"\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=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00225b186d4f2a514a76971f551321aedb2c\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2020\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a73f5b9c07a34798ba0901ac00ba1f42\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2020\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000002\u0022\u003EThe Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000004\u0022\u003EPrayers.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00228ec5fc72f2bd403f9eb60cdb075d247c\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d0f119bf52f746ae9e574ce5abf1a2b2\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022a1ce09ff34fe460cb668d5bdd5d4d408\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a1ce09ff34fe460cb668d5bdd5d4d408\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Address in Reply debate continues next week, with a further eight maiden speeches on Tuesday. The Business Committee has agreed that after oral questions on Tuesday, there will be a one-hour debate on the report of the royal commission into the attacks on Christchurch mosques on 15 March last year. On Tuesday evening, the House will consider motions on the COVID-19 response and other issues. The Subordinate Legislation (Confirmation and Validation) Bill will pass through its remaining stages. I did notify the Business Committee that there may be an extended sitting on Wednesday morning, depending on progress. First readings to be considered will include the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bill, the Social Security (Financial Assistance for Caregivers) Amendment Bill, the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Amendment Bill, and the Water Services Bill. On Wednesday, the sitting programme for 2021 will be approved and the House will adjourn for the year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022de826b46ae494a21807f72edf2a3979b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022de826b46ae494a21807f72edf2a3979b\u0022\u003ECHRIS BISHOP (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you to the Leader of the House for that fulsome update. Can I ask the leader if he is planning on putting the House into urgency next week, and, in particular, if he is going to do so, whether or not any bills will be introduced that the Opposition is only presented with mere moments before the bill is tabled on the floor of the House, and in particular bills that the Attorney-General has issued a section 7 report under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 as breaching the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022946b7bea89e54906b1e0f2dbf484add7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022946b7bea89e54906b1e0f2dbf484add7\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E No, it\u2019s not the Government\u2019s intention to move urgency next week, although I did indicate that we may do an extended sitting on Wednesday morning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d100d6123b954229aac67638996cc3cc\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f983dd6e6c444f628ec9646e31d8db27\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022210b894596474131853eb2855b5d2aec\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022210b894596474131853eb2855b5d2aec\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No bills have been introduced. Petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u00224c1c90c345454dab8357d4486aac5bd7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224c1c90c345454dab8357d4486aac5bd7\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EPetition of Pauline Latta requesting that the House fully fund St John Ambulance service to remove the need for fund-raising\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Epetition of Brooke Lacey requesting that the House urge the Government to inquire into the crisis response and to prioritise legislation and funding to improve New Zealand\u2019s mental health system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022e89a1ba1dc8b4b6d8be1466d32a615ff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e89a1ba1dc8b4b6d8be1466d32a615ff\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022cdff6efb98e6421a87287eae87023245\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cdff6efb98e6421a87287eae87023245\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EAnnual reports for 2019/20 for Te Puni K\u014Dkiri, Department of Internal Affairs, Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Estatement of performance expectations for the financial year 2021 for T\u0101karo Ltd\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Estrategic intentions 2020-24 for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EMinister for M\u0101ori Development and Minister for Wh\u0101nau Ora, Vote M\u0101ori Development report in relation to non-departmental appropriations for the year ended 30 June 2020.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022e4332faf236d429586c38a7e03009af9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e4332faf236d429586c38a7e03009af9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I present the report of the Controller and Auditor-General entitled Accident Compensation Corporation Case Management: Progress on Recommendations Made in 2014. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. A select committee report has been delivered for presentation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022a3f5e302380540d191914c2a2ef595d8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a3f5e302380540d191914c2a2ef595d8\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: Report of the Regulations Review Committee on the Subordinate Legislation Confirmation Bill (No 5).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00227c3e9b30cb104eeaa81a8d832eaad130\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227c3e9b30cb104eeaa81a8d832eaad130\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That bill is set down for second reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ac871ecce737440c9146c7a782a2077e\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226dcb10d84c7c4547bfbb02881360432c\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220b1c9fc297f145f1a0c04b091c1d363b\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Health\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022 data-id=\u00229c1b676f401d453ebbc88be911a0439e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229c1b676f401d453ebbc88be911a0439e\u0022\u003EBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader\u2014ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: What expectations does the Minister have of the Ministry of Health for meeting its obligations under the End of Life Choice Act, which comes into force in 11 months?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022637e42754e5e4685abe18f0ca03d5636\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022637e42754e5e4685abe18f0ca03d5636\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E New Zealanders voted for the End of Life Choice Act at the referendum, and we are committed to honouring and implementing that decision. I have high expectations that the Ministry of Health will meet its obligations to implement the End of Life Choice Act within the 11-month time frame. The ministry has 10 work streams under way to implement what is required in the Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002223a2a25405e445d9aaa85adcebbf27e4\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister confident that the Ministry of Health will meet all of its obligations by 6 November 2021, and can he give assurance to those suffering from a terminal illness hoping to access end of life choice that they will not needlessly suffer for one day more due to set-up delays?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281a23b66a5244e01888fd9510d316e96\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: The ministry, and, indeed, the Government, has an obligation to ensure, in accordance with the End of Life Choice Act, that it is implemented from, I think, 7 November 2021. All administrative matters, regulations, committees, review bodies, and registrars have to be appointed and in place and systems functioning by that date, and they will be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ae146a3d31c420a8997a63724e204a7\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Will he be setting high expectations for the Director-General of Health that all doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and psychiatrists will be highly aware of the ability to join a support and consultation group so that people in remote areas will have access to end of life choice?