u2019s easy to find, it\u2019s easy to use, and is easy to understand. Goodness, in 2019, you\u2019d think we would have worked that out, but it\u2019s really good that we\u2019re doing it now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve actually read some of the submissions, and I want to give a shout-out to the Regulations Review Committee, which does an awful lot of pointy-headed work. This is one example of where the value of a select committee that scrutinises legislation and undertakes inquiries is actually on display, and one of the reasons I want to make that point quite strongly is that that scrutiny and that role of scrutineers is really important. It would be wise for the Hon Nick Smith to actually pay attention to that, when he\u2019s recently dismissed the role of the Regulations Review Committee in having parliamentary oversight and scrutiny over the referendum questions before next year\u2019s elections. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EThat committee has got a hugely important role, and in 2014, when that committee was actually being chaired by Maryan Street, it undertook an inquiry into the inability to find regulations, which has actually brought this bill to the House today. It is one of the reasons why we have got this bill before us today. So I think it\u2019s really important that the Regulations Review Committee gets the recognition that it deserves. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EMy other comment that I wanted to say is that this is really about what needs to happen next. Once we\u2019ve got legislation and regulations in one place, there\u2019s another step that\u2019s taken, and that is to turn it into code, because if we do that, and we actually do truly become transformational\u2014now, some steps have been already taken to get that process under way. I\u2019d like to see it sped up and go forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EThe multi-agency service innovation work programme in the last couple of years experimented with machine-consumable legislation, and over three weeks, a multidisciplinary team rewrote two pieces of legislation\u2014I think one of them was the rates rebate law\u2014into a software code. Now, what that means\u2014and this is being looked at internationally\u2014is that we\u2019ve got the ability to do analysis, to identify conflict between pieces of legislation, and to look for synergies to support decision-making and application processes. The usefulness of codifying legislation is huge\u2014I hope the Clerk\u2019s Office is listening\u2014and this is where we need to go next. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EI heartily support this legislation. There\u2019s a lot of work gone into it. I know that we can do better, and we can actually become a world leader in this space. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022 data-id=\u00224b7508012918410ca1d5d7f0adea771b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224b7508012918410ca1d5d7f0adea771b\u0022\u003EHon DAVID BENNETT (National\u2014Hamilton East):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I just want to take a short call on this legislation. It\u2019s had full support, and to get that secondary legislation being accessible to New Zealanders, alongside the website, is something that will be to the benefit of those that may be wishing to access that information. So it\u2019s in good accordance with this House that it passes through. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u0022cb859d3461a54eb8b82c7221707b4df5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cb859d3461a54eb8b82c7221707b4df5\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E Te M\u0101ngai o Te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koe. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m pleased to take a call on the Legislation Bill, following that exceptional delivery by David Bennett, that former Minister that just resumed his seat. The Legislation Bill is in its second reading, and as previous contributors to the debate on this bill have said, it is attempting to simplify being able to locate our secondary legislation. I hope it makes it a lot easier to read, and this bill is attempting to do this. As previous members have said, it was introduced under the former Minister Chris Finlayson. I want to acknowledge that. It was introduced in the House on 20 June 2017 and had its first reading on 5 December 2017, and there has been mention of the new members on this Justice Committee. What I wanted to do was not just reiterate what others have contributed, but I actually wanted to talk about those that submitted on this bill, and if you would indulge me\u2014some of it\u2019s quite technical, so I just want to highlight it\u2014I\u2019ll go off cue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the nine\u2014according to the departmental report\u2014submitters to the Regulations Review Committee: the Clerk of the House of Representatives, the New Zealand Law Society, Local Government New Zealand, the Chief Ombudsman, Gregor Alexander Macaulay, Stephen Turkington, Greg Scobie, and Glen Robins. Those individuals and organisations obviously have a passion for legislation in this House, so I want to commend them for taking an interest and submitting.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s the amendments that the select committee\u2014or the officials, sorry, having heard all the submitters, that I want to acknowledge. I want to acknowledge the first submission that was under the title \u201CAccess Reforms\u201D, and this came from the Clerk of the House when talking about clause 4(1)(e). What they suggested was amending references in clause 4(1)(e). You might rightly ask: so what does that mean\u2014what\u2019s clause 4(1)(e)? Of course, I wanted to know what 4(1)(e) was too. Clause 4(1)(e), as recommended by the Clerk of the House, is to enable Parliament to maintain oversight, to support parliamentary oversight, and to enable the House of Representatives to support the House of Representatives\u2014a simple clause, but all adding to that commitment to making our laws simpler and easier, but more importantly, to access them. I want to acknowledge the Clerk of the House of Representatives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI then want to acknowledge the New Zealand Law Society, who had an amendment around clause 76(1)(a). Of course, we want to know what 76(1)(a) is. The New Zealand Law Society proposed removing the power for regulations made under clause 145 to exempt instruments from the publication requirement, provided that the Chief Parliamentary Counsel can only exempt secondary legislation from the lodgement and publication obligations where the secondary legislation is already made available in some other way, and only to the extent that this is consistent with the principle that the public should be able to access legislation at no or low cost. Again, the New Zealand Law Society adds that all our laws should be publicly accessible, and they go a bit further to say this should be at low to no cost. I want to thank the New Zealand Law Society for their suggested amendment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EFinally, in my short contribution, again from the Clerk of the House, in relation to clauses 114(a) and 118(1)\u2014again, what does this part of the bill do and what is the amendment they suggest? They suggested that we amend the bill to make it clear that any secondary legislation amended or replaced by the House under clause 118(1) is subjected to disallowance despite clauses 114(a).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the submitters\u2014these three that I\u2019ve indicated. There was a whole lot of amendments made at the officials\u2019 end, but, of course, these particular submitters\u2014the Law Society, the House of Representatives\u2014have contributed to help shape the bill into what it is presented to the House today. I do want to thank them sincerely for their time and their effort to make our laws more publicly available\u2014the low-cost principle that was introduced there\u2014but also that it was accessible on a website that then everybody can access, and so I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022 data-id=\u00229cc5132274884e279cb4feb765e1d734\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229cc5132274884e279cb4feb765e1d734\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO (National\u2014Whanganui):\u003C/span\u003E Aligned with the previous speaker addressing the House, I too support this bill to the House, and although I don\u2019t sit on the Justice Committee, I do sit on the Regulations Review Committee. As members of that committee, we are aware of the work that has been undertaken by the Parliamentary Counsel Office and also the Office of the Clerk in terms of amalgamating and bringing together a system where all the legislation and secondary legislation is archived and readily accessible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EAs is well known and has been canvassed in the House this afternoon, this bill rewrites and replaces the Legislation Act 2012, implementing publication and other reforms relating to production of high-quality legislation that\u2019s easy to find. So it\u2019s so important, the accessibility of having the legislation in one place and space, particularly for members of the public, who would be seeking to source where particular laws are as is impacting on them. So the access to secondary legislation, the general policy objective of this bill when it does come into law, is to ensure that there is one single place where individuals and businesses can see all of New Zealand\u2019s legislation. A brief call\u2014everybody this afternoon on this bill is aligned, and it is supported.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022 data-id=\u002284f49c3c60a54d118c5ff8091240476a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002284f49c3c60a54d118c5ff8091240476a\u0022\u003EGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on this bill. I would like to acknowledge, as the second member of the Justice Committee who was there from the beginning, along with Greg O\u2019Connor, that I had the privilege of listening to the officials\u2019 information and also the submissions that we heard on this piece of legislation. It\u2019s an interesting point to make. I would like to just quickly explain, just in case there\u2019s one or two people sitting at home wondering what we\u2019re all talking about, the difference between primary and secondary legislation, because I think that\u2019s an important distinction to make.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EAll Acts of Parliament, all things passed by this House, are considered to be primary legislation, but there are many other forms. Some of those are drafted by our Parliamentary Counsel Office, but there are many other regulations and forms of types of law that are not passed by this House, and that is what is known as secondary legislation. Underpinning the importance of what this bill is doing is making sure that access to law is fundamental. Accessing law is so important to having a democratic society, and it goes right to those principles of openness, open government, and also the rule of law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EOften as parliamentarians, we will go and look at the primary legislation, look at the New Zealand Legislation website to find a piece of law that we\u2019re interested in finding out\u2014a particular section or item in there. That cannot be currently done with secondary legislation, as it sits in many different parts of different areas, and so bringing all of those parts together is a huge task. So I take my hat off and commend those officials that are undertaking\u2014and I think Parliamentary Counsel Office have a significant task in front of them\u2014to bring together all of those forms of secondary legislation, and it\u2019s really important that we are able to do that to make sure that people can access pieces of law and can do that whenever they wish to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EI won\u2019t continue on for much longer. We\u2019ve had a great discussion on this good piece of legislation that was, indeed, started by the former Minister, Chris Finlayson, under the last Government, and continued. It\u2019s one of those good pieces of legislation that just keeps New Zealand ticking over, and I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223e9ed88f80cc4820a021444377fdf808\u0022\u003EEducation (School Donations) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002254c6ea3e77944fc7ad8c218fa6c8e1ad\u0022\u003EThird Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000416\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 19 September.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022 data-id=\u00223da9422cfd5e41f0a26c0192958a736d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223da9422cfd5e41f0a26c0192958a736d\u0022\u003EDr PARMJEET PARMAR (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to take this call. If one is looking for an example of a bad bill, this is a perfect example\u2014the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill\u2014because this is actually this Government\u2019s broken promise. It was not long ago, in the 2017 general election, that they campaigned on getting rid of school donations, and the message was delivered as if they were going to get rid of school donations completely. Then, because of the pressure from the Opposition, they came up with this legislation, which applies only to deciles 1 to 7 schools. It doesn\u2019t even apply to all schools; it applies only to deciles 1 to 7 schools. And what it says is\u2014as it was tabled\u2014the bill is to provide $150 per child for schools that will opt in for this policy. It was made clear\u2014very clear\u2014in the original legislation that if schools are opting in for this policy, they will not be able to go out and seek any kind of donation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003EBut then the Minister got the message from schools\u2014because schools decided they\u2019re not going to opt in for this policy because this is not going to work for them to provide for everything that they need to provide for students in their schools. The Minister didn\u2019t want another failed policy after his failed fees-free policy, so then, during the committee of the whole House, he decided to table a Supplementary Order Paper, which, of course, is supported by all Government parties. So this Supplementary Order Paper now becomes part of this legislation which allows schools\u2014schools that will be part of this scheme\u2014to still go out and seek a donation, and this will be for school camps. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003ESchool camps, we know, are quite expensive. But what I found really interesting was that the Minister said that they will be able to go out to seek this money but they will be required to call it a camp donation, not a camp fee. In the third reading speech, the Minister said this is about \u201Cfree education in New Zealand schools\u201D. He said that this is about \u201Cremoving financial barriers to participation in education in New Zealand at every level\u201D. Changing the term from camp fee to camp donation\u2014how does that reduce any kind of financial pressure that parents feel because of schools going out asking for donations? It doesn\u2019t make any sense; who is the Minister trying to fool here? At the end of the day, parents will have to pay in dollars whether it\u2019s a camp fee or a camp donation, so that\u2019s why I said this is actually a very good example of very bad legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003EAnd now, because of this, schools that are deciles 8, 9, and 10 feel that they have been discriminated, because here, clearly, the Minister doesn\u2019t understand that some students going to those decile schools come from families that cannot afford to pay those school donations. So the Minister completely ignored those schools, so this applies only to deciles 1 to 7 schools. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003EThe second thing about this legislation is that schools are now going to be stuck in the middle, because if they opt in for this policy and then go out to ask for this camp donation, then they will have to do an explanation to all these parents because parents will assume that because they have opted in for this policy they shouldn\u2019t be going out and asking for any donation. So schools will be spending a lot of their administration time explaining this to parents. And if we look at the other option\u2014that is, schools not opting in for this policy\u2014then, again, because parents will hear from parents of students that go to other schools that have opted in for this policy, they will be asking questions to the schools of their children, and then, again, schools will be wasting a lot of time explaining to those parents why they haven\u2019t opted in for this policy. Because, clearly, there are schools that don\u2019t want to opt in for this policy because they know that this is not going to be sufficient for everything that they want to provide to students in their schools. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258eae615-ef83-4df5-bace-6749bdd312a8\u0022\u003ESo it is not going to deliver for schools. This bill is not going to deliver for parents, and this bill is not going to do anything for students to improve the education that they receive in these schools that are deciles 1 to 7. So we oppose this legislation. Thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022 data-id=\u00223db063c2123940c29ca038e9ba3291db\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223db063c2123940c29ca038e9ba3291db\u0022\u003EMARK PATTERSON (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. What a miserable speech\u2014what a miserable speech. I actually had to check my notes, too, because it is the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill, which actually allows deciles 1 to 7 schools the opportunity to get a $150 per student guaranteed grant. I was under the false\u2014clearly\u2014impression that that was a good thing. But, no, apparently it is not a good thing; it is, I guess, the negative mindset that has enveloped the other side of the Chamber. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003EBut this\u2014for those people listening and watching\u2014is a very good step forward. This is enabling schools in our poorer and less well-off communities to have access to the sort of funding for discretionary activities that school fees provide, and put them on a level playing field with those schools in wealthier communities. This is a totally laudable bill, and the Minister, Chris Hipkins, is to be commended for bringing this forward, because we know that education is the absolutely fundamental building block to creating a more equal society so that everyone can participate in society. We\u2019ve heard through the submission process that in some of our lower decile schools, only, maybe, 10 or 20 percent of the students are able to pay their fees. The children coming into schools from those communities are totally disadvantaged because they are unable to have access to those discretionary activities that kids in other schools have. And we\u2019re seeing that right through into postgraduate statistics where students coming out of schools with deciles 8 to 10 overwhelmingly make up those postgraduate positions. That shows where advantage through earlier life carries right through. So this is an effort to level that playing field. Of course, it\u2019s been painted as a broken promise; it is not a broken promise. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221e0dcf913bc408a8aef717c685e3479\u0022\u003EDenise Lee\u003C/span\u003E: Read the Labour Party manifesto. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229446849c346242a687b1e481105b1697\u0022\u003EMARK PATTERSON\u003C/span\u003E: It was a\u2014Denise Lee said: \u201CRead the Labour Party manifesto.\u201D Well, I have not because I\u2019m in the New Zealand First Party and this is a coalition Government and this is a coalition Government policy. This is not a Labour Party policy, and we are totally on board, in New Zealand First, with this very fine piece of legislation, which injects $265 million into our less advantaged communities over a four-year period. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003EOf course, that\u2019s been, again, from over the other side\u2014because, you know, all their rich mates go to decile 8 and above schools\u2014that those schools should have been included as well. Maybe that\u2019s down the track, because we know that within those schools there are pupils that are from less well-off families as well\u2014a lesser percentage, but, nevertheless, they are there. But we are a fiscally responsible Government. That\u2019s why we have got a $7.5 billion surplus and we\u2019ve brought our debt down to 19.2 percent of GDP. We\u2019re absolutely knocking it out of the park over here with our fiscal responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003ESo we may now have the runway, fiscally, to bring it into those other schools over time, but I\u2019m sure the good people of New Zealand appreciate our caution in this as we negotiate difficult international times. Of course, there\u2019s a carve-out for the camps, and, of course, that\u2019s what the select committee process is for. We identified that there were some submissions coming in that wanted some clarity around how school camps\u2014which, of course, can be very expensive\u2014would be treated within this legislation, and there has been a carve-out for camps which is a very pragmatic move. It also removes the fees for NCEA, $76.70\u2014not an insubstantial sum for less well-off families. And what we saw is there\u2019s about 150,000 students that have qualified that are unable to actually have their qualification recognised because of not having been able to pay their fee\u2014that\u2019s over a period of time; that\u2019s built up. We know that education, having those qualifications, is getting that step on the ladder to a good, constructive, and worthy life so they don\u2019t fall through the cracks into a life that goes down the wrong path. So freeing those 150,000 students up to get their qualification recognised is an absolutely fantastic outcome from this as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bf71a65e-c9f0-4856-902f-1a15c4274e94\u0022\u003ESo New Zealand First absolutely supports this legislation. It is a very egalitarian piece of legislation where we look to level the playing field for those in our disadvantaged communities so they do get off on the right foot and they do get a good start in education, which we know is the absolute foundation stone to them having a better life and being better contributing citizens to our society. So this bill starts us off on that path, starts them off on this path, and New Zealand First is very pleased to support this bill into law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022 data-id=\u002202fb0b48fd0947c69b351a6016e2959a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202fb0b48fd0947c69b351a6016e2959a\u0022\u003EDENISE LEE (National\u2014Maungakiekie):\u003C/span\u003E I don\u2019t quite know where to start with on that last contribution. The previous speaker from New Zealand First, Mark Patterson, just used the word \u201Cegalitarian\u201D for this piece of legislation. There is nothing egalitarian about promising all schools $150 per student donations and delivering only to deciles 1 through 7. I invite anyone on that side of the House\u2014anyone\u2014to tell me that there are not disadvantaged families sitting in deciles 8, 9, and 10 schools. The previous speaker just used the term \u201Crich mates\u201D in connection with us and deciles 8, 9 and 10. Was he not on the select committee\u2014as I and others were\u2014hearing submissions from deciles 8, 9 and 10, talking to us in specific terms about students in those schools who are disadvantaged? Yes, they may be in a decile 8, 9, or 10, but there are many families that are struggling and they are being shafted with this legislation\u2014completely left out. So it\u2019s wrong and it\u2019s ethically wrong\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aae58502c2544565a81fb0000d4e08ea\u0022\u003EKiritapu Allan\u003C/span\u003E: Who\u2019s benefiting? Not who\u2019s getting shafted; who\u2019s benefiting?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226d250aa3d8c6451b962aeb123cfcc251\u0022\u003EDENISE LEE\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014to call this an egalitarian piece of legislation. You couldn\u2019t be any further off the truth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229c5dc51f8b074904b0e9c0e4555e626c\u0022\u003EKiritapu Allan\u003C/span\u003E: At decile 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022df8d9893b038458d9a740d6a599993e4\u0022\u003EDENISE LEE\u003C/span\u003E: This is a bill that has disconnected timing, disconnected\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fcb2670d40d54f8ea0d3713a5ccf58c6\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Order! That\u2019s enough from Kiritapu Allan. Sorry to interrupt.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f5998eff713a407da583e33039e6c1bb\u0022\u003EDENISE LEE\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014communications with this bill, and, most of all, disconnected leadership. There was a shortened select committee process with this. Then, at the same time, principals and boards were asked to give feedback on guidance, because the guidance was missing from this legislation\u2014they only had a week to do that. We heard, in no uncertain terms, from schools and principals and board members themselves that they couldn\u2019t keep up with what was being asked of them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003EWhat we have here is that quite simply they ran out of budget\u2014the Government ran out of budget. They retrofitted a promise, and that retrofitted promise only extends to a half measure. It is not complete, certainly not egalitarian, and if the other side doesn\u2019t believe me, go and read the submissions: 95 out of the 139 submissions all asked for the scheme to be extended to all schools, even the schools that said they would gratefully receive still asked for it to go to every school, on behalf of the other schools that aren\u2019t getting it. There\u2019s no two ways about this; this is unfair. It\u2019s a complicated piece of legislation and a very disconnected attempt at leadership in the education realm.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003EOne more thing: if you are going to be so vague and unfair and complicated with who\u2019s in and who\u2019s out and where the camps are in and day camps are out, and now we\u2019ve got issues around stationery\u2014which, side note here, only a third of eligible schools have taken this up; anyone want to dispute that? No, they don\u2019t. So far, only a third of eligible schools have taken the scheme up. What does that tell you? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022943fd636-21ec-4442-9a72-68c49464776f\u0022\u003EWhile that\u2019s going on, the follow-up whammy is that we know that this is based on a flawed decile scheme. We\u2019ve committed to reviewing it. The Government says that they\u2019re going to review it too, but this legislation is based on the whole entire decile scheme that you\u2019re wanting to review. Very bad timing. Very badly legislation. Very bad leadership.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022 data-id=\u0022120ff112657a4baaa1cdc12492f73494\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022120ff112657a4baaa1cdc12492f73494\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK (Green):\u003C/span\u003E E Te M\u0101ngai, t\u0113n\u0101 koe. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou e Te Whare. You can tell that we\u2019ve all just come back from a two-week recess period and everybody is enjoying being back in the House, yelling at each other.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EI just want to bring this back down to what we\u2019re actually talking about here, and the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill\u2014that being the third reading tonight, the final time that we will have an opportunity to speak about this legislation and the impact that this law and this funding will have on New Zealanders and New Zealand families. We\u2019ve heard the back and forth both from members of the Government and members of the Opposition about what kind of political promises have or haven\u2019t been upheld. But, ultimately, I think that everyday New Zealanders\u2014a term which the Hon Simon Bridges has liked to bandy about quite a bit recently\u2014out there, beyond the scope of this ivory tower, probably don\u2019t actually care all too much about the politics of it; they care about the accessibility of education for their kids.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003ELook, I\u2019ll hear members of the Opposition, who I absolutely actually agree with that this should be extended to all schools. I would hesitate to say that, actually; that\u2019s something which all members of Government probably agree with. But what we\u2019re doing here is a first step\u2014that being rolling it out to deciles 1 to 7 schools. Those who are talking about the politics of it are entirely missing the point that this is about the practical implications that this will have for those everyday New Zealanders that the Hon Simon Bridges likes to talk about so much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EWhen we\u2019re talking about education school donations\u2014or the school donations as defined in this legislation\u2014what we\u2019re actually talking about is solicited voluntary payments from parents. Most parents who send their kids off to school will be aware of this in the form of the generally $100, $150-odd donation that is asked for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to touch on a point that\u2019s been raised by a number of members of the Opposition, particularly about the fact that we currently have disadvantaged children, disadvantaged rangatahi, inside of our deciles 8 to 10 schools. It\u2019s absolutely true; I was one of them when I was at high school. I was sent off to a \u201Cmagnet school\u201D in Auckland that was a decile 10, and my family struggled to make that $150 school donation. I had the yearbook withheld from me and my little sister until that $150 donation was paid. This is the kind of supposed voluntary solicited donation that currently occurs or is rather coerced out of families and wh\u0101nau across the country, and, quite frankly, that isn\u2019t fair, and, quite frankly, that should be something which is applied across the board to all schools. But at this point in time, we are looking at simply doing the first practical step. I don\u2019t think that it, kind of, makes sense to begrudge the roll-out of that first step, when we are making life easier\u2014 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222e42156e2ff940fe899d5c97dbc1bfe2\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Don\u2019t promise it if you can\u2019t do it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cd5bb564d0cf4bfa9a1a5acae1fff298\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014for those who are in deciles 1 to 7. For those who are saying, \u201CDon\u2019t promise it.\u201D, again, it\u2019s the politics of it all, I personally\u2014whatever.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003ESo the other point that has been raised is with regard to overhaul of the decile system in general. Members of the Opposition have spoken about how this has to occur, and, of course, the Hon Chris Hipkins, the Minister of Education, with whom we are in confidence and supply, and, obviously, New Zealand First, my colleague Mark Patterson, have discussed this extensively and with, obviously, the Hon Tracey Martin, the Associate Minister of Education, around the kind of overhaul that needs to occur with regard to the decile system so that we do end up with funding that is more reflective of the needs of our schools.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EBut, I think, in talking to anybody who\u2019s involved in the education system, across the board you\u2019ll find that our schools need and are crying out for more funding everywhere\u2014whether it is for those school supplies, whether it is for school buildings, or whether it is for those children who need learning support. And this is, dare I say it, you know, the unions who the Opposition like to invoke relatively frequently as those who stood outside of this Parliament, asking for better pay for their teachers\u2014those unions will also be those who will refer to the nine years of underfunding and that hole which we are trying to fill and catch up with.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003ESo this is an important step in the right direction\u2014a really important step in the right direction. I, frankly, don\u2019t understand why members of the Opposition would seek to begrudge those kids and those families who are in deciles 1 to 7 $150 per student per year, when we can seek to roll this out to deciles 8 to 10 as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EAs has been mentioned, we also need that overhaul of the school funding system. But while that is happening, again, why would you begrudge those children and their families of the ability to access that support?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003ESo in closing the Greens contribution to this debate, and substantial massive support and backing for this incredible kaupapa\u2014that being making education more accessible in this country\u2014the Greens are very proud to support it in its third reading. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u0022bf34386c304f4c00a99519dc1a1f4fbc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bf34386c304f4c00a99519dc1a1f4fbc\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on behalf of the National Party, and my colleagues, to oppose the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill in its third reading. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to just refute a couple of the points which were made. Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick talked a lot about how we want to take the politics out of this issue. Well, I\u2019m sorry, but this is an issue which is here because of a political promise made at the last election that this Government would bring an end to school donations. Well, this bill is a broken promise, because it does not do that. What it does is it tries to create some system whereby some schools will be given some money on the promise that they will not be taking money for some things. Now that sounds a little bit more complicated than what the Government\u2019s promise was when they made it while they were in Opposition. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThe second point I\u2019d like to make is that this is not even reaching all schools. Only 30 percent of schools are taking this up. That means a huge number of the schools which even qualify for it are not even taking this up. I can talk directly to Pakuranga College in my electorate, which will be up to $300,000 worse off because of this policy if it were to take this policy on, than if they were to continue with their current regime, because they won\u2019t be able to use this money for some of the key activities. They won\u2019t be able to charge donations for some of the key activities that they provide in their school. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003ESo this is a bad piece of legislation. Of course we want to see the costs to parents reduced where we can, but at the same time this is not the legislation to fix it. We need to push ahead with the decile system changes. Removing the decile systems, changing the funding for our schools\u2014work that was begun under the last National Government stalled and only now is it getting anywhere. That\u2019s the work which needs to be done and that\u2019s the work which National does support. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022e954dd09f7604f71a82b11beae23d372\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e954dd09f7604f71a82b11beae23d372\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: This is a split call. I call Jo Luxton\u2014five minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022 data-id=\u0022b9a3d84c6f2342e39cedc16f31b18289\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b9a3d84c6f2342e39cedc16f31b18289\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thanks so much, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s my absolute pleasure to stand here and take a call on the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. What a fantastic piece of legislation this is. I want to thank the Minister of Education for bringing this piece of legislation to the House. Just one piece of legislation; there is a suite of educational policy changes that this coalition Government is bringing to the people of New Zealand under the fantastic leadership of our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and I am very, very proud to take a call on this piece of legislation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EI, too, like the last speaker who has just taken his seat, Simeon Brown, want to refute a couple of the things that were brought up by previous speakers from that side of the House, the first one being Dr Parmjeet Parmar. I listened to her contribution. I actually felt quite confused by the end of it. Initially, she said that this was a bad policy and that the only reason it was being rolled out to decile 7 schools was because of the Opposition\u2019s opposition to it. And then she said\u2014so does that mean that because the Opposition opposed this that we only went to deciles 1 to 7? Is it because of the Opposition that that\u2019s what\u2019s happened? So is it because of the Opposition that it\u2019s not being rolled out to deciles 8, 9, and 10, because that\u2019s what I took from what that previous speaker said. And then she blamed the Minister for ignoring those schools, deciles 8 to 10, so I felt quite confused by the end of her contribution. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EThen there was the contribution from the member Denise Lee, who usually is quite a nice and happy and positive person. But I feel that she\u2019s just jumped on the negative National bandwagon with this one here and I think that they\u2019re a little confused about how MMP works. You know, for example, each political party has their own policies that they promote during the election, during the campaign period, but the reality is MMP is when parties come together to form a Government and, therefore, decisions are made based on the commonality and agreement of all those parties. So that is MMP 101 for members opposite.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c23cdaa81304b80930fff443ca58d39\u0022\u003EKiritapu Allan\u003C/span\u003E: They haven\u2019t learnt that yet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227172eecd00f54698979e17aaaa7088b7\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON\u003C/span\u003E: No, quite clearly they have not learnt that, but perhaps one day in 10 years or so they may understand that, when they\u2019ve been sitting in Opposition for that length of time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003ESo what this piece of legislation does is keeps money in the back pockets of some of our most vulnerable families that attend deciles 1 to 7 schools. And, actually, $150 per student is an awful lot of money. When I spoke to a member of the Netherby School in Ashburton they jumped right on to this offer and they accepted it without hesitation because what it means for them is instead of getting $6,320 in in school donations they are going to look at getting in around $23,700. Now, what do members opposite think that that will do for that school? I just don\u2019t understand why members opposite continue to look at this from a deficit perspective and say, \u201CWho\u2019s missing out? Who\u2019s missing out?\u201D Well, actually, look at who is benefiting: some of our most vulnerable families in society. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EYes, I agree that there are people that are of lower incomes and families in need that attend deciles 8, 9, and 10 schools, but do you know what? This is a start. This is not to say it won\u2019t be rolled out to those schools later on in time. This is merely the beginning. This is the sign of a coalition Government who is forward-thinking, future-focused, and concentrating on meeting the needs of our children in our education system so we can continue to provide the best education system\u2014one of the best education systems in the world\u2014for our children, so I absolutely commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022 data-id=\u0022b29ac25f695d4fd28d2a4d42eda513e5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b29ac25f695d4fd28d2a4d42eda513e5\u0022\u003EJO HAYES (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand to take a call on the third reading of the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. Again, I support this side of the House by opposing the bill for numerous reasons, mainly because it discriminates against some children and especially those in 8, 9, and 10 deciles. My colleagues on this side of the House have discussed that in their contributions today, and I was quite interested in what Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick from the Greens had to say about her time when she went to high school and off to university. She went to a decile 10 school and her parents weren\u2019t wealthy. They struggled, but they got there\u2014they got there\u2014and this is what this bill will do. It will actually discriminate against people like Chl\u00F6e who has done well\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002256853cf69b9b43d694ba5770ff017730\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022281342d40ce242ccbbfe732e5841b102\u0022\u003EJO HAYES\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014in her education background. Her family would have missed out on this particular incentive payment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EI know a number of children from deciles 8, 9, and 10 schools that will miss out on this $150 incentive payment. It is an issue for the schools that are actually eligible for this incentive. It is an issue because it costs more for them to buy into it rather than it being good for them. So we\u2019ve only got a third of the eligible schools buying into the system and a lot of them will actually miss out on further donations from parents from those particular schools. Now, it says that some schools don\u2019t even ask for a school donation. Well, I think all schools should be asking for a school donation. It doesn\u2019t matter what decile it is; they should still always ask for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002272f22dfaabc24f7091a43c7840f33a79\u0022\u003EHon Clare Curran\u003C/span\u003E: Why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bac9690fcda54618a454375c62579f6c\u0022\u003EJO HAYES\u003C/span\u003E: They should because this is part and parcel of our education system. I came from a family that wasn\u2019t that wealthy; it was quite a poor one actually. And, yet, my parents scrimped and saved. We cleaned schools. We did everything to make ends meet to be able to pay those fees, because those fees helped towards our trips away as a school, as our group, going out to places that we weren\u2019t able to go to because we were in a country school, and a country school that wouldn\u2019t even qualify for this particular funding, and there are a number of rural schools out there that won\u2019t because of the way that the deciles are set up. So it is a discriminatory bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EThe previous speaker, Jo Luxton, talked about the suite of education policies. Well, I can say positively that the suite of education policies from this Government will actually bring this country to its education knees. It will do that on a number of levels. Remember, I never said it was a suite of education policies; it was that side of the House that brought it up in the first place. So there will be a number of those policies, including this one, that will be detrimental to the people, to the students of this country. It will not close any gaps; it will cause further gaps.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003EThe Government has failed to actually sit and listen to what the submitters have had to say by outlining where those gaps are going to be and saying whereabouts the discrimination and inequalities are going to occur. That is why this side of the House cannot support something that will actually widen the gap for those who are struggling, who are struggling already in their deciles 8, 9, and 10, because we want our kids to have good education. We\u2019ve always wanted our kids to, and we will scrimp and save to make sure that they do have that good education. This bill here gives an opportunity for all schools\u2014this is what the Government has said: all schools will get it eventually. Eventually never comes. What I\u2019ve noticed with this Government is that eventually never ever comes. It always ends up over here somewhere where nobody actually benefits from it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022758dcaf3-9976-43ac-8593-79f66ee4da22\u0022\u003ESo I stand and I support this side of the House. We oppose this bill. It is badly drafted. It is one of a suite of education policies that will bring this country to its knees. We all need to look across at that side and say, \u201CWell, all that side did it to this country.\u201D, and then National will come back into Government and have to clean it all up. So I oppose this bill. Mr Speaker, thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022 data-id=\u0022a15d2ecbbf224606a906d6f33ed296a6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a15d2ecbbf224606a906d6f33ed296a6\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Faakalofa atu and ki a monuina for Niue Language Week. I would like to say to my colleagues Mark Patterson, Jo Luxton, Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick: te kaha o te korero\u2014those were fantastic speeches; I really enjoyed them. To the other speakers, unfortunately: te kaha o te h\u014Dh\u0101. I think, really, they should have another good read of the bill and what it actually does. So thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this fantastic bill, the third reading of the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003EFirst up, I do have to say I agree with some of the comments from the Opposition, where they stated that there was a common theme amongst many of the submitters that this grant should be extended and available to all the decile schools. We are not denying that. It has been said by the Minister in the first reading, in the second, and in the committee stages that while deciles 8, 9, and 10 schools are now not eligible for the scheme, it doesn\u2019t prevent them from being eligible in the future. It has consideration for future decision-making. The most astonishing message\u2014and we\u2019ve heard it repeated on this side of the House already, but I just can\u2019t get my head around the argument\u2014is that if it\u2019s not available to everyone then nobody should have it. We actually had no submitters from deciles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 who said, \u201CPlease, don\u2019t give this grant to us.\u201D They were not the overwhelming messages we received during the select committee process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ESo it really comes back to the negativity from the Opposition. When you\u2019re looking at this bill, it is actually really condensed in one sentence. You can say that what we\u2019re doing in this bill is us giving the schools more money so that the schools don\u2019t have to ask the parents for donations. That\u2019s really all it is: us giving the schools money so the schools don\u2019t have to ask the parents for donations. It is beyond me how anybody can make such a negative narrative around that messaging, but that\u2019s what we hear from the Opposition, because, very clearly, that\u2019s what the Opposition is doing. They obviously don\u2019t realise that many families are struggling to make ends meet; they\u2019re struggling to come up with these voluntary donations. That can potentially cause that stigmatisation that my colleague Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick spoke so well about from first hand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ESo we know that many schools don\u2019t actually even ask for the donations because they know the parents can\u2019t afford it, so they\u2019re not even asking for it. This bill will take that burden away. So what we\u2019re doing with this bill is we\u2019re removing the barriers to a public education system, because it should be a free public education system. We should make sure that there are no barriers for anyone in this system to have the chance to succeed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ESo what this bill does in general terms is it\u2019s supporting our Government\u2019s Wellbeing Budget, and it does acknowledge the priority of reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing in this country. Through this bill it\u2019ll be nearly 500,000 kids at 1,700 schools that will benefit, and they will no longer have to pay those school donations. Again, it is only an Opposition that is absolutely negative and desperate that can turn such a positive thing into a constant negative. It\u2019s because they\u2019re desperate. They have no new ideas. They are basically constantly negative.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003EAt the end of the day\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276791c4a0199483b9a3ab78c200c2da7\u0022\u003EKiritapu Allan\u003C/span\u003E: Barking at cars.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221794182f5a63426c9e03985a5b7ec63c\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK\u003C/span\u003E: Really, though\u2014barking at cars, all of that. But New Zealanders aren\u2019t as gullible as the National Party probably thinks they are. People know that the flow-on effects from the nine years of neglect and nine years of under-investment are going to take us a little while to fix up. It\u2019s going to take us more than one term to turn that ship around, but we have started to fix a lot of things. We have recently\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202ad0c80bfba4bf9a1f1e07f483d41d5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! I am going to call the member back to the bill, which is about school donations. The member has to somehow make the link.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002289b9cf6945fe4234bd7772ba2608e728\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK\u003C/span\u003E: So much good positive messaging and, I guess, what our school donation bill does is it is extending that positive investment into so many areas like health and like this one: education. Now, it\u2019s about putting the free back in the public education system. The school donations bill is just barely part of that plan of the Government, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re doing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003EIt has been mentioned already that this is a similar measure as we\u2019ve taken with the NCEA fees, a similar one with regards to the removal of those fees and, again, in line with the free public education that we should see.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s one submitter, which was the New Zealand Principal\u2019s Federation, that put it down in a couple of paragraphs when they did the submission, and I think it sort of goes to the core of what this bill does for a lot of the people that submitted. It said that the \u201CNZPF\u201D\u2014the New Zealand Principals\u2019 Federation\u2014\u201Crecognises and applauds the intent behind this policy [which] is to progress the aim for education to be free to all in Aotearoa New Zealand \u2026 We \u2026 recognise that a further intent of the policy is to address issues of equity. By eliminating student fees and now donations to schools, the goal of achieving equity in our education system draws ever closer.\u201D Again, it is such a positive message.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003EI was quite disappointed to hear the chair of our select committee, Parmjeet Parmar, talk about the school camp donations, because it\u2019s very clear that she actually is still not understanding how the current system works. Under the current rules\u2014and all this bill does is actually reinforce the status quo\u2014schools cannot charge the parents for a school camp that is part of the school curriculum; they can actually not do that. They can ask for a donation, but many schools have called it a fee and, actually, that\u2019s what they cannot do under the current legislation\u2014that is, before we implement this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ESo all this bill does through the Supplementary Order Paper is just implement the rules as they are now. So, by saying it\u2019s complex, I think the complexity sits with the person who doesn\u2019t quite understand what this bill is about. So I guess, at the end of the day, our brilliant leader, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, has said that she wants New Zealand to be a country that is the best place in the world to be a child. That is one of the things that this bill contributes to. So it gives me great pleasure to commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u002239aa218cc1fe419d8479f229911aaa13\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002239aa218cc1fe419d8479f229911aaa13\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (National):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, I have three simple points to make about the Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill. The first is\u2014and the member\u2019s opposite know it\u2014that this bill represents a broken promise. The members on the opposite side of the House went into the election campaign telling the mums and dads of New Zealand children that they would be ending school donations, and this bill does not do that. This bill fails to do that and represents yet another broken promise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000488\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EThe second point that I want to make is that if, as some members opposite have claimed, the way this bill has been structured is designed to target funds at those children in most need, then it fails by its own test, because, actually, just recently we\u2019ve had the education Minister himself admit that the decile funding system is a poor way of targeting funds at our most at-risk children and our most in-need communities. It is to be replaced by an equity index\u2014something that National developed and supports\u2014but instead we have this bill which will be funding additional funds to schools based on deciles. So it\u2019s clearly not getting at the kids in the most need and leaving many out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EThe third point I want to make is that having ill-defined ideas of what is and isn\u2019t a donation is going to be highly problematic in the future, because schools don\u2019t actually want to be grappling with the existential question of when a school camp is on the curriculum and when it\u2019s not. Those kinds of questions that require legal advice and definitional debate are a waste of school\u2019s time, and I predict that this bill will create many problems to come. 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=\u0022b5cba0e108e742f88de566df7a9f6193\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b5cba0e108e742f88de566df7a9f6193\u0022\u003EHon CLARE CURRAN (Labour\u2014Dunedin South):\u003C/span\u003E Giving as many kids as possible opportunities, building more classrooms, fixing more classrooms, building more schools, and taking financial pressure off parents\u2014I can\u2019t understand that anybody would actually oppose those things. I\u2019ve listened pretty closely while I\u2019ve been in the House this afternoon. I\u2019ve listened to try and understand exactly what the arguments are. \u201CFacile\u201D is probably the word that I would come up with. It was actually Jo Hayes where I think we got a bit closer to the real crux of the matter for the National Party, because what I\u2019m trying to understand is: are they arguing for universality in this legislation? I\u2019m not passing judgment on them if they are, but why can\u2019t they get up and actually say it? If that\u2019s not what they are arguing for, why are they using that for the people that are excluded from this legislation\u2014the young people to date in decile 8 and up? Why can\u2019t they actually say, \u201CNo, this should be a universal policy and there should be universality as principle that sits behind this policy, this position.\u201D, but no; they can\u2019t do that. Or are they? And that\u2019s why I\u2019m confused.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EIt would be really good to know exactly what the plan is, instead of just\u2014and I know they\u2019re the Opposition and they\u2019re there to oppose, but we\u2019re getting to the point in the electoral cycle where it is actually pretty important to be able to articulate what your education policy positions are. I don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t understand and I suspect, therefore, the rest of the community doesn\u2019t either. All we get is a negative diatribe of facile arguments that are used against a piece of legislation that is actually providing $150 per student back into parents\u2019 pockets, up to decile 7.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003ENow, if you\u2019re on a low income, on a fixed income, on a low income, and you\u2019ve got three kids at school, that\u2019s $450 a year. That\u2019s actually not to be sneezed at. If you\u2019ve got kids doing NCEA, you\u2019re also going to save $76.70 per student on fees that you don\u2019t have to pay as well. If you\u2019ve got kids at university and you\u2019re on a low income, then they get a $50 a week boost to student loans and through their student allowance\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214459b64642149148bcb796f7a6a6184\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Back to the bill, please.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8667d4e67a444c0a67bde2034938825\u0022\u003EHon CLARE CURRAN\u003C/span\u003E: What that adds up to is more opportunities\u2014putting more income back into the pockets of parents who are on those lower incomes, and making sure that kids get opportunities. That\u2019s what this bill does. It\u2019s part of a much bigger suite of education policies, which I won\u2019t mention because I\u2019ll get pulled up for it, but that\u2019s what this is. It\u2019s actually about putting money into parents\u2019 pockets that otherwise would go to the school. Under the previous National Government every school was put under so much pressure that they had to ask parents for more and more donations to actually keep the school going. That\u2019s what this legislation is about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003ESo what I want to know is: what has the National Party got to say about that? Are they truly arguing for universality and that all school donations should go? Because, actually, if you listen to Jo Hayes, that certainly wasn\u2019t what she was arguing. She was arguing that parents should be giving donations no matter what their income is, because they should be scrimping and saving in order to pay for their children\u2019s education. So it sounded to me as if she was putting a counterargument to a free education for our children. That\u2019s what this side of the House\u2014the Labour and the coalition Government\u2014stand for: a free education for every child, and free means free; it doesn\u2019t mean a paying donation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222aa0b524-c38d-45aa-bd5b-99c5927085f4\u0022\u003EWhat this legislation does is quite simple, as has been described. It allows parents to keep that money for paying their bills, for putting more food on the table, for buying their kids shoes\u2014whatever it is\u2014rather than forking it over to the school, and that the school is able to continue to give them the best education possible. That\u2019s why this legislation\u2019s going forward. We would, as the Minister said, be rolling it out across the board. We can\u2019t do everything at once. This is a damn good start. I hope \u201Cdamn\u201D isn\u2019t an unparliamentary term. It is a damn good start: $265 million in the Wellbeing Budget. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022a1994ac14a5b4e45a2558629083ae32f\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 Education (School Donations) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 57\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; ACT New Zealand 1; Ross.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EBill read a third 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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002229be3a5c79aa46319432ebc206d1a123\u0022\u003EConservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229b3ed2d532f447828b350caeab1c2243\u0022\u003EIn Committee \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00227bbf9f2769b84fb589253ad15d481778\u0022\u003EPart 1  Amendments to Conservation Act 1987\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022 data-id=\u002261a10ea5b2d145e5ac064e99647fe3a7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000501\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002261a10ea5b2d145e5ac064e99647fe3a7\u0022\u003EDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I\u2019d like to take a brief call in this committee stage, and what I\u2019d like to focus on is clause 7, but before I do that I want to focus on why this bill is so important and what clause 7 is designed to do, because what we\u2019re talking about here is some incredibly threatened species. When I first spoke on this bill back at its first reading, what I talked about was my mum\u2019s experiences back in the 1930s, when she was growing up, and I was talking about whitebaiting. What they used to do was go down to the river and catch whitebait by the kerosene tin - full, and often they\u2019d bring them home and they\u2019d have so many left over they had to feed them to the chickens. From my own whitebait experiences back in the 1980s, we never caught, in the same rivers, more than a cupful. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EWhat we\u2019re seeing now, fast-forwarding to my children\u2019s own generation, is that over 70 percent of our freshwater species are either threatened or at risk of extinction, and that includes four of our whitebait species, along with lampreys and longfin eels. So what this bill does is it protects our threatened species, because nowhere else in terms of our native species are you able to go and\u2014say, for our native birds, depending on where they live, you can actually go and get them and use them for food. So this is something that\u2019s about protecting our indigenous species. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EIn clause 7, it talks about placing those restrictions on taking indigenous freshwater fish. It says, basically, \u201CA person must not take [an] indigenous freshwater fish from a conservation area except in accordance with an authorisation given under section 26ZHC(1)(a) or 26ZHD.\u201D For those that are not familiar with this, basically, at the moment, you can\u2019t fish for our native species in reserves or national parks without express authorisation, but this same protection doesn\u2019t cross over into all of our conservation areas. So what this is enabling us to do is create some protections around those areas so that our fish, when they\u2019re thinking about travelling upstream, spawning sites, etc., they can have some areas which are protected. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EBut what it also does in this clause is it also allows the Director-General of Conservation to authorise the taking of indigenous fish on application, and it also allows the director-general to authorise it by Gazette notice. What that allows is that ability to create regulations which will oversee how those freshwater fish are taken. So when you\u2019re talking about the director-general authorising the taking of fish by Gazette notice, what that needs to outline is the kinds of fish that can be taken, the areas from which they can be taken, and the manners in which they can be taken, because this is incredibly important in terms of being able to have those areas where we can fish, say, for whitebait but also those that are going to be protected. We\u2019ve got a Supplementary Order Paper here before the House, Supplementary Order Paper 360, that also talks about making sure that those regulations\u2014we have time to develop them up. What it talks about is any of those regulations not coming into force for a period of two years after commencement date, because we need to be able to do that consultation and get this right. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EDown South, where I live, many, many people love whitebaiting. It\u2019s really important in terms of\u2014you know, it\u2019s a pastime but it\u2019s also a way of getting food. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003ESitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022 data-id=\u0022fabf620f03ff4287b363b1e5e6f4e3e4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fabf620f03ff4287b363b1e5e6f4e3e4\u0022\u003ESARAH DOWIE (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Oh, thank you, Mr Chair. I am delighted to take a call on Part 1 of the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill. I do have to start by saying that this side of the House is disappointed that we cannot support this bill. Of course, we supported it at first reading to go to select committee to be worked through, to do our due diligence, because, of course, we do support conservation and want pragmatic solutions with respect to the protection of our indigenous freshwater fish. However, as I said in the first reading, this bill goes too far. It was a somewhat poor process, and we are left concerned, especially with Part 1, which is the operative section that sets out to in itself prohibit the taking of freshwater fish\u2014especially whitebait\u2014from the conservation estate, and also goes further to reserve the right to put in place further regulation with regard to the taking of whitebait outside of the conservation estate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EI note the member opposite started to talk about clause 7, and that is in fact the operative part which outlines the prohibition on people being able to take indigenous freshwater fish from the conservation estate unless there is express authorisation. As such, I have tabled in my name Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 389, which seeks to amend that clause 7 and insert a new section 26ZHE, which suggests that \u201C(1) A person may fish for whitebait from a conservation area in accordance with the Whitebait Fishing Regulations 1994 or [the] Whitebait Fishing (West Coast) Regulations 1994.\u201D I think that this illustrates the pragmatic side that we subscribe to here on this side of the House\u2014the National Party\u2014in that we understand that whitebaiting is a Kiwi tradition and that whitebaiting puts food on the table and it also creates livelihoods. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003ENow, that does not fly in the face of not wanting to eat populations to extinction; it\u2019s simply acknowledging a tradition, and we are of course favourable with respect to pragmatic regulation, practical regulation, that looks to conserve the species, but we are not supportive of a blanket prohibition. When it comes to the way clause 7 is written at the moment, and especially looking further, as we will debate into Part 2 with the transitional clauses, that basically allow whitebaiting on a conservation area for a transitional period of a year\u2014although I note that the Government itself has put in an SOP to extend that two years. That in itself suggests that there will be a blanket prohibition on the whitebaiting, moving forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EAs part of my SOP 389, I take it further and say that \u201C(2) The Director-General\u2014(a) must not take any action that would prohibit, or result in the effective prohibition of, \u2026 taking whitebait\u201D but can put in place measures to sustainably manage that fishery, and that may include things like looking at the net size that is used with respect to fishing, time limits for fishing, and the number of nets per person. So they\u2019re more pragmatic and practical measures to look to conserve the species moving forward, but not look to kill people\u2019s livelihoods or to stop a Kiwi tradition that has been ongoing for years and years and years and that allows people to go out and recreate and put food on the table. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003ESo we\u2019re looking at sensible solutions on this side of the House. We hope that the Minister in the chair, Eugenie Sage, will look at this SOP and see sense and support it. I know my colleague Maureen Pugh will speak about the effects of this on the West Coast, given that 85 percent of the land there is conservation estate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u0022e476db4bd9ba4341879c0167367a366f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e476db4bd9ba4341879c0167367a366f\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I\u2019m very pleased to take a call on the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill. This part of the Conservation Act has not been amended for two decades, so what this bill is seeking to do is ensure that we have a much better regime which integrates the Conservation Act, the Fisheries Act, and Treaty settlement legislation around the management of whitebait. We want to ensure that the whitebait fishery is sustainable for generations. We don\u2019t want people eating whitebait patties when they\u2019re looking at species that are threatened or at risk of extinction, and there are four of the six whitebait species\u2014the giant k\u014Dkopu, the shortjaw k\u014Dkopu, the k\u014Daro, and the \u012Bnanga\u2014which are all threatened or at risk of extinction. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EWhat the National Party and Ms Dowie\u2019s Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 389 is suggesting is that our native fish are a second-class indigenous species and that, unlike our birds and our plants, they should not be protected on conservation land outside national parks and reserves, because that is, effectively, what this SOP 389 would do. There is no biological, political, or legal reason why whitebait should be treated any differently to other native species, particularly given that 70 percent of native fish are threatened or at risk of extinction. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EWhat the National Party is also doing, as Ms Dowie made clear, is continuing to scaremonger about this bill and its impacts. What the bill does is ensure that the Director-General of Conservation (DG) is able to authorise whitebaiting in conservation areas, and, yes, there are a lot of conservation areas on the West Coast. It also, because of a suggestion and discussion with our Government colleagues in the New Zealand First Party, ensures that the ability for the DG to authorise whitebaiting and perhaps close some rivers, where there has been consultation on that, will not come into effect until at least two years after this bill becomes law. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ENow, Ms Dowie should well know that there are already whitebaiting regulations which set the length of the season, the length of screens, and the like that can be used and that actually help manage the fishery. There will not be any changes to those regulations without public consultation, and this has been a major theme of this Government\u2019s efforts to promote a sustainable whitebait fishery. There was considerable consultation last year, with people identifying what were the key issues for whitebait management. Some of those were issues like better protecting spawning areas, better protecting our whitebait habitat, and better managing the fishery, and that is what this bill will do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo this SOP, which Ms Dowie says is about being pragmatic, would mean that the director-general and the Department of Conservation could not have whitebait\u2014k\u014Dkopu, \u012Bnanga, all of those species\u2014protected anywhere on conservation land in the way that we protect birds. It\u2019s, effectively, saying that they\u2019re very different from Kiwi, from k\u0101k\u0101p\u014D, from k\u0101k\u0101\u2014they\u2019re a second-class indigenous species. There is no need for this SOP because the Government SOP in my name, SOP 360, is about providing more certainty to whitebaiters about this interim period of two years where there won\u2019t be any authorisation provisions in play and making sure that that transition is clear. But we do need to have some flexibility in the legislation that there may be reaches of rivers which could be closed to whitebaiting on conservation land for a temporary period or permanently, and in fact on the West Coast of the South Island, there are already a number of rivers which are closed to whitebaiting to ensure that these provide sanctuaries\u2014areas where whitebait can spawn safely without the risk of being fished\u2014and help boost the population that way. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo this authorisation process is really important because it will allow the director-general, on a case by case basis, river by river, informed by public submissions, to decide whether whitebaiting is consistent with the management of that conservation area. So it is all about having a much better managed, much more sustainable fishery to provide for whitebaiting for generations to come. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022 data-id=\u0022c65b456a02844e169254d385885a607f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c65b456a02844e169254d385885a607f\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Chair. I too stand to speak to a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) tonight in the committee stage of the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill, and that is Supplementary Order Paper 390 and that is the tabled amendment to the former Supplementary Order Paper that was submitted. It is in the name of my colleague Sarah Dowie. Now, Ms Dowie is a former lawyer with the Department of Conservation and National\u2019s spokesperson on conservation. I\u2019ve got to say, her pragmatic approach to conservation is to be applauded, and this amendment is a classic example of that pragmatism that we are already talking about here tonight. I\u2019ve got to say, it\u2019s not clouded by idealistic goals or blanket rules or a dictatorship mentality. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EWhat this SOP seeks to do is to put a new subsection into new section 26ZJA in clause 9. It inserts that new section 26ZJA as it relates to situations where the Director-General of Conservation identifies a spawning area, and we are talking mostly about a spawning area for whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003ENow, as it currently reads, the bill allows for the Director-General of Conservation to \u201Cdeclare an area as a spawning area if the Director-General has reasonable grounds\u201D\u2014not proof\u2014that the area is to be used or can be used or is being used for the spawning of freshwater fish. It is if he has \u201Creasonable grounds\u201D, or it is suitable for the spawning of freshwater fish\u2014\u201Csuitable\u201D\u2014but what on earth does that mean? If it\u2019s suitable and there\u2019s no freshwater fish there right now but they might take up residence at some time in the future, is that suitable? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EWhen I read that, I thought, well, that sounds a little bit like KiwiBuild to me. It\u2019s \u201CBuild it and they will come.\u201D, and we know how that turned out. So this SOP suggests that before such a declaration is made over private property\u2014and remember we are talking about private property here\u2014the director-general must consult with that property owner. I actually believe that that\u2019s a very reasonable suggestion. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EThe SOP also suggests that the director-general must provide for an appeal process so that the private property owner actually can be heard\u2014his views can be heard and taken into consideration. We\u2019re talking about private property, and generally that will be in a rural area. It is likely to be a farm of some type. Also this SOP suggests that the director-general must give effect to the private property owner\u2019s rights to justice under section 27 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EI would even go further with this SOP, Ms Dowie, and suggest that if there actually is a national good to declaring private property to be a suitable spawning area, then surely there is a national obligation to that private property owner to offer some kind of recompense, because what\u2019s going to happen is if there is a declaration made\u2014and I\u2019m talking about fair and reasonable recompense\u2014because there is going to be loss of use of that land, and remember that once that declaration has been made, then no further modification can happen to that particular parcel of land. There\u2019ll be no grazing, there\u2019ll be no cropping, and possibly you can\u2019t even take the kids and the dog for a swim down there during the summer. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m challenging the assertion in this bill that whitebait, of course, is only part of the freshwater fish that we are seeking to protect. As I\u2019ve said in this House before, the only expert that we have been able to find in this country is a man who works out of Canterbury University. He will assert, based on his research and science, that whitebait are not actually threatened with extinction. It is their habitat that is at risk, but the species certainly is not. So if the habitat is really the issue at heart here, then what is the problem\u2014[Bell rung]\u2014with our regional councils\u2014 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002248ddcbc3d3d841feb73ddef2974bfd0b\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Are you seeking another call? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e94ade169a04dd08a97d69f2a4d02e8\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, Mr Chair. So I would assert that our regional councils, who are charged with the administration of the Resource Management Act, have the oversight by mandate to protect those habitats. I can assure you that the West Coast Regional Council does take account of whitebait habitat when they are considering resource consent applications. So if that\u2019s not working in other parts of the country, I suggest that we look at the processes that those regional councils are following and maybe use the example of the West Coast Regional Council in how they are managing habitat over there. They are a really good example. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EThis SOP does ensure that the private property rights of these rural landowners are protected, that their voice is heard, and that they have an opportunity to challenge or to have input into any declaration that the Director-General of Conservation may make over their private property. As I said, Ms Dowie, I think we could even go one step further and protect that private property right by asking that the recompense for the loss of use of that land for the national good is paid for. Thank you very much, Mr Chair. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022 data-id=\u00225c63c9ff0b05409c8ec72f98e320f8b7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225c63c9ff0b05409c8ec72f98e320f8b7\u0022\u003ESARAH DOWIE (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I rise to take a second call on Part 1 and follow on from my colleague with respect to what was Supplementary Order Paper 390, which has been replaced by a tabled amendment. I thank the Table Office for helping me with that amendment and what was a drafting error by them\u2014something that was lost in translation. They helped me fix that up at the eleventh hour to make sure that the tabled amendment was quite clear with respect to new section 26ZJA in clause 9 that natural justice principles and consultation with affected landowners\u2014where the Director-General of Conservation has a reasonable belief that there is a spawning site there and is looking to gazette it, they will undertake consultation with that affected landowner prior to the notice being gazetted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EMy colleague Maureen Pugh has talked quite extensively about the potential of what could happen on the Coast with respect to 85 percent of the landmass there being conservation estate, and certainly with a great deal of it in the Southland region being conservation estate, but this amendment and the powers with respect to spawning sites and the declaration thereof apply to private land and will affect private property owners\u2019 rights. Again, as my colleague said, there is an issue with whitebait habitat protection and we do want to see its habitat protected so it can spawn, but equally, when you have private property, you do have rights and you want to be able to use your land in the best means possible. So my tabled amendment suggests that there should be, prior to that Gazette notice and that process, consultation with the property owner. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003ECertainly, within the Environment Committee this was teased out some more, because I was concerned as I talked to officials as to the process for this and as to how they would go about it, especially if there were, for example, commercial activities going on on that property such as gravel extraction and farming activities. For the director-general to come in on the basis of a reasonable belief and put a stop to that has significant social and economic effects on that private property owner. So consultation is key if there is a reasonable belief that there is a spawning site on that property, and I think that the Department of Conservation would have an onus to undertake that consultation and make itself aware fully of the potential impacts that protection of a spawning site on private property would have on that property owner. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EThe second thing that the tabled amendment does is provide for an appeal process. What I\u2019m meaning there is an internal appeal process, at this point, that if the director-general makes a preliminary decision that, yes, in fact, he or she believes\u2014he at this point\u2014that there should be a declaration that there is a spawning site to allow an appeal process to occur, he is to have that decision reviewed and make sure that he has arrived at that decision in an objective way, because we certainly don\u2019t want any interference or any undue influence to breach a good process to arrive at that decision, and as part of that, those economic, those social, impacts need to be properly considered. Then, of course, we have paragraph (c) that gives effect to section 27 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, which is to allow for an appeal process for judicial review and bring civil proceedings if that landowner there disagrees with the decision. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003ESo I, again, submit that these are practical amendments to a bill that was introduced as being minor and technical, but we can see it is anything but. It has wide-reaching ramifications that certainly I don\u2019t think have been worked through properly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u0022a0d19ce7be7a4a27890198456a47e53e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a0d19ce7be7a4a27890198456a47e53e\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chairman. I\u2019ll just take the opportunity to take a five-minute call on an issue that I guess goes to the heart of many, many West Coasters\u2014not all of them, but many\u2014and I guess is part of what would be considered our local culture. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI officially have to acknowledge that because of the huge amount of conservation area in our region, actually, we still have a good whitebait fishery for the most part. We don\u2019t know much about it, I have to say. As has been pointed out by Opposition members over there, we should know a lot more, and it would be great if we did. But there has been an informal process and approach to whitebaiting that I have to say really can\u2019t be supported in the long term. What we have is a whole lot of different fishing methods, we have a whole lot of different rivers, and we have a whole lot of different outcomes. So one river might not have much fish one year and another one might have a whole lot, and we have no idea why. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EOne thing we do accept, and I\u2019m not quite sure that I have the confidence in the West Coast Regional Council to protect all spawning sites\u2014I\u2019m not sure that that\u2019s been the reality in the past. There is an acknowledgment, of course, we\u2019ve had\u2014like many other parts of New Zealand\u2014intensification of land use and we\u2019ve had conversion from indigenous forests into farmland, and that has limited the spawning sites for whitebait. Luckily, our region still has a huge amount, as I said before, of conservation area. Spawning sites are still, I guess, pretty prevalent, particularly in South Westland, which is why people catch literally tonnes and tonnes of whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EWe do have a strange anomaly in that in most other fisheries in the country, even with eels as an indigenous species, we have some controls on them and we have limits. But in whitebait we have none, and I have to say I get somewhat uneasy when I think about the long-term sustainability of the fishery for our region\u2014I\u2019ll be bluntly parochial and say \u201Cfor our region\u201D\u2014where we\u2019ve appreciated and enjoyed the privilege of having lots of whitebait. Indeed, in the past they put kerosene tins in the garden. You\u2019ll hear those stories and they were true, but they\u2019re not so prevalent now. While you have some big catches, the vast majority of the time there are more people catching lesser amounts of whitebait, but still enjoying the whole process and enjoying the eating experience. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ESo, from a regional perspective, we have to protect this for our long-term benefit. Indeed, there was a regional plan, a development plan, done by the previous Government that identified whitebait as one of the potential opportunities for the West Coast region into the future. I think that was perhaps one of the wiser things to come from that whole report. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI met with someone who was talking about breeding \u012Bnanga and some other whitebait, and I didn\u2019t think it would be kind of possible from a commercial perspective at all. I\u2019ve now seen the operation and accept that there are opportunities in this area that would supplement what we would call the natural fishery. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe issue of whether we can sustain huge catches on what we would call a commercial basis without any protection of habitat I think is a question we should answer, and without information, it\u2019s really, really difficult. So whitebaiters are concerned that when they have a lean year, they want to close rivers, and when they have a really good year, they want to carry on and have a longer season. It\u2019s simply the nature of humans, I guess. But I do support the Minister in her attempts through this legislation to have some more control. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ENow we would expect the Director-General of Conservation, on the basis of Supplementary Order Paper 389, or the amendment here, to be cautious and to be responsible in taking any decisions in terms of spawning sites on private land, which is under Supplementary Order Paper 390, or, under Supplementary Order Paper 389, of course, in terms of closing or restricting access. There are many rivers on conservation land that support huge catches and regular catches of whitebait, and, indeed, that should continue. But if we do discover some warning signals and some threats to the species, I guess the Minister\u2019s asking for the right, through the director-general, to be able to close that for some period to try and protect the species. Now, indeed, whitebaiters ask for that from time to time\u2014not all the time, but when they have a lean year. Again, going back to a precautionary approach that will deliver long-term benefits for the West Coast, I support the legislation as long as the responsible decision-making is made by the director-general and the Minister. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI know there\u2019s lots of opinions about different Governments. Indeed it was the National Government in 1994 that proposed restricting and shortening the whitebait season. As the local member, I took that to the Regulations Review Committee, got that overturned, and, indeed, we here now still have two weeks in November that would not have been there because the National Government wanted to shorten it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ENow, to give some credit to the National Government, at the time they saw that there were some threats to whitebait, and they had to look at tweaking the season. The new National Party seems to not consider that a real threat. It is an indigenous species, and I have to say that in a previous part of this here, where Fish \u0026amp; Game are going to give the Government some advice, quite frankly, I wouldn\u2019t listen to them. They look after a species called trout that do a lot of damage to whitebait. So I have to say that we have to balance what Fish \u0026amp; Game want and what we want for our indigenous species. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ESo we\u2019re hoping that the director-general, on behalf of the Government of the day, would be responsible in any changes to access to rivers on conservation land. But we have to accept the reality that we have lots of whitebait in South Westland because we have lots of conservation land. I, from time to time, have to remind whitebaiters of that. They are quick to jump up and down and criticise the department, but indeed without some of the protection of that conservation land, we would have less whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EReally, in summary, I\u2019m just saying that we\u2019ll take the advice of the Environment Committee regarding Supplementary Order Paper 390 on the issue of spawning sites and the obligation to consult. The select committee, as I understand, did not consider that should occur. So I, without hearing the submissions myself, will listen to the advice and say that the status quo should remain, and we don\u2019t need an amendment through Supplementary Order Paper 390. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ETo come back to the one on Supplementary Order Paper 389, the member on the opposite side there thinks that you should restrict the ability of a landowner to make decisions for their land, and, indeed, I guess that was part of the Supplementary Order Paper 390 consideration as well. But here the director-general will only make that call, I\u2019m sure, after consultation, should the habitat be considered to be under threat. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ESo I just say, on behalf of the West Coast, we want to protect our fishery. The vast majority of whitebaiters down there are responsible. They want to do the right thing. But we have such a variety of fishing methods, from single-scoop nets to extensive net systems across rivers, that the impact on the fishery from one river to another is dramatically different. We have to, I think, bring in some controls to protect it for the long-term sustainability of the fishery. While the legislation may not be perfect\u2014and I respect the right of the Opposition to raise issues\u2014in the end we have to trust the judgment and the wisdom of parliamentary process to protect indigenous species, to make proper consultation calls, and then to only make changes where necessary. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022 data-id=\u0022c750e818c80c409291e6137d7ae5bc80\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c750e818c80c409291e6137d7ae5bc80\u0022\u003ESARAH DOWIE (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Well, that member opposite, Damien O\u2019Connor, is very hopeful, isn\u2019t he? I can\u2019t believe that contribution\u2014that we hope for the best. That is symptomatic of the introduction of this bill that it was introduced with haste, that there wasn\u2019t proper consultation at the onset, that it has gone through quite a fraught process, and that, from our opinion, on this side, there are many, many holes. That is what my Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs) seek to do\u2014to dam the leaks of this bill, in fact. We\u2019re not hoping for the best; we want to legislate for the best. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EWith respect to officials answering me about the process for declaring spawning sites, while there was an indication that of course we will adhere to natural justice principles, saying that and delivering that in real terms can often vary dramatically from case to case. Isn\u2019t that interesting, too, that the member opposite talked about prohibitions and closing rivers? Well, I\u2019m sorry, but that\u2019s a ban. That is a ban on taking whitebait in certain areas, and we can all see where this is going if we don\u2019t put in practical solutions to manage the fishery, looking laterally at different ways to do that. There is not only an option to close rivers from fishing but there are other practical solutions, as outlined and my SOPs, as to ways that that can occur. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s interesting, too. My colleague Maureen Pugh actually pointed out on YouTube a recording of a meeting that had occurred with commercial whitebait fishers and recreational whitebait fishers on the Coast. There was a scientist there who was on the consultation group, who openly said that he is in consultation with the Department of Conservation as to the closure of certain rivers. Again, the closure of rivers means a ban on taking whitebait, and I simply do not believe that we are at the state that we need to close rivers at this stage. I think that there are still pragmatic measures that we can put in place to conserve whitebait but also to sustain the fishery. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EBut my contribution on this point will be with respect to my final SOP, which is SOP 391, and that is with respect to the regulation-making power in Part 1. What I would like to do there is to insert new section 48A(1) in clause 16(3A) so that before making any recommendation, the Minister must consult with any person or organisation that is likely to be substantially affected by any regulations. I do that for the simple reason that I have not seen meaningful consultation. I have seen a bamboozled process\u2014one of this bill going through the House with a lack of consultation. That was outlined in the regulatory impact statement. The bill was introduced with haste. There wasn\u2019t proper consultation undertaken. At a separate point, there was another process undertaken with respect specifically to whitebait, and then that morphed into something else. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EAs you can see, it\u2019s all smoke and mirrors as to what\u2019s going on with respect to the management of the whitebait fishery moving forward, and so this SOP clearly outlines that there must be consultation with those affected before any regulations are put in place. It\u2019s symptomatic, again, of this Government to rush things through and not undertake meaningful consultation. We don\u2019t trust that with the best of legislation with holes in it, it will transpire that the best of situations will be the outcome. We want to make sure that it is there in black and white and that process is followed, and that for these people where their livelihoods are affected and their recreation is affected, and where Kiwi traditions are affected, there is meaningful consultation to arrive at regulations that are, again, effective and can, hopefully, provide a win-win moving forward, and also we want that scientific and quantitative evidence taken into account, because, quite frankly, there is dispute over the science with respect to population of whitebait. There is dispute over the evidence that the population of whitebait is declining. There is a lack of research that is available on each river within our catchments within our regions, and I think that there needs to be some of that undertaken so that we can get a very good grasp on what is going on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003ELook, in my region, in Southland, in the wilds of Fiordland, there are rivers that are untouched, that basically house spawning grounds where whitebait are thriving. But let\u2019s ascertain that in a quantitative way, and especially on the West Coast, where there is 85 percent of the landmass there being designated conservation estate. Let\u2019s start doing that research. Let\u2019s start working with whitebaiters to understand what their catch has been from season to season and to put in place regulation that is effective, that is practical, that is pragmatic, and that actually means something, rather than just putting in place measures because somebody thinks that that\u2019s the right thing to do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EAs I said, there are two sides to this argument. Whitebaiting is a Kiwi tradition, and also our indigenous fish are very important to us all, so let\u2019s meet in the middle. Let\u2019s pass these SOPs that I have put up, let\u2019s knock this bill into shape, and let\u2019s bring about some solutions that are good for regional New Zealand but also good for our native fish. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u002297934bc54410415bb43a3d402c83ff2d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002297934bc54410415bb43a3d402c83ff2d\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. It\u2019s really interesting: the previous speaker, Sarah Dowie, was talking about a lack of consultation, but seemed to be totally unaware earlier this year, in asking me questions in the House, about the consultation that the Department of Conservation had done around whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThere was a report that was put up in May this year called New Zealanders\u2019 views on whitebait management: Summary of findings from a public engagement process. In that process, 3,000 people engaged, and they highlighted 18 major issues for whitebait, including habitat loss, obstacles to fish passage, problems with fisheries compliance, and knowledge gap. Of those who responded, 90 percent believed that changes were needed to make New Zealand\u2019s whitebait fishery more sustainable, and that is what this bill is about. It is based on public concern that the management of the fishery needs to improve, and some of the management options that people were supporting in that process included protecting and restoring whitebait habitat, closing some rivers to whitebait fishing, shortening the season, reducing catch limits, and ending the commercial sale of whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe bill doesn\u2019t do anything around that, because any changes to the way the fishery is managed happen through regulation, and there will be further consultation on that in a document that will come out later this year. But protection of spawning sites is absolutely critical if the species of whitebait are to thrive. The Hon Damien O\u2019Connor was correct that it is because there is a large amount of conservation land where habitat is protected that there is such a good fishery on the West Coast, but we have a local member saying that the habitat is at risk, not the species. That\u2019s why the provisions in the bill around protection of spawning sites are so important. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ECan I reassure any landowners who are listening that the bill actually clarifies the situation in relation to spawning sites, so that any sites that the Director-General of Conservation declares on reasonable grounds\u2014and that already provides a significant threshold, which would open the director-general up to judicial review, as Duncan Webb noted, if the grounds were not reasonable. It makes it certain what those sites are and, in fact, it loosens the current legislation by ensuring that some activities on those spawning sites can be restricted, but not all. So the bill is making it much clearer what happens at those spawning sites, and it will also enable some activities like the mowing of grass margins to be potentially restricted to protect the spawning habitat. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000558\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EWhat the National Opposition seems to fail to understand is the whole life cycle of some of the whitebait species, where the adult fish swim downstream in the autumn, they lay their eggs on long grass\u2014this is for \u012Bnanga\u2014and then those eggs must stay moist. Then they must hatch at the next spring tide, go out to sea, and grow bigger there, and then, in the spring, they come back upstream. So it is protecting those spawning sites from things like vegetation damage which helps ensure that we get a good catch in subsequent seasons. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ENow, Ms Dowie\u2019s Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 390, which is putting in a requirement to always consult landowners, is putting a burden on the department that doesn\u2019t apply in other areas. Under the Local Government Act 2002 and under the Resource Management Act, the councils don\u2019t have to consult every single landholder when they are putting provisions in their district plans which may affect those landholders, so it would go well beyond what other laws would require. The provisions in the SOP around natural justice and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act\u2014it is normal that those sorts of provisions apply. They don\u2019t need to be repeated in the bill, as the SOP proposes, and the SOP is putting landholders above all others. It may be that the protection of spawning areas might affect gravel extractors, for example, or it might affect road-controlling authorities. So, in that SOP, it\u2019s just treating one interest above all others, and that makes no sense. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe National Opposition is asserting that if you own land, you therefore have a right to control fish in the water, but that is not the case in law. Fish move around. We want to ensure that their habitat is protected so that we get a sustainable fishery. The bill, in these provisions around spawning sites, is making sure that happens. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EI\u2019d also like to point out that the SOP that is in my name\u2014SOP 360\u2014does make a small change around the spawning areas to reassure the concerns of Fish \u0026amp; Game, because they wanted to ensure that for any areas that were used by spawning trout, their ability to protect those areas was also safeguarded by the bill. There was just a minor drafting error there that didn\u2019t ensure that those areas could be sustained. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe other SOP in Ms Dowie\u2019s name\u2014SOP 391\u2014states the obvious, which is that scientific information would be considered in drafting regulations. Of course it will be considered, but we have a major problem in the whitebait fishery that the Hon Damien O\u2019Connor mentioned, which is that it hasn\u2019t been properly regulated. There is no requirement for fishers to provide catch returns. That is one of the reasons why there is so little information\u2014because it is not a well-regulated fishery. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EUnlike any of the quota species, catch returns don\u2019t have to be provided, even though there are large elements of the fishery that are commercial. There is information, though, on the state of our native fish from a lot of the ecological surveys that the Department of Conservation does. That shows that 70 percent of our native fish and four out of the six whitebait species are threatened with extinction. Yes, because of the large area of conservation land on the West Coast, the fishery is a lot better there, but elsewhere around New Zealand, people want to go fishing for whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EPeople want to be able to experience streams where our native fish are abundant. This bill is about making sure that whitebait all over New Zealand are in good health, and about providing the tools to ensure that we can have good regulations to better manage the fishery to make it more sustainable and to better protect our spawning sites and manage activities that happen on those sites. To make it more certain for landholders, fishers, and everyone where those sites are through that declaration process that the director-general can do, and to ensure that the whole of the legislation is simpler to administer, you haven\u2019t got the complexity that this Government inherited. We want to reassure whitebaiters, too, that the bill ensures that the status quo prevails for the next two years in terms of authorisations to fish on conservation land, but given that a lot of the public submissions that came back were saying that some areas need to be closed, that is what the provisions in the bill will enable the director-general, through a proper process, to do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s about sustaining the fishery. It is not\u2014as the National Party has repeatedly scaremongered\u2014about putting in place a complete ban on whitebaiting. It is closing potential reaches of some rivers, and that will be done after public consultation. It is scaremongering by the National Party to claim a ban, and it\u2019s indicating that the National Party\u2014for all its claims that it cares about conservation\u2014wants our native fish to be second-class species and not to have the ability on conservation land to have the same protection that kiwi, k\u0101k\u0101, whio, and all of our native plants and our wildlife have. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThis bill is improving the tools. The National Party doesn\u2019t like that. They did nothing about that in their last term. We want to ensure that we have a healthy fish population, that the whitebait fishery is sustainable, and that people can go on enjoying whitebait patties for many years to come. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022 data-id=\u0022da00cbda889e436481a467aaea92a3ed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022da00cbda889e436481a467aaea92a3ed\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Chair. Well, what a load of rubbish. What we\u2019ve seen here tonight and heard from these people on the other side of the Chamber is all the hope. They\u2019ve got all this hope about \u201CThings will be fine. Just trust me, we know what we\u2019re doing.\u201D Well, I\u2019m sorry, Minister Sage, but we don\u2019t trust you, because we are seeing the slow creep\u2014the slow creep\u2014of loss of property rights, the slow creep of the loss of our ability to go out and catch our whitebait. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EThere are incremental steps being taken to ensure that the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand is shut down, and we are seeing that with significant natural areas (SNAs). Leaked documents from the Minister\u2019s own department\u2014SNAs, which will take 35 percent of private property off the Coast. So no wonder we\u2019re a little bit nervous when you say \u201CTrust me, we will do the best for the whitebait.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EWell, I\u2019m going to speak to Supplementary Order Paper 391 in the name of Sarah Dowie. What this does in clause 16(3A) is it replaces the new section 48A(1) with new wording: \u201CBefore making any recommendation under subsection (1), the Minister must\u2014(a) consult any person or organisation that the Minister considers is likely to be substantially affected by, or will be representative of the interests of people likely to be substantially affected by, the regulations; and (b) take into account any scientific and quantitative evidence available.\u201D We have never in the course of the passage of this bill had any scientific or quantitative evidence made available. In fact, the only scientific evidence that I can recall is the presentation that I did in a former reading of this bill from a fish biologist. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EI\u2019m going to argue that there is sufficient concern over the details and powers afforded to the Director-General of Conservation and the Minister in this bill that 3,000 people submitted on it. The irony that I\u2019ve heard tonight is that the only submission that made any change\u2014which was to clause 5 of this bill\u2014was made by Fish \u0026amp; Game, through the advocacy of the National Party. We\u2019ve already heard in the committee tonight that we shouldn\u2019t take any notice of Fish \u0026amp; Game, yet they\u2019re the only ones that were listened to by this Government when they made the only alteration to this bill as it passed through this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003ESo who do we listen to? \u201CTrust me.\u201D, we are told. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EWhat this bill does is it proves that this is not based on science or quantitative evidence, but let me tell you, the only data that showed any long-term trend in the whitebait catches was done between 1934 and 1974 on the West Coast. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225982e985e3be47c8890e4b7b56c38e7d\u0022\u003ESarah Dowie\u003C/span\u003E: Interesting. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225f0ea265aa664de29f86b63461980cdb\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH\u003C/span\u003E: Very interesting, Ms Dowie, because what it actually showed was incremental increase in the stock numbers of whitebait\u2014increase in the numbers. Now, that is quantitative data and evidence that we need to be using when we pass legislation in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EA fish biologist and whitebaiter has been researching whitebait on the West Coast and around the country for the past 15 years\u2014so a scientist who has the qualifications to comment. He is telling us that, including the habitat restoration, changes in populations in each of the five species as they returned to rivers, etc., etc.,\u2014that\u2019s what he\u2019s been studying. He said whitebait larvae produced on the West Coast washed out to sea and followed the currents around the bottom of the South Island and back up to the Canterbury rivers. So what he is telling us\u2014this scientist providing scientific evidence and quantitative data\u2014is we are not catching an endangered species. We are not catching an endangered species, but habitat was vital. As a consequence, the West Coast of the South Island is the only part of the country that has closed rivers for that very purpose. It already has 61 West Coast creeks and rivers that are closed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022 data-id=\u0022dd5efd08f0564c9cb7e0ff99cc25bf34\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dd5efd08f0564c9cb7e0ff99cc25bf34\u0022\u003EJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Chair. Absolute pleasure to stand on behalf of New Zealand First and take a call on the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill in its committee stage. It is my pleasure to take this call and I would just like to say: good news\u2014good news\u2014the whitebait patty is not off the menu. There will be no blanket ban on whitebaiting, so let\u2019s get that absolutely clear. That is the good news, not the fake news that we\u2019re hearing from the other side of the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EThere is a whakatauk\u012B which reads\u2014and I\u2019ll do it in the English language\u2014\u201CFish for the future and there will always be more\u201D. That is about conservation. That is about taking care of the stock of our fish. If you want fish for the future, then you need to make sure you plan for it by taking care of the habitat and by taking care of the species. We have a number of species in New Zealand which are threatened\u2014our indigenous fish are threatened\u2014and that\u2019s why, on this side of the House, this piece of legislation is so important. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EI would like to speak to the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) in the name of the Minister, SOP 360. I would like to acknowledge the work that has been done between New Zealand First and Minister Sage for ensuring that any new authorisation process for whitebaiting on conservation areas would not come into force any earlier than two years after the bill is in place. That will give ample time for consultation to happen. It will give time for the processes that need to go through, discussions between iwi, discussions with fishers, and looking at how the habitat and these species can be managed so that in the future there is plenty of stock. I\u2019d like to acknowledge the Minister for taking part in the conversations with New Zealand First there. On that, I would like to take a very short call and thank the Minister on our behalf. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u0022de094ffde98f47b58606c371e54d02e3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022de094ffde98f47b58606c371e54d02e3\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Minister for Climate Change):\u003C/span\u003E I move that the motion now be put. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 360 in the name of the Hon Eugenie Sage, and the following amendment in her name, to Part 1 be agreed to: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003Ein clause 16(3), in new section 48A(1)(s), replace \u201C26ZJA(4)\u201D with \u201C26ZJA(5)\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00224f82df3937a244f8b33cd8babb4ab2e8\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 amendments be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendments agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000582\u0022\u003EThe question was put that the amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 389 in the name of Sarah Dowie to Part 1 be agreed to. \u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002206a717febe92480ebf7e7b04ce42d83f\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 amendments be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendments not agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000583\u0022\u003EThe question was put that the following amendment in the name of Sarah Dowie be agreed to: \u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000584\u0022\u003Ein clause 9, in new section 26ZJA, insert after subsection (1): \u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000585\u0022\u003E(1A)\tBefore the Director-General declares by Gazette an area on private property to be a spawning area, the Director-General must\u2014\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000586\u0022\u003E(a)\tconsult the property owner; and \u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000587\u0022\u003E(b)\tprovide for an appeal process, which must include a right for the property owner to be heard; and \u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000588\u0022\u003E(c)\tgive effect to the property owner\u2019s right to justice under section 27 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. \u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002292914ec80b76470e9ef655cb34b5f1a7\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 amendment be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendment not agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000589\u0022\u003EThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 391 in the name of Sarah Dowie to clause 16 be agreed to. \u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00223d914c0139d54cc38311e5861c12f16c\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 amendment be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendment not agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000590\u0022\u003EPart 1 as amended agreed to. \u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f033bc704e0946f2bde43ef00278434e\u0022\u003EPart 2  Amendments to Freshwater Fisheries Regulations 1983\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00221ae124f530354b9ba5425ee11dd27ecd\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 Part 2 be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EPart 2 agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000593\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002242ac780614b44e2a81336701b20264f6\u0022\u003ESchedule\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022fcbb73ce294940c781f9952d57729e0b\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 Schedule be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ESchedule agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000594\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002211b554d2088f4b8f8cb77e5020d57e77\u0022\u003EClauses 1 to 3\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022 data-id=\u00228e7bbf657e814056805ac0ff644a7bba\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228e7bbf657e814056805ac0ff644a7bba\u0022\u003ESARAH DOWIE (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I will simply round off this debate by making a general statement about the title and, of course, given that that is wide ranging, about the bill in general. What we have heard in this debate in this committee of the whole House is contradictory statements from that side of the House\u2014pretty much \u201CTrust us, we know what we\u2019re doing. Trust us, there isn\u2019t going to be a ban.\u201D\u2014but then, in the same breath, talk about closures of rivers. The simple fact is that this bill reserves the right to do that. There is the power to implement a complete ban, and to simply say \u201CTrust us, we know what we\u2019re doing.\u201D, without adequate quantitative, evidential research being undertaken is simply a nonsense. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EWe are not sure what is happening with the population numbers of whitebait. We have had reports from various whitebait fishers and other scientists that the species is not endangered but that there are some issues about habitat in different locations. However, by and large, things are going\u2014 and excuse the pun\u2014pretty swimmingly for whitebait, and that there have been reports of record catches this season. So the population is doing well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EWhitebaiting is a Kiwi tradition, as I have said. It puts food on the table and, in some cases, creates livelihoods for people. My Supplementary Order Papers, which have been declined, would have made this bill more pragmatic and allowed more practical solutions to provide a win-win between allowing this activity to continue and also protecting the species. Nevertheless, should this bill go through unchanged, it will reserve the powers to ban the activity of whitebaiting\u2014that is what it does in black and white. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EIn the first instance, it says that the taking of indigenous fish\u2014aka whitebait\u2014from the conservation estate is prohibited unless there is express authorisation to do so. What is then elaborated on in Part 2 is a transitional period that allows whitebaiting for a year\u2014now extended\u2014that I asked for in select committee. That was declined at select committee, but now the Minister has thought better of it and will extend it to two years. After that, without express authorisation, the taking of whitebait from the conservation estate is prohibited, and that is in black and white. Then, with respect to taking of indigenous fish from outside the conservation area, you must do so in accordance with the regulation, and it is with those powers that the Minister reserves the right to place bans on the taking of indigenous fish. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000600\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EI\u2019m sorry; it doesn\u2019t matter which way you look at it, but you can see in black and white in this bill that this bill is not about hoping for the best. It is a rushed bill; it is more than minor and technical. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EWe cannot rely on the Department of Conservation to do the best it can. We need to put in place pragmatic solutions to make sure that our whitebait is protected and that our Kiwi tradition of fishing is protected, and, equally, that due process is followed, that New Zealanders\u2019 pastimes and traditions are protected for the long term, and that the fishery is made sustainable in the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a poor bill. We don\u2019t support it. We wanted to put in place pragmatic solutions to make it better. That was declined by this Government, and, again, it is an assault on provincial New Zealand from that side of the House. This Government supposedly knows best and wants to tell us how to act on our land and what to do, even though, as the member opposite, Mr Damien O\u2019Connor, said, whitebait fishers want to do their best and preserve their Kiwi pastime for the future. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229884e8e8-651f-4f48-a429-70b72d5e2821\u0022\u003EThis Government does not know best. This Government has asserted that through a poor piece of legislation, and hence we do not support this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022 data-id=\u00224c5cf4141ab745fc892154ac26d7df82\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224c5cf4141ab745fc892154ac26d7df82\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH (National):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019d just like to round off my contribution too, and speak very briefly to Part 2 and endorse the words of my colleague\u2014 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a27dba63bf9d4f20bbfb94b087a5e6b9\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re doing clauses 1 to 3. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc876e274bbf4521a03fcf20cc3ee5e7\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH\u003C/span\u003E: Excuse me\u2014clause 2, not Part 2. I endorse the contribution of my colleague Sarah Dowie, who, as I mentioned before, is highly qualified to make a contribution to this bill based on her previous experience in a legal capacity within the Department of Conservation, and now as a spokesperson for conservation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EWe have heard very little from the Government\u2019s side tonight to give us any confidence that we are on the right track with this piece of legislation. We have heard very little or nothing in the way of science that supports the need for this bill. In fact, we are unsure about what it is that we are trying to protect and save, when, actually, we have no evidence that there is a need to protect or save, and I have made that really clear in my contributions, which have been based on the scientific evidence. So what we have done is put whitebait into the same category, in terms of risk, as the North Island brown kiwi, which takes four years to mature and might produce four to six eggs a year, whereas at least 20,000 \u012Bnanga, that live for just a year, exist in the smallest of small streams or creeks on the West Coast, with equal numbers of male and female, produce up to 6,000 eggs each. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003ESo, as I\u2019ve said in this House before, we are never going to catch the last whitebait. We do not believe that there is a need to reserve all of the power in a person who has reserved the right, through this piece of legislation, to bring in regulation that will, in effect, create a ban on whitebaiting and that will, in effect, determine that private property rights are at risk. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022abbbdd41dd0248f2b996c078a362ea7b\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: Oh come on, Maureen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022290dc7e05a654a389c1e5635abb28fe1\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH\u003C/span\u003E: We hear from the Greens\u2014you know, the Greens sigh and moan because we produce evidence that supports our argument. But\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ee783d0bf294187a767f10c53c4fae3\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: This is actually a really narrow debate on clauses 1, 2, and 3, and the member has gone way off clauses 1, 2, and 3, so come back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022495951651f6c4e90b03274907df40a03\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH\u003C/span\u003E: I appreciate that, Mr Chair. At the moment, I am disheartened by the process and I have no pleasure in watching this bill progress through the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003EClause 1 agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00229902156087cd4b36be4d264e687edfbb\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 clause 2 be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EClause 2 agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022aa9e5826932745b5a6265e16587dbe70\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 clause 3 be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56 \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EClause 3 agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000614\u0022\u003EBill to be reported with amendment presently. \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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c94f6db1629e49dcb85b6678440bf1fc\u0022\u003ELocal Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00228f2435fd5a324d659336fe7d7f3903d3\u0022\u003EIn Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000617\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 26 September.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022ab3d3027a13e4da5ae22fedf88f6ef93\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 clause 1 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EClause 1 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000618\u0022\u003EThe question was put that the amendment set out on Supplementary Order Paper 323 in the name of the Hon Nanaia Mahuta to clause 2 be agreed to.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002225b131c27b3c4f1d9e0d5fc1f6a0d4bd\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 amendment be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendment agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022665ac9a69b704ab686044087d042b5b0\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 clause 2 as amended be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 63\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 46; New Zealand First 9; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 56\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 55; Ross.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EClause 2 as amended agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000619\u0022\u003EHouse resumed.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000620\u0022\u003EThe Chairperson reported the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill and the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No\u00A02) with amendment.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000621\u0022\u003EReport adopted.\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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bd8310eb0092421f836c9038163bf648\u0022\u003EStatutes Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022557fd1daf4914c1c94ac14cf8fa12b0a\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000624\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 20 August.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002264f450ba6f26489888504298431c7210\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264f450ba6f26489888504298431c7210\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: When we were last considering this bill, Chris Penk had the call. And, if he really wants it, he\u2019s got nine minutes and 30 seconds left.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022 data-id=\u0022639461c2dfb34413a5be0095f5b41306\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022639461c2dfb34413a5be0095f5b41306\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK (National\u2014Helensville):\u003C/span\u003E I do really want it, Mr Speaker, but I don\u2019t know if you and the rest of the House do, but we shall see.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThis is a bill that, in its spirit\u2014and, indeed, by design\u2014contains matters that are minor, technical, and non-controversial. For the sake of folks at home, I can confirm, on the latter point, that it is non-controversial by virtue of having been circulated to the parties in advance, and, I understand, certainly on the National side of things, I can confirm that we don\u2019t find it controversial and, notwithstanding the considerable detail in there\u2014some 42 Acts being amended thereby\u2014that we\u2019re happy with the way that it updates, clarifies, and becomes more user-friendly for the sake of a little local colour.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll just note in relation to the Armed Forces Discipline Act, which is one of the statutes that is going to be amended, there is a little point about a person who is subject to the Act in that it sort of implies that it will be a uniformed member of the armed forces, but, in fact, it might often be the case that someone working in the Defence Force is no such person. So that\u2019s just by way of example\u2014there\u2019s a little update there to reflect modern times.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EI thought I\u2019d be fast and furious, and, indeed, I see that I am gone in 60 seconds. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022 data-id=\u0022d83e76bb36b04ea181a3aaa36c1fc2ff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d83e76bb36b04ea181a3aaa36c1fc2ff\u0022\u003EJAMIE STRANGE (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you for the opportunity to take a call on the Statutes Amendment Bill second reading. I\u2019d like to begin by acknowledging the Minister the Hon Aupito William Sio for the excellent work he has done here. As the previous speaker, Chris Penk, mentioned, this is a non-controversial bill which is simply updating some of the key statutes. So it enables Parliament to make technical, short, and non-controversial amendments to a number of Acts\u2014for these people who are watching at home, just to give that aspect of understanding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EThere certainly are a number of parts, and some of the parts that are highlighted: one being the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, amended to ensure the wording of the new audit threshold more closely aligns with the Charities Act 2005. Another example would be the Coroners Act 2006, and a few aspects there have been changed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EPart 33 I find particularly significant, which is the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. There are some amendments there, which talk about, in new subsection (4A) there, in clause 118(2), \u201CDespite subsection (1), if the application is uncontested, the chair of the committee may make an order instead of the committee.\u201D\u2014so just giving a little bit more authority there to the chair. But, just to highlight the aspect of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, we had around 10 submissions to this bill, and I was honoured to be on the Governance and Administration Committee at the time. Two of those submissions highlighted this Part 33. One of them came from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, and they outlined the importance of improving alcohol licensing in New Zealand, and they outlined some of the harm that alcohol can, at times, cause our society. So, basically, they highlighted the importance of ensuring, around the aspect of the sale of alcohol, that that legislation is robust, it\u2019s up to date, and it\u2019s clear. That\u2019s, effectively, one of the things that this bill does.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EThe second submitter on the topic of the sale of supply of alcohol was Alcohol Healthwatch, and they made similar arguments around the harm that alcohol can sometimes cause to society and just ensuring that we have accurate regulation, that we have regulation that practically works on the ground, and their words were around providing evidence-based information and advice on policy and planning. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003ENow, there\u2019s not really too much more to say about this bill; it is supported on both sides. But it\u2019s certainly very important that Parliament continues to have these statute amendment bills, just to ensure that the legislation is always fit for purpose and completely up to date. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d4e04c1e272c4f588ea33f511ac82c9f\u0022\u003EPartnership Law Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229f5c0348dbdb4d7d9f77cfc41207e2c3\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022 data-id=\u00226b85135398b74a3c914e0c7088724730\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226b85135398b74a3c914e0c7088724730\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE (Minister of Civil Defence)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Attorney-General: I move, That the Partnership Law Bill be now read a second time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EThis particular bill\u2014sorry, I\u2019ll just get my position right here; it always helps to stand on two feet when you speak. The bill re-enacts\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a9a32083f80c47c5a8bd7ca5c5059f85\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It could have been a case of severe loss if the member continued.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bafa424182704005970c7fad23dd1a95\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE\u003C/span\u003E: The bill re-enacts the Partnership Act 1908 in contemporary language, style, and format to make the law more accessible without changing its substantive legal effect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EWe are making sure that this particular bill is fit for purpose. Its language, of course, is all important as it\u2019s a significant part of the way the bill is interpreted. The bill differs from an ordinary Government bill because, as a revision bill, it is subject to the revision requirements and powers in the Legislation Act 2012. It does not change the effect of the law except in very limited ways that are permitted under the revision powers, and a streamlined parliamentary process applies under the House\u2019s Standing Orders. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EThe Law Commission commented several years ago on the untidy state of our legislation, which it said may be the most important part of our legal infrastructure. The commission recommended systematic revision to modernise our Acts and get them into a more coherent state. It noted that the last revision exercise had been undertaken in 1908. The previous Government adopted that recommendation, and this Government has committed to continuing this work to maintain our Acts to make them more accessible. Updating the presentation of our older or heavily amended Acts by rewriting them in clear plain language will make them easier to understand and to follow. The New Zealand Productivity Commission has noted that revision will help reduce regulatory costs for business. An up-to-date Act also makes any future law reform work easier. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EThe Partnership Act 1908 was an obvious choice for the revision programme because its language and style dated back to the 19th century. The 1908 Act is almost identical to the UK\u2019s Partnership Act 1890. The Act clearly needed updating. There are many small to large partnership businesses in New Zealand. A partnership is an attractive way to structure a business because the partnership form offers simplicity and flexibility. The UK Law Commission has noted that partnership is a form of great antiquity, and, to cite an academic, \u201CHistorically, it has a traceable course from the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll stop there. It\u2019s quite clear that this particular bill is important, but we just want to make sure that as we embark on this important agenda to update our legislation we do so with this bill. I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022 data-id=\u00226b88277211ed4d4e92e8c30e6b508247\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226b88277211ed4d4e92e8c30e6b508247\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK (National\u2014Helensville):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, sir. I\u2019m back\u2014\u201Cback again\u201D, as the song goes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002225977f1276514942ad24f5ddf4aba03e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It sounds like an old girlfriend, but anyway keep going.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f6b162f575614e4786d066f4b1771db2\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK\u003C/span\u003E: I couldn\u2019t possibly comment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThe Partnership Law Bill\u2014I suppose the first and most obvious question is what kind of partnership it is that we\u2019re talking about. There are a few different meanings of that word. There\u2019s the general sense of a partnership\u2014working together, I suppose we could say. There\u2019s the sense of a partnership in the relationship sense of the phrase\u2014a legal entity, a particular legal entity, can be a partnership\u2014and, of course, the most important definition is the cricketing type of partnership, referring to a number of runs or a period of time, etc., that two batsmen\u2014or batters, I suppose we could say\u2014have been together. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EDisappointingly, I\u2019m going to focus on the aspect that is the legal entity, if only because that\u2019s the subject of the bill. As the Minister\u2014or a Minister, at least\u2014has said in relation to the bill, it\u2019s an exercise in updating. So it\u2019s, essentially, re-enacting that statute from 1908 that\u2019s currently on our books and has been added to and taken away, no doubt, in piecemeal fashion perhaps, as is the case with a lot of legislation that dates back to over a century ago. And so, as the Minister of Civil Defence has said, there\u2019s a certain amount of revision, omitting of redundant and spent provisions, changes in language, format, and punctuation, and so forth. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EI don\u2019t propose to go through all those, but perhaps by way of example to illustrate the kinds of changes that have been made\u2014and I think worthily\u2014the first note that I\u2019ll make, as referred to in the bill itself within the general policy statement, relates to the word \u201Cretirement\u201D. The way that this has been interpreted over the years includes partners who have been expelled or compulsorily retired. So the update that we are now engaged in makes it clear that more general circumstances are implied by the phrase \u201Cleaving the firm\u201D. So that\u2019s one of the changes that is being made by this legislation, which\u2014I should pause and go no further before explaining\u2014we on this side of the House do support.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EAnother change\u2014or another category of change, really, of which there is one example that I will give\u2014relates to the phrase \u201Cpartnership agreement\u201D. Elsewhere in the Act, but in a similar place, we see \u201Cpartnership contract\u201D. The difference between an agreement and a contract is not one of any significance. It\u2019s not an important distinction at all. So it\u2019s slightly anomalous that the law would have two different phrases to mean, essentially, the same thing. In interpreting statutes it might be that lawyers or the courts or partners themselves might wonder if there is a meaningful distinction being made there. That\u2019s not intended. And so it is that it\u2019s a worthwhile thing for this House to turn its mind to simply aligning those and making them, essentially, the same thing throughout the course of the one Act. Other examples include trust money versus trust property. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EAnd then one other one I\u2019ll give is a reference to books. The bill itself refers to the reference of books as being archaic. It is a slightly sad thing, I think, even in 2019, that books might be referred to as archaic, but in the sense of accounting and record keeping for an entity it is probably unrealistic, I must concede, that we would have physical books that must be kept on location at the place of business of the partnership. Of course, there are a lot of ways of storing records, which is the language that is being shifted to, so we talk now about records being reasonably available. So they might be \u201Cin the cloud\u201D, as the young people say, or otherwise available than as physical books on the\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a2189c6140f40b3bc38c9dba3f59660\u0022\u003EFletcher Tabuteau\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, you can say it too. It\u2019s OK.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220ccb44acfe874b85a198d7bb355e0394\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK\u003C/span\u003E: I think I\u2019m being heckled by some young people\u2014or rather he might wish that were so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EBut actually one more, because I can\u2019t resist\u2014one more: so \u201Cservant\u201D has been updated to \u201Cemployee\u201D. \u201CServant\u201D obviously has a slightly archaic and perhaps even slightly uncomfortable class-based notion. It has a particular legal meaning, so we needn\u2019t get too caught up in that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThen the bill itself, in making all those changes, retains a similar kind of structure, as you\u2019d expect. It talks about the nature of partnership. It explains that it\u2019s a relationship that exists between persons who carry on a business in common with a view to profit. So there are a number of different entities that we can say that it\u2019s not. The short version would be that a partnership is not a company, which leads to the irresistible conclusion that a company is not a partnership. That doesn\u2019t get us very much further along, so I can only commend anyone who is particularly interested in the provisions to read the bill itself. On that note, I shall commend on behalf of the National Party this 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=\u002242a22db9e75e494da45137d0d91de9ed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002242a22db9e75e494da45137d0d91de9ed\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m pleased to take a call on the Partnership Law Bill and follow the member that just resumed his seat, Chris Penk, as a fellow member of the Justice Committee, and just to make note that this bill was both reported, I guess, to the House prior to my joining the select committee, but nonetheless I want to recognise the work of the Minister that presented this bill, David Parker. It\u2019s part of his revision programme, as he informed us all last year, and, like the previous speaker said, there\u2019s nothing controversial in this particular revision bill. It really is attending to what my colleague the Hon Peeni Henare started to say\u2014the modernising of the actual bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBy revising or modernising it, we basically are suggesting the areas that need addressing, because remember the last time this particular Partnership Act was revised was back in 1908. The rules in the 1908 Act define what a business partnership is and govern the rights and obligations that exist between partners and with third parties and also provide for the end of partnerships. Those were the kinds of rules back in 1908, so to improve the access to those rules and modernising them, this bill attempts to do it by reducing the inconsistency and the overlap in terms of the 1908 provisions. It also arranges the provisions\u2019 logical order. Again, I mentioned earlier that it changes language format so we\u2019re using contemporary language not 1908. When I think about 1908, the country was severely different to what it looks like in 2019. So it makes sense that punctuality and formality are clear. Of course, the Speaker wouldn\u2019t have known what it was like in 1908, but we could all picture our great-grandparents, perhaps. Of course we want to use gender-neutral, so this bill is addressing the use of gender terms and terminology and modern styles of expression. The bill also is using current drafting styles and formats to better express the spirit and meaning of the law, and it removes spent or repealed provisions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo the bill, like I said, attempts to modernise it. There\u2019s clearly no change in policy. Though the select committee themselves did not receive any submissions, the report that got tabled back to the House by the Justice Committee\u2014albeit one-and-a-bit pages\u2014did note that they flagged some future work in the examination of this bill. I\u2019m hoping that somebody that was on that particular select committee\u2014they didn\u2019t feel it was important to raise it in the report back, but I\u2019m really quite keen to hear what was some of the future work that they flagged in their full report back to the House. I\u2019d just be interested, because it\u2019d be interesting to see whether the Minister is picking this up as part of his wider revision programme. But I think, if we are going to modernise any legislation in this House, then we want to capture at the time that we\u2019re doing. So it\u2019s just a question I have as the chair of the select committee to those that were around at the time. If they want to take a call, I\u2019d be keen to know what those outstanding issues were.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBut what\u2019s interesting\u2014and part of our scrutiny of any pieces of law in this House is to give assurances to the House and to the public that when we say there\u2019s no policy shifts, we\u2019re giving a cast-iron guarantee that there are no policy shifts or wider implications with this change. I just want to note for the House that this particular bill went through some amazing checks and balances to ensure that it was consistent with current law and purely only about modernising language.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo I want to acknowledge the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in terms of their consultation with public and some interest groups on this exposure draft\u2014an exposure draft of this bill was made available in 2018 and it was taken out to selective interest groups. We had three submissions from lawyers who helped prepare the bill for introduction. That was published on PCO\u2019s website. We also had four lawyers appointed under the Legislation Act certify that the statutory revision powers were exercised appropriately and that the bill does not change the effect of the law. But in our assurances that we are making sure that there are no legislative changes, we then had the bill certified. We got it certified by the retired High Court judge the Hon John Priestley QC. We had the President of the Law Commission, the Hon Sir Douglas White QC, and the Solicitor-General, Mrs Una Jagose QC\u2014apologies if I\u2019ve mispronounced her name\u2014and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel herself, Ms Fiona Leonard.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo not only did we take it out to interested parties as a process, but we also had this very, very high-level certification by retired or existing QCs and High Court judges to give the House and the public that guarantee that when we say there are no wider changes other than the modernisation of language, I think, that test and the level of the test that\u2019s been applied to this bill should give us comfort in this House. It certainly gives me, as the chair of the Justice Committee, comfort that all the belts and braces have been applied to ensure that when we say there are no wider changes or policy changes in this piece of law, then we can guarantee with those levels of scrutiny that have gone on previous to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo I want to also acknowledge that the bill comes into force six months after enactment, which gives businesses and partnerships the opportunity to make the necessary changes should they wish. There isn\u2019t anything major in this bill that they have to do. There is alignment to the existing legislation and what\u2019s proposed here. So there\u2019s no panic to any business partnerships out there. This is really just doing what I think a lot of businesses will understand around streamlining the process. So it is a bill I\u2019m pleased to stand and support in terms of what\u2019s being laid out by my colleague the Hon Peeni Henare in terms of what the bill\u2019s intending to do. I want to commend the work of the select committee in considering it and those fine people that were used to test and check the belts and braces on this particular bill, and I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022 data-id=\u00227efd3fbe56994df28fd1bfbd3bc0092c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227efd3fbe56994df28fd1bfbd3bc0092c\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s my pleasure to stand in support of this Partnership Law Bill. The previous speaker, the Hon Meka Whaitiri, chair of the Justice Committee, explained it very well. This bill doesn\u2019t make substantive change to the effect of the current law but makes minor changes to ensure it is modernised and up to date. This Act is more than 110 years old, and I would like to acknowledge the Hon Meka Whaitiri for taking eight minutes to explain the whole thing. The Minister Peeni Henare wrapped up in three minutes, so she has done very well. I acknowledge your insight about it, even though you were not the chair of the Justice Committee at that time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022df515dab01f74d77a500d6d2c8fa279d\u0022\u003EHon Meka Whaitiri\u003C/span\u003E: I wasn\u2019t even on it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226dc89bbf-c2ef-45c9-89e4-d2b5952d8d16\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224cb988cd94b946c3a69ddb9039a94adb\u0022\u003EKANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, but still, you have got a very good insight of the bill. So there\u2019s nothing much to add because there are minor changes in this bill. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00226ffdd63b35f545879075886775ed3244\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226ffdd63b35f545879075886775ed3244\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Very good. The question\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022 data-id=\u002249c32c051f804b19920d8e36f0068d36\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002249c32c051f804b19920d8e36f0068d36\u0022\u003EFLETCHER TABUTEAU (Deputy Leader\u2014NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E Oh, Mr Speaker. No, Mr Speaker\u2014may I have a turn?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a8672e8da662459d85cd25302e0469ba\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, Fletcher Tabuteau. You\u2019ve got the call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c6d2f476a134874bbd959e57cafa09f\u0022\u003EFLETCHER TABUTEAU\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you very much, Sir.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd02fcd2b49541fda27fa159bb7b1da6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: You don\u2019t have to use it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022509f8d98bbab4a7e9af2c2b8db39e0d7\u0022\u003EFLETCHER TABUTEAU\u003C/span\u003E: No\u2014I would very much love to use it. Ha, ha!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003EThis evening\u2019s legislation, with regards to the Partnership Law Bill, is pretty much just a simple indication of a Government and a Minister that are doing things in the right space at the right time. As previous speakers have acknowledged\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000675\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022283937913e0649928b91cc5b805a7419\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s 111 years late.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228dd8792d6ef049618833176edbb89b02\u0022\u003EFLETCHER TABUTEAU\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014it\u2019s simply about tidying things up. The Opposition member from the other side of the House may recollect the 1908 original legislation, but we have to say\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000677\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002228fe0cce1dc347ffb1265604f4b84b8a\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Which one?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000678\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224731d4367d3d477d8b5d795d7fee82f1\u0022\u003EFLETCHER TABUTEAU\u003C/span\u003E: That one at the back. Ha, ha! But what we are saying this evening is that this is, essentially, a tidy-up. We have heard from previous speakers about antiquated legislation, antiquated syntax, wording, and phraseology, and that\u2019s not really helpful for modern business, Mr Bidois. I appreciate your look of incredulation there. So what we\u2019re doing, and what the Minister has done, along with our officials, is tidy it up, essentially. Actually, this is an opportune time to acknowledge the work of the select committee in this space, as also noted by previous speakers. This is a tidy-up that needed to be done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000679\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003EThe bill defines a partnership. It establishes what it is, in terms of governing the rights and obligations between partners and third parties. It contains financial reporting requirements for large partnerships and governs what the end of a partnership actually looks like. I think it\u2019s important to note in the House that we have over 60,000 partnerships that are GST-registered in New Zealand, and I think it\u2019s probably fair to comment that not necessarily all partnerships will be GST-registered. So there are many, many more that will be out there that will appreciate the work that has been done in this legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000680\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e11a5f05-1940-41b2-8f1e-911dba7a43a5\u0022\u003ESo on behalf of New Zealand First, I wanted to stand up, outline the sensibility of this legislation, the need for it to be undertaken, the appreciation that we have not only of the Minister but of the select committee, and simply congratulate the House on work that is well done. It is not significant, but it is things like this that make business easier to do and undertake, and I think it is work like this incrementally added up that makes a difference. So thank you for my opportunity to speak, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022d986ce829eff4e05b725662d91a9e8f3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000681\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d986ce829eff4e05b725662d91a9e8f3\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just before I call Dan Bidois, I will say that I have referred to the dictionary and the member has used a new word when he\u2019s put together \u201Cincredulous\u201D and \u201Cadulation\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022 data-id=\u0022c19a483a088f4ce1b27d1bbf24c71d4a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000682\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c19a483a088f4ce1b27d1bbf24c71d4a\u0022\u003EDAN BIDOIS (National\u2014Northcote):\u003C/span\u003E It\u2019s a pleasure to rise and to speak in the second reading of the Partnership Law Bill. I did have to do a double take because the Minister wasn\u2019t sure, I don\u2019t think, about what reading this was in. But, none the less, we\u2019re in the second reading. I\u2019ve learnt a new word tonight, apparently, from the other side of the House. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak in the second reading of this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000683\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EPartnerships are really important for New Zealand. I\u2019m bringing back a little bit of my commercial law 101 here, but not only partnerships. If you want to set up a business, you can either form a company, form a sole partnership or a sole trader business, or the third option is a partnership, and this law is really about the third option of setting up an enterprise. As was mentioned before, there are over 60,000 of these in New Zealand, so it\u2019s a really important law. It is a law that is a little bit antiquated, and I think this side of the House does look forward to updating it and modernising it\u2014bringing the language into the 21st century, which is what this bill seeks to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000684\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003ESo there are lots of things that have been traversed today, but, of course, the bill itself is really important. It defines what a partnership is and what a partnership is not. It also defines the nature of partnerships and the responsibilities of partners to a partnership, but also how one goes about establishing or dissolving a partnership throughout the life of the entity. So this is actually a really important law for New Zealand and really important that we modernise it. It doesn\u2019t actually have much in the way of substance in terms of the changes. So I don\u2019t want to labour the point too much beyond that, other than National certainly supports this in the second reading, and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022 data-id=\u00229d94a6708b47447096f4a2843e483d96\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000685\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229d94a6708b47447096f4a2843e483d96\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK (Green):\u003C/span\u003E E Te M\u0101ngai, t\u0113n\u0101 koe. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou e Te Whare. Madam\u2014Mr Chair\u2014Mr Speaker, I apologise. We\u2019ve had a lot of women in the chair as of late, as I\u2019ve been speaking in this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000686\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022814370fc7c3142b9af6795820118aefb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Not today we haven\u2019t. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000687\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cba0fe92c5a54522b94440f03a89b08d\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK\u003C/span\u003E: Not today, no. Interestingly enough, in canvassing exactly how old the Partnership Act 1908 is, I turned to our trusty friend Google. Given that this Act\u2014or rather, sorry, the Partnership Act 1908, which the Partnership Law Bill seeks to amend\u2014is over 110 years, I found out that, actually, on this day in Parliament 110 years ago, women actually didn\u2019t exist in the Chamber. Women weren\u2019t allowed to stand for Parliament until 1919\u2014that being 29 October where we finally secured the right to stand for Parliament\u201426 years, I might add, after we won the right to vote, which, of course, backs up the point made by my colleague from the National Party Dan Bidois that this is indeed an antiquated piece of legislation which the Partnership Law Bill seeks to amend.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000688\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EThis is, of course, a non-controversial piece of legislation because it is a revision bill that has been backed up by three submissions from lawyers who helped to prepare the bill, and then four lawyers who were appointed under the Legislation Act who certified that the statutory revision powers were exercised appropriately\u2014that being in accordance with revision requirements and powers in the Legislation Act 2012. In the broad sense, this, of course, does not change the law whatsoever\u2014i.e., that being the effect of the law. It does, however, change and update the legislation\u2014that being the language which is used.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000689\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EJust in closing the Green Party\u2019s contribution in our support of this piece of legislation at its second reading, I just want to make the point that accessibility and transparency are two quite different things. New Zealand Parliament consistently ranks at the top of the charts as one of the best parliaments in the world for transparency\u2019s sake, but there is a difference between having all of that information publicly available and that information being digestible and accessible to everyday people who seek to access that information without necessarily needing the help of lawyers. That is, of course, what the Partnership Law Bill seeks to do in tidying up the Partnership Act 1908 and modernising the language. The Greens commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u00223e62c9ffcd464e75bac7d1668a85e8b9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000690\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223e62c9ffcd464e75bac7d1668a85e8b9\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a very short call on the Partnership Law Bill and to follow my learned colleague Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick from the Green Party. I\u2019m glad that she\u2019s researched this bill in depth, and I have too. It\u2019s a great bill. One of the pieces that it does is it removes some archaic references to \u201Cbooks\u201D. I thought that was a very interesting thing, because it changes it to \u201Crecords\u201D. Of course, in relationship to businesses, we don\u2019t often talk about going and having a look at the books; it\u2019s what\u2019s in the records, and, of course, nowadays, we\u2019d go and see what\u2019s in the cloud. So in 110 years\u2019 or 111 years\u2019 time, I\u2019m not sure what this Parliament will be doing in keeping the records, but at least it\u2019s in the Hansard that it\u2019s no longer the books or the records; it\u2019s in the cloud. So I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002248d9e7fe-3603-456c-bd32-c8d6177395fb\u0022 data-id=\u0022c39593fe5f774fbe8500dc898b92dd3a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000691\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248d9e7fe-3603-456c-bd32-c8d6177395fb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c39593fe5f774fbe8500dc898b92dd3a\u0022\u003ERAYMOND HUO (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a great pleasure to follow the members who have just spoken\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000692\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb220e51b27c4432827dbe76ec775b2a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m glad someone\u2019s getting pleasure!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000693\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248d9e7fe-3603-456c-bd32-c8d6177395fb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278728ef65f9047e3a5e0452d99d0b424\u0022\u003ERAYMOND HUO\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014ha, ha!\u2014on such an interesting and thought-provoking bill, especially Mr Chris Penk, my former Justice Committee buddy, rather than member, who raised some interesting but valid points, such as how to define partnership\u2014whether in the business sense or in the context of relationship.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000694\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248d9e7fe-3603-456c-bd32-c8d6177395fb\u0022\u003EThis bill does contain very interesting provisions, such as how to define partnership. For instance\u2014I think it is\u2014Schedule 2 provides a reference to replacing the references in section 20(2) and (3) of the Act from \u201Cretiring partner\u201D or \u201Cpartner who retires\u201D to another reference with regard to a partner who \u201Cleaves\u201D a partnership or a firm\u2014so providing a more accurate and easier-to-understand definition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000695\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248d9e7fe-3603-456c-bd32-c8d6177395fb\u0022\u003EOverall, as members have raised, this is a revision bill, and this bill does not seek to change the substantive nature of this 1908 legislation; rather, it seeks to modernise the Act. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022bc30d22997074df7bedaf9e1b4733792\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000696\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bc30d22997074df7bedaf9e1b4733792\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Well, I\u2019ve been a member of this House now for five years, and it\u2019s the first time, other than Treaty settlement legislation, that I\u2019ve spoken on something that actually goes back this far. It just makes sense to support this into a new phase. My grandmother was born in 1916, and she\u2019s still alive at 103 years of age. There are not many things that supersede my grandmother, but this bill does.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000697\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003ESo with that\u2014look, obviously, the languages have changed, the systems have changed, and there are a whole lot of things that have happened in the time between 1908 and now, so it is my pleasure to commend this bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u0022766d9ff3aaf24c11a73798dbf812caad\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000698\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022766d9ff3aaf24c11a73798dbf812caad\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, I can tell by the look on your face you might be thinking this is going to be a brief call, but partnership is a thing very, very close to my heart\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000699\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ea55af1e19984459808160306ab2c3d7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Don\u2019t challenge me!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000700\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aededc3b67884d1aa36e2c2022621474\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB\u003C/span\u003E: I wouldn\u2019t dare, Mr Speaker. But I just do want to note the passing of this bill, because this bill is one of a tranche drafted by Mackenzie Chalmers. In fact, the whole of the English commercial law was drafted by this fellow back in 1906, and we adopted them holus-bolus\u2014Sale of Goods Act, Bills of Exchange Act\u2014and here we have the last vestige. So it\u2019s actually quite a historic moment to update it and to get rid of language that has lasted, to its credit, for more than 100 years and has served us well. I think parliamentary counsel could actually look back and say, given the time, that was actually a fantastic piece of drafting. Anything that can last that long is actually something that has worked effectively.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000701\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EPartnerships are critical in New Zealand, and I think it\u2019s worth just noting that if you and I, unlikely though it may seem, Mr Speaker, were to strike up a bargain to go into a joint enterprise\u2014very informal, oral only\u2014the whole force of this law would come and bear on our relationship. That\u2019s a really important thing, because a lot of enterprises, large and small, are based on this law, and to make it accessible so that ordinary business people, who might be just opening up a corner fruit stall, can understand it and can get on with their business with certainty is actually a fantastic thing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000702\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe last thing I was going to say: Minister Peeni Henare, I think, was perhaps worried that you might intervene when he started talking about Mesopotamia, but that was in fact the oldest laws known to us at the moment, the laws of Hammurabi\u20141754 B.C., had law on trading, mercantile relationships, and partnerships, and here we are bringing it up to date today. What a fantastic day it is. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1d68576e8a141349a651a24275fbd75\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000703\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1d68576e8a141349a651a24275fbd75\u0022\u003EERICA STANFORD (National\u2014East Coast Bays):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Happy to take a short call on the Partnership Law Bill. If there\u2019s one thing that I always enjoy at 9 o\u2019clock at night, it\u2019s a history lesson from the good doctor Dr Duncan Webb\u2014always makes my night. We\u2019ve had such excellent speeches this evening. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any more to add, so I won\u2019t prolong this any further. We support this bill, and I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000704\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000705\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00226f13b7a740bb4c5daef244b8070f476a\u0022\u003EThird Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022 data-id=\u0022b8bd9d8b0cc2482289fb1b2cc49861dc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000706\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b8bd9d8b0cc2482289fb1b2cc49861dc\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Attorney-General: I move, That the Partnership Law Bill be now read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000707\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003EBill read a third 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=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e7ee551e195a4cca9c31c4294a480ac5\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000709\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e7ee551e195a4cca9c31c4294a480ac5\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e7ee551e195a4cca9c31c4294a480ac5\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000711\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022960f61a00dc84de98e8907873b147d4c\u0022\u003ESecond Readings\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022 data-id=\u00227ed912b1e522452d929d6c1eb1259bc2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000712\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227ed912b1e522452d929d6c1eb1259bc2\u0022\u003EHon PHIL TWYFORD (Minister for Economic Development):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2) be now read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000713\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EThe three regulatory systems amendment bills are omnibus bills that contain small regulatory amendments to legislation administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The Government is committed to maintaining and updating existing legislation to respond to changing environments and citizen needs. Regulation, when implemented well, underpins markets, protects the rights and safety of citizens and their property, and assists with the efficient and equitable delivery of goods and services. Regulation is an important tool for preserving and advancing the public interest.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000714\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EThe Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill makes amendments to 14 Acts. Among these are the Companies Act 1993, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003, the Insolvency Act 2006, and the Trade Marks Act 2002. Of the 14 Acts in this bill, 13 fall within the commerce and consumer affairs portfolio, while the Continental Shelf Act 1964 falls within the energy and resources portfolio.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000715\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EI would like to briefly mention two of the more significant amendments in this bill. The first is an extension to the offences listed in the Companies Act which automatically prohibit a person from directing or managing a company for five years. The bill seeks to add two additional types of offences to this list\u2014namely, evasions or similar offences under section 143A and 143B of the Tax Administration Act 1994 for evasion and similar actions, along with aiding, abetting, inciting, or conspiring with another person to commit such offences, as set out in section 148 of that Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000716\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EThe second amendment is to the Insolvency Act. Currently, that Act prohibits an undischarged bankrupt from either directly or indirectly managing or controlling a business, being employed by a relative, or being employed by an entity such as a company or a trust owned or controlled by a relative. This is to prevent a bankrupt from having sufficient control over the finances of a business during their bankruptcy. However, an undischarged bankrupt who works for a relative with no remuneration is not considered as employed and can therefore avoid these restrictions. This bill seeks to extend the restrictions on employment to include working without reward for a relative or for an entity owned or controlled by a relative.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000717\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EThe Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2) includes two parts. Part 1 serves to simplify the role of the Community Housing Regulatory Authority and reduces the administrative burden on registered community housing providers. Part 2 amends the Retirement Villages Act 2003 to clarify that the higher maximum fine will apply for breaches of the Act where an operator or promoter of a retirement village did not take all the practicable steps to ensure that an advertisement was not misleading or deceptive, or where an operator of a retirement village contravenes the obligations relating to the code of practice of operating a retirement village. The code of practice sets out the rights and obligations of retirement village operators and residents, and it\u2019s important that the operators understand the consequences of breaching the code and that the registrar has clarity when detecting such breaches and offences under the Act. Both of these offences are of a serious nature and are similar to the other offences that currently receive the higher maximum fine.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000718\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EIn the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2), I want to pick up on the changes that relate to the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act. This bill addresses an obvious gap between the intent of the parental leave scheme and the legislation, whereby spouses or partners are treated differently to other types of primary carers in a similar situation\u2014for example, adoptive parents. The situation may arise if the working spouse or partner becomes primarily responsible for the care of the newborn and the biological mother is ineligible for, or hasn\u2019t applied for, parental leave payments. This situation could arise, for example, if the biological mother dies or has a disability following an accident. The spouse or partner currently would not be entitled to parental leave payments. I share the Prime Minister\u2019s concern for families in these situations, particularly as they are likely to be in great need after losing the support of one parent. This small fix will have minimal impact on the regulatory system overall yet will offer important benefits for these families. Partners and spouses in these situations will be able to access parental leave payments, if otherwise eligible, that contribute to their family\u2019s income stability and the health of the young child, and enable them to maintain a connection to the workforce.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000719\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cbc37df2-57ae-4536-94ed-a2e39eecd585\u0022\u003EI would like to thank the three select committees for their consideration of these bills. The committees have considered changes to 19 statutes and reflected on submissions covering quite technical and detailed information. I commend the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No\u00A02) to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u0022d372d420dbd1447e87413fcda5f31ef6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000720\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d372d420dbd1447e87413fcda5f31ef6\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a quick call on the regulatory systems amendment bills\u2019 second readings, which National will be supporting. As the Minister Phil Twyford\u2019s very helpfully outlined, this is, of course, an omnibus bill which contains three bills: the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000721\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI just want to make some overview points. Firstly, the policy objective of this legislation is to improve regulatory systems by ensuring they are effective and efficient in accord with best regulatory practice. The amendments will do this by clarifying and updating statutory provisions to give effect to the purpose of various Acts and their provisions, addressing regulatory duplications, gaps, errors, and inconsistencies within and between different pieces of legislation, keeping the regulatory systems up to date and relevant, and removing unnecessary compliance costs and costs of doing business. And I think that last point is actually very important, because there are so many costs and red tape and other things which get in the way for particularly small businesses. Being able to effectively make the regulatory system a lower burden on small businesses is something which particularly we on the National Party side of the House are very passionate about\u2014and so that is definitely one of the reasons why we\u2019ll be supporting these bills tonight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000722\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThe first bill is the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No\u00A02) Bill. It amends 14 Acts, which is quite a large number of pieces of legislation that it makes amendments to. The Minister talked about amendments to the Companies Act. One of the changes that it makes there is to remove unnecessary costs of doing business, including allowing documents to be sent by email. How novel\u2014how novel\u2014allowing documents to be sent by email\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000723\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209b481e728b54d98ad24f5006dedb308\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Really\u2014email?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000724\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c962df3a38f6420ebc9176f6cb0ef7ef\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014to overseas companies and bodies corporate. It\u2019s a very new idea, absolutely. I hadn\u2019t thought of that one! It will allow the notice for a meeting to extend the deadline in which electronic votes and proxies must be received\u2014again, bringing some of these requirements under the Companies Act into the 21st century to allow business to get on and make the changes. My favourite has to be the amendment to the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act 2006. Normally when that gets referred to, the Opposition will whine, but, obviously, I\u2019m in quite low spirits tonight, so we\u2019ll wait for them to warm up as the night goes on. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000725\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThe second bill is the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2). I\u2019m sure my colleague Andrew Bayly will have a bit more to talk about with that one, particularly in the number of changes that it makes there. It changes the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act and also makes some changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003\u2014of course, very important pieces of legislation\u2014and I\u2019m sure that these changes will make a positive difference in those areas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000726\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThe third bill is, of course, the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2), which changes a number of pieces of legislation: the Holidays Act, the Employment Relations Act, the Remuneration Authority Act, and the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act. And, of course, the Minister touched on the important changes that it makes around parental leave and some of the unfortunate circumstances that families can find themselves in. Being able to bring some compassion into those circumstances is certainly something which we are supporting.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000727\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003ESo it\u2019s a pleasure to support this piece of legislation tonight. The National Party supports this. As I said at the start, it\u2019s something which helps to make our legislation, our regulatory systems, more efficient and more effective and to accord with best regulatory practice\u2014something which we want to see: less regulation, not more, and, where there is regulation, that it\u2019s efficient and able to be understood and able to be managed properly and easily by New Zealanders. We support this legislation. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022 data-id=\u002280ac18f49a554dbab64c8cf4698d9d20\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000728\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002280ac18f49a554dbab64c8cf4698d9d20\u0022\u003ETAMATI COFFEY (Labour\u2014Waiariki):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. Look, this is pretty non-controversial legislation. It is omnibus legislation, as both speakers previously have spoken about. Anything that we\u2019re able to move through in this House with a bit of expediency to make the lives of New Zealanders better off surely must be encouraged, and it\u2019s nice, actually, to know that there\u2019s a bit of consistency in opinion from both sides of the Chamber on this one. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000729\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI\u2019m particularly interested in the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill. It\u2019s mammoth. When we talk about omnibus bills, we talk about lots of bills going through. This is 14 Acts, actually, that this legislation is going to change. Among them are the Companies Act 1993, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003, the Insolvency Act 2006, and the Trade Marks Act 2002. Of the 14 Acts in the bill, 13 of those fall within the commerce and consumer Affairs portfolio. There\u2019s also the Continental Shelf Act 1964, which falls within the\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000730\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287c48254659c4f759fc695286a4594f4\u0022\u003EMichael Wood\u003C/span\u003E: A great bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000731\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5e1ac90fbd9431284b3e39ae31bd497\u0022\u003ETAMATI COFFEY\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014a great bill; yes, absolutely\u2014energy and resources portfolio. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000732\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI\u2019m just going to dig down into a couple of these, particularly within the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill\u2014firstly, the Companies Act, which prohibits a person from directing or managing a company for five years. What it does is the bill seeks to add more types of offence to the list; namely, evasions or similar offences under sections 143A and 143B of the Tax Administration Act 1994 for aiding, abetting, inciting, or conspiring with another person to commit an offence, as set out in section 148 of that Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000733\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI want to talk about the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2) as part of my contribution as well. Again, anything that helps to reduce the compliance that organisations such as the community housing providers that are spread out all around the country\u2014anything that helps them to reduce their compliance\u2014has got to be supported by Parliament. We have a lot of people working in this space, especially in the Bay of Plenty, where I come from.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000734\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI know that we\u2019ve got in Tauranga the Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Inc. They are a community housing provider. I\u2019ve been there; I\u2019ve seen what they do. But one of their complaints is obviously the amount of compliance that they have to go through to be able to operate. So what this amendment does is it simplifies the role of the Community Housing Regulatory Authority and, as I say, it reduces the administrative burden. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000735\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EPart 2 of the Retirement Villages Act 2003 clarifies that the higher maximum fine will apply for breaches of the Act where (1) an operator or promoter of a retirement village did not take all of the practical steps to ensure an advertisement was not misleading or deceptive, and (2) where an operator of a retirement village contravenes their obligations relating to the code of practice of operating a retirement village. Those offences are very serious and are similar to other offences that receive the higher maximum fine. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000736\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EThis is very carefully thought-through legislation\u2014some would say boring, others would say incredible in terms of, as I said before, moving legislation through the House so that we don\u2019t have to catch ourselves up listening to these kinds of things in depth. Anything that we can do all at once, such as these omnibus bills, has to be supported. I commend this legislation to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022e0a3a865bf0a4430952e73ced6b19f25\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000737\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e0a3a865bf0a4430952e73ced6b19f25\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Hunua):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hey, it\u2019s an absolute pleasure to be talking on this legislation. It\u2019s such wide-ranging legislation with so many different things to talk about, as I\u2019m sure you know and have read very carefully, Madam Speaker. I know I\u2019ve got very good colleagues tonight, so I\u2019m not going to hog it. I\u2019m just going to pick up on a couple of matters I thought relevant. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000738\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe first one was around retirement villages. I think all of us have retirement villages in our electorate. I\u2019ve got many\u2014many\u2014particularly in Pukekohe, and of course we\u2019ve got a new one that\u2019s going to be built in Beachlands very shortly. But I think one of the things that we\u2019re really worried about in retirement villages is that the advertisements that they put forward and what they claim they\u2019re going to offer their residents\u2014it is very important that they are correct and not misleading. And the important thing that actually came out of the select committee process was that some changes were made to make sure that the incentive for\u2014if I can use that word\u2014retirement owners to do the right thing, and to be correct and accurate, have been refined and enhanced in this bill. I think the speaker just before mentioned some of the penalties. But I just note it is vitally important that we protect our older people who wish to go into these facilities, and that they have the rights that they are entitled to, as anyone else should.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000739\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe other one I thought was particularly relevant in this wide-ranging smorgasbord of changes is the changes to the Insolvency Act 2006, and, again, these are very, very significant. Our insolvency laws need to be refined and updated. I\u2019m hoping that, in time, the Government will deal with this issue because there are a lot of things to be done in this area, but this bill certainly covers off some of those.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000740\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESpecifically, I just thought I might talk about four or five of them. The first one is requiring a bankrupt person to obtain consent to work with a relative regardless of whether they\u2019re rewarded for that work or not. This is important because what we find is bankrupt people sometimes take control of companies indirectly and control them and manage them through the levers of relatives or other such people. So having visibility around that\u2019s very important.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000741\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EIt also clarifies the value of necessary tools of trade and household furniture a bankrupt may retain. At the moment, that is an issue for the official signees\u2019 prerogative, and I think it\u2019s an important one to have some clarity around.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000742\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe third one is concerning a creditor who files a claim after a distribution has been made. So the example is a company that has gone into liquidation: the liquidators have made the first payment, but then a creditor is made aware of that situation. He or she can then make a claim; they cannot disturb the previous disbursement that\u2019s already been made by the liquidator, but they can be entitled to subsequent claims.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000743\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe last one\u2014and I hope I don\u2019t have to have this opportunity, although I might be around to remember it\u2014provides a mechanism for a bankrupt who dies before submitting a statement of affairs to be automatically discharged from bankruptcy three years after death. I\u2019m hoping that none of these members in this House get to that situation, but even if you do, you won\u2019t know what\u2019s happening. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022 data-id=\u0022b4ccc86e62394a44b942dcc4dba9f6be\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000744\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b4ccc86e62394a44b942dcc4dba9f6be\u0022\u003EHon TRACEY MARTIN (Minister for Seniors):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Madam Assistant Speaker. I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to speak on the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No\u00A02).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000745\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003ESo what I\u2019d like to speak to\u2014again, I take on board the Opposition\u2019s comments with regard to their support and how they see that the bills are necessary, and that it is good to move along. I take on board Mr Brown\u2019s comments about removing red tape and making sure that small business, particularly, can manage. It\u2019s a shame they didn\u2019t do this while they were in Government. So it\u2019s nice to say that this Government is moving along and tidying up these little pieces that need\u2014they\u2019re technical. There\u2019s like 14 technical amendments, if I\u2019m right, among the three bills that we\u2019re talking about here. It was an omnibus bill originally. Some of it was set around by circumstances.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000746\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003EIf I were to direct my comments in the first instance to the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2), it increases the maximum penalty for breaches of the Retirement Villages Act 2003. As the Minister for Seniors, I can say that there\u2019s actually a lot more that needs to be done around the Retirement Villages Act 2003 to protect\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000747\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022417df303a6ca45f2bb311bac73d6e037\u0022\u003EAlastair Scott\u003C/span\u003E: Get on with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000748\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221aad92679234f15a9524edc4a398eda\u0022\u003EHon TRACEY MARTIN\u003C/span\u003E: Unfortunately the Government that was in for nine years did nothing. So this Government has quite a lot of work to do. While the Opposition members shout out consistently, this Government gets on and does the actual job.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000749\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll get round to that for greater protection for the residents of retirement villages, but this is one of those protections that we\u2019re bringing forward at this stage, where an operator or promoter of a retirement village did not take all the practical steps to ensure an advertisement was not misleading or deceptive, or where an operator of a retirement village contravenes their obligations relating to the code of practice of operating a retirement village. As more and more of our seniors\u2014750,000 seniors we have in this country at the moment, heading towards 1.1 million seniors by 2036\u2014enter into agreements with retirement village owners, this Act becomes more and more important. So while I, as the Minister for Seniors, believe there\u2019s more work that needs to be done, this is a start on setting some of those protections.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000750\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003EThe other piece that I\u2019d like to talk about is in the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill. It\u2019s around the two key changes there: the adding of tax evasion and conspiring, aiding, abetting, or inciting a person to commit tax evasion to the offences section of the Companies Act. Now, we all know and will remember the conversations about the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance. Actually, if we\u2019re very lucky, Deborah Russell will get up and talk to us more about tax, because there\u2019s not a person in this House that isn\u2019t worth listening to on taxation if it isn\u2019t\u2014what she doesn\u2019t know about tax basically isn\u2019t worth talking about. So I\u2019m very much looking forward to the opportunity, if Ms Russell is going to take a call, because it\u2019s always enlightening when she speaks on these topics.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000751\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003EThe other one is people found guilty will be automatically prohibited from directing or managing a company for five years, and the bill prohibits a bankrupt person from working for no pay for a relative. I\u2019m going to make an assumption that that relative can also be a spouse. So it\u2019s not directly written in the notes that I have here, but having lived through the 1980s and the 1990s when we had companies falling over and over and over due to the policies of what I believe was a National Government\u2014anyway, there was a rolling of companies just going into receivership and into liquidation. At that stage, we had to do quite a lot of work around the insolvency laws. There was the situation where at that time, business owners would transfer the business, for a dollar value, or whatever, into the hands of their spouse. We closed some of those loopholes, but this loophole obviously had remained.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000752\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003ESo the Insolvency Act prohibits an undischarged bankrupt from either directly or indirectly managing or controlling a business, being employed by a relative, or being employed by an entity, such as a company or trust, owned or controlled by a relative. However, bankrupts could work for companies in the name of a relative for no pay and continue to manage the businesses despite the ban. That is what we are trying to address here. That is what the bill does address.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000753\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003EHaving been a debt collector prior to becoming a stay-at-home mum, I\u2019m very aware of the number of rules and regulations and laws we have, and the ways that we can punish the average Joe citizen if they get into debt to a business. I think it\u2019s appropriate that we start to make sure that those business owners who, therefore, go out of their way or are bad business owners are made to follow the rules and regulations without having loopholes available to them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000754\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022530ce0c4-c977-40cb-90fb-754f54931ff1\u0022\u003ENew Zealand First commends the legislation to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022 data-id=\u00229bbecdb6161d4407b34f5e487ed6de07\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000755\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229bbecdb6161d4407b34f5e487ed6de07\u0022\u003EALASTAIR SCOTT (National\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure for me to rise in support of this legislation, and I\u2019d just like to touch on a couple of\u2014isn\u2019t it a shame that the Minister for Seniors continues to blame and take no responsibility for the Retirement Villages Act? She\u2019s said herself that there\u2019s a whole lot of work to do. She\u2019s just picked this up, read the notes, and realised that there\u2019s actually a hell of a lot more work to do. It was good that she admitted that, but she\u2019s been here for two years and she\u2019s saying she needs to do more about it. Well, how about getting on and doing it\u2014how about getting on and doing it? It is the year of delivery, after all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000756\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022\u003EThen she talked about the bad old days in the 1980s and 1990s, about the issues around insolvency and liquidations and receiverships\u2014about the bad old days of the 1980s and 1990s. It must have been the National Government that was to blame for that too. Is that right? Is that what the Minister said?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000757\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022\u003ELook\u2014no idea what the hell she\u2019s talking about; no idea what specific regulations and Acts she\u2019s talking about or even changes that occurred at the time. Just had to fill some space in\u2014just like I\u2019m doing now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000758\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225e6b7aaa-8157-4d5e-9940-1bdbcd61ae95\u0022\u003EThis is very good legislation. It is legislation that both sides of the House agree on, and speakers have said so. It is constructive. It is an ongoing evolution of how we do things here. One could blame the other side for not picking these things up in the 14 Acts that this omnibus legislation covers, but we\u2019re not. We\u2019re saying this has got to be done. This is stuff that makes things more effective, cost efficient, and comprehensive for the general public to understand. It saves costs, it improves the lives of New Zealanders, and that is why we are all here tonight and next week and the day after that. I commend the legislation to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1c9a52ca23f4fef9a0f86416632f06d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000759\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1c9a52ca23f4fef9a0f86416632f06d\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Minister for Climate Change):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was just thinking this is a surprisingly robust debate given it appears to have universal acclaim on both sides of the House. We\u2019re violently agreeing with ourselves on this one.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000760\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EI also just wanted to rise just to put on record the Green Party\u2019s continued support of these bills\u2014in fact, three separate bills\u2014amending 14 separate pieces of legislation. I know that it is very technical and that it does cover a number of different pieces of legislation, but there are two things that I did want to just put on record from the Green Party\u2019s perspective that are worth noting on, and, really, why we\u2019re supporting this legislation so strongly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000761\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EFirst of all is the component around the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2), which is about improving the fairness of paid parental leave to ensure that all parents and all caregivers are able to access the full suite of benefits that they\u2019re entitled to. I think, given the technical nature of these things, it can often get lost what the purpose or the intent of Parliament is in trying to make these amendments, and on this one there are some areas in the existing legislation which do mean\u2014basically due to a technicality\u2014that people are not easily able to access the support that they need. Given the vulnerability of young parents in terms of their ability to provide for their kids or to access childcare, I think ensuring that they do have that full access is really important. So while it does seem like a fairly small set of amendments, I did just want to bring that to the attention of the House to say that, as a result of this legislation, we are actually making life easier and better for parents and caregivers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000762\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe second bit is actually quite different, which is the piece around tax evasion. This is the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, which is about adding tax evasion and conspiring, aiding, abetting, or inciting a person to commit evasion into the offences section of the Companies Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000763\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EI think one of the things that Kiwis get really hot under the collar about is the idea that whilst they may be paying their fair share of tax, somebody else out there is not. That degrades trust in the tax system overall, because, after all, if someone else is able to get away with not paying their fair share of tax, then \u201CWhy the heck should I put so much effort into paying my fair share of tax?\u201D, and I think Kiwis, generally, are pretty fair-minded people. We feel like we all need to be putting into the kitty in order to get the public services that we all need to make this country operate and to ensure that everyone has got access to the public services that we need, but they get really, really annoyed when people are able to get around that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000764\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESo what this does is to ensure that we extend the remit of tax evasion to ensure that we are actually catching everyone who is trying to get around it. People found guilty will be automatically prohibited from directing or managing a company for five years, and I think that\u2019s a pretty good deterrent. The other thing that the amendment does is it prohibits a bankrupt person from working for no pay for a relative or for an entity controlled by a relative. That\u2019s a loophole in the existing legislation which, essentially, means that someone who has been declared a bankrupt can technically volunteer for an organisation or a company that\u2019s controlled by a relative and thus get around the provision that they shouldn\u2019t be participating in the management of a company. So this does close a loophole there, as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000765\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESo, again, if we just kind of get out of the detail of it and just focus on the principle, what\u2019s important here is that we\u2019re closing loopholes and we\u2019re making it harder for people to avoid tax, and we\u2019re making it more difficult for people to avoid the restrictions that are placed upon them when they\u2019re in bankruptcy. I think that both of those are laudable aims of the set of amendments that are in front of us, and we just want people to know that, actually, this is legislation that whilst it\u2019s kind of small in its detail and so on, actually, it can make a real, material difference to people\u2019s lives and improve the fairness of the country. So I commend this legislation to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u0022dfc2c87030314ebe98985c5957d378b6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000766\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dfc2c87030314ebe98985c5957d378b6\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (National):\u003C/span\u003E I rise to commend this legislation to the House. I\u2019d first like to commend the Hon James Shaw on speaking for five minutes on the regulatory systems amendment bills, a detailed matter that I\u2019m sure, when he envisaged coming to Parliament, was the sort of thing he imagined he would be speaking on in great detail. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000767\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EI also just want to respond to some comments made in the debate by the Hon Tracey Martin, who talked about the need for action in retirement villages, and I reflect on this because I visited some retirement villages yesterday. It\u2019s Seniors\u2019 Week, and I thought it was an opportune moment to check in with retirement villages in this city. Isn\u2019t it funny that as I sat down and spoke to the leader of one of these, he reflected that we have a Government that were all talk on so many things and, for him, absolutely nothing had changed. In fact, when he thought about the important things that had happened in retirement villages over time, he thought of National, who, of course, did bring in increased wages for aged-care workers and who have done substantive things. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000768\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b9e8a74ed4dd4d858e5c275b31759ff5\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: After going to court. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000769\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f07f5403775b43e79aa977ed712a3ae3\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: I won\u2019t take you further into the detail of some of the derisory comments that we shared about the record of this Government on delivering, but it was, of course, Tracey Martin who raised retirement villages, and it\u2019s to that that I respond. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000770\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EBut I commend this legislation to the House. I, in particular, want to commend the committee who considered the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill. It\u2019s fair to say that on the Education and Workforce Committee, the matters we discuss are, I would suggest, of a more relatable nature for many New Zealanders and, therefore, possibly easier matters to consider. So I truly do commend the members of this committee and, in particular, the very able chairperson, Jonathan Young. I do commend to the House a bill that we\u2019re all in agreement on, and isn\u2019t that nice on a Tuesday evening? Thank you, Madam Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022 data-id=\u002202b4b1d0943e4531b3d24a9fae503c69\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000771\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202b4b1d0943e4531b3d24a9fae503c69\u0022\u003EANAHILA KANONGATA\u2019A-SUISUIKI (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Fakaalofa lahi atu, Te Mana Whakaw\u0101. It\u2019s always a privilege to stand in this House to contribute, and in this particular legislation\u2014let me read it out so I can get it right, Madam Speaker\u2014the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment (No 2) Bill, the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2). \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EI have to respond to Nicola Willis, the previous speaker, who spoke about National increasing aged-care workers\u2019 pay, but she failed to record history correctly. They were taken to court to increase aged-care workers\u2019 pay in terms of retirement villages. So I just want to add to that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000773\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EWe are fixing what we have accumulated for many years. We know that not everything can be fixed overnight, but we are getting started. As the Minister has said, the Government is committed to maintaining and updating existing legislation to respond to changing environments, which will protect the rights of citizens of this country. These bills make minor fixes that have a big effect on businesses and New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000774\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EI want to first start off with the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No\u00A02). I am a member of the Social Services and Community Committee, and these changes came before us. I want to let the committee know that we did have four people submit on this bill. As it\u2019s late at night, I just want to recall that there were two oral submissions. Now, one submission that I recall was a person that\u2019s writing a book on retirement villages and how they should service New Zealanders, and, of course, the other was from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. I want to remind the committee, if I can, of what these changes to the Regulatory Systems (Housing) Amendment Bill (No\u00A02) actually are proposing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000775\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EOn the proposed amendment to the Retirement Villages Act, we recommended\u2014clause 7, affecting the Retirement Villages Act. We did not discuss any minor or technical changes to the bill, but in section 26 of the Act it requires operators and promoters to take all practicable steps to ensure that advertisements are not misleading or deceptive. And section 79 of the Act specifies two penalties for breaching section 26 without reasonable excuse.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000776\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003ESo when I say\u2014and, of course, when the Minister says\u2014that the Government is maintaining and updating existing legislation to respond to changing environments, to making sure that our citizens are safe, it actually looks like this. What we are saying is that a fine not exceeding $15,000 for a person or a fine not exceeding $50,000 for a body corporate\u2014that refers to section 79(2) of the Retirement Villages Act. The second point is that there is a fine not exceeding $5,000 for a person, or a fine not exceeding $10,000 for a body corporate, which is clearly stated in section 79(3).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000777\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EThese are changes to the Regulatory Systems (Housing Amendment) Bill (No 2). It is about proposed amendments to the Retirement Villages Act. It clearly defines what is a fine for an individual and what is a fine for a body corporate if they breach these clauses of this proposed bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000778\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EI also want to cover the second part of my k\u014Drero in terms of the Regulatory Systems (Workforce) Amendment Bill (No 2). I\u2019d like to pick up on the changes and echo what the Minister had talked about in relation to parental leave and the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000779\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003EMadam Speaker, I just need to confirm that my contribution is 10 or five minutes for tonight. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000780\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ba74827feb2401b9087af008636e0c9\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson)\u003C/span\u003E: Five.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000781\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279363dff3acc43e0aa679b9f52d452d5\u0022\u003EANAHILA KANONGATA\u2019A-SUISUIKI\u003C/span\u003E: Five. So it\u2019s not a split call?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000782\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285c29386c6764943b745d91cb921b700\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson)\u003C/span\u003E: You could ask the National Party to donate five minutes\u2014you\u2019re on a roll! But no, you\u2019ve got 11 seconds to go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000783\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ce3cb863253d4963ab010734172a21c6\u0022\u003EANAHILA KANONGATA\u2019A-SUISUIKI\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, ha! I want to commend this legislation to the House and especially the hard-working Social Services and Community Committee. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022 data-id=\u00225b368ca78cfa46af923caf80471afcb9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000784\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225b368ca78cfa46af923caf80471afcb9\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson)\u003C/span\u003E: My apologies for not advising the member this is a split call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022a4cea89968e94cbba8222cb5781f372d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000785\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a4cea89968e94cbba8222cb5781f372d\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E I commend this legislation to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022 data-id=\u0022be61289cce9f448db5412c65a07c0e8c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000786\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022be61289cce9f448db5412c65a07c0e8c\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e Te Mana Whakaw\u0101. Fakaalofa atu. I really would treasure the opportunity to take a few minutes and talk about this excellent legislation, the second reading of this omnibus legislation. Each of these regulatory systems amendment bills amend legislation that is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and are highly technical bills. I think someone mentioned before that they amend, in fact, 14 pieces of legislation\u2014quite incredible work that has been done here. These bills ensure that statutory provisions are updated where necessary and clarified, addressing duplication and any issues that really need tidying up in general. That in turn will bring some more efficiency and effectiveness to our legislation. It also removes\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022 data-id=\u002292321cf6d98e4da8901e01db7825463f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000787\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002292321cf6d98e4da8901e01db7825463f\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Ruth Dyson)\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m sorry to interrupt the flow of this debate. The debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption on the next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id2019101598744de8885a4ce9a91c40e21dd3524f000788\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002275a05f96-2474-4c90-a6ea-cf7b5798e03e\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 10 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"