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4d7be0805474369854751404da55c36\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: All of those matters will have to be in place in order for the Act to be operative. It\u2019s an obligation under the Act in light of the referendum result for that Act to enter into force, and therefore to be operative, from 7 November 2021. All of those matters that the member has referred to will be attended to and will be in place in time for the Act to enter into force.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b76bb3af0a9e4c6d9765846f1d6e38df\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Does he intend to publish a timetable for the set-up of the Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand Group, registrar\u2019s office, and review committee, so that those in the medical profession and other concerned groups know what is happening and when?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022922a3111326244dd92b0ae3197fa6a12\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: The ministry is aware of its obligations to have those matters all in place, but I\u2019m happy to ensure that in very short order a timetable is produced laying out the work, including the consultation and stakeholder engagement process, so that all those matters are ready as soon as the legislation comes into effect. I\u2019ve already indicated to that member that I\u2019m very keen for her, and her party as the sponsors of the legislation, to be actively involved and engaged in those processes, and I will make sure that that happens.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226fc0cf84d9384224835e08a586bd0bf3\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister commit to a fully public process seeking nominations for the committee that will review cases where people use the End of Life Choice Act?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002215a12d796a0740289948f76f769fd35c\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: All of the statutory appointments required under the legislation will go through the usual appointment process. That typically involves advertising for expressions of interest. There\u2019s then a standard recruitment phase, interviewing short-listed candidates, and then it goes through the Cabinet honours and appointments subcommittee, and all of that will be done, as I\u2019ve indicated, in time for the legislation to take effect. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b17e2f50f0f45baa94daa2575bec647\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Will he set the expectation for the Ministry of Health to work with the Medical Council of New Zealand and colleges to develop clinical guidelines for practitioners?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c19bbff029e643a58ea72d3d5751d663\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: In my engagements with the ministry so far they\u2019ve indicated they\u2019ve established the work streams. They understand the stakeholder engagement requirements on them to make those effective, and I\u2019m confident that there will be good quality engagement with the New Zealand Medical Association and the various professional colleges.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022de4fdd4d10be4c808e959174cc24eff6\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022 data-id=\u0022a9ca3a58ce1048ed985a316c980f243c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a9ca3a58ce1048ed985a316c980f243c\u0022\u003EHELEN WHITE (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u0022caaeaef6248d49029d042b233bf4099a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022caaeaef6248d49029d042b233bf4099a\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Today, Treasury have released the Crown accounts for the four months to October. The operating balance before gains and losses deficit for the year to October 2020 was $3.8 billion, but this is against a forecast deficit of nearly $9 billion at the recent pre-election fiscal update. Core Crown expenses were 4.3 percent lower than expected, while core Crown revenue was 10 percent higher than forecast at the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU). It\u2019s interesting to note that revenue was higher than forecast from wages, company taxation, and GST, illustrating the stronger employment, GDP, and consumer confidence data we have seen in recent months. These figures show the continued resilience of the New Zealand economy despite the global COVID-19 slow-down. They also demonstrate the continued prudent management of the Government\u2019s books and careful control of Government spending.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022acf4b0abe92a4523a6987ef86d0b3013\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: What did the Crown accounts state about the levels of Government debt?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228ae5673c2fd74207adab779ca429d7b7\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019m pleased to report that the net core Crown debt was $3.1 billion less than forecast, at 31.5 percent of GDP, at the end of October 2020. While this is larger than New Zealand is used to, on an internationally comparable basis our debt is lower than Canada, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and others.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002282953fbad2db49daa1068730ec7034a5\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: What did the Crown accounts state about debt servicing costs?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a1f585c507104a5c8102b8edeb072f11\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019m pleased to inform the House that for the year to October 2020, total Crown finance costs were 10 percent lower than forecast at PREFU. So debt servicing costs remain low, and they are forecast to remain so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227b2d88d6672841f9a4eefe50d2e96c4d\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Child Poverty Reduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022 data-id=\u002209c16868a80843fe9f71d10ffb4e0287\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002209c16868a80843fe9f71d10ffb4e0287\u0022\u003EDr SHANE RETI (Deputy Leader\u2014National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: Since the passing of the Child Poverty Reduction Act 2018, which, if any, of the economising behaviours measured in the DEP-17 material hardship questions have become more common; and, if any, which of these has increased the most?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u0022216b8c919d924e19917149942052b369\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022216b8c919d924e19917149942052b369\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Prime Minister)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: We do not have this data available for only households with children prior to the 2018-19 figures, which were released in February 2020. I can advise that for all families, including those without children, there have been small increases in the following economising behaviours in the survey which covers the period from mid-2017 to mid-2019: cutting back on fresh fruit and vegetables, feeling cold to save on heating costs, repairing or replacing broken or damaged appliances, and visits to the doctors. The most significant of these is postponing visits to the doctor, which is why we have already made changes to improve access to GPs by reducing the cost for up to 540,000 community services card holders and making visits free for 56,000 13-year-olds. I can also advise that there were fewer families who bought less or cheaper meat, postponed visits to the dentists, and went without local trips. I would say that it is important that in looking at these individual items the DEP-17 index is not the way that experts would say is an effective way to monitor and understand the levels of material hardship.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e905cdcb57a241c399c046c549226bc7\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti\u003C/span\u003E: Which of the Government\u2019s measures of material hardship are most affected by rising house prices?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228a5f9e65ed954232acd6454363f9c121\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Again, I think that references the last point that I made. Lifting out the individual details of the costs that are on families doesn\u2019t give a full picture. Clearly, rising house prices and rising rentals affect a range of expenses that people will undertake.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c576bb6b8fc42d595414997bacbd69e\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti\u003C/span\u003E: For every $10,000 increase in median house prices, how many children, if any, may move into a state of material hardship?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2239a5f687d4ce5af4b650d5e60c754\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m sure the member\u2019s fully aware that a question with that level of detail would need to be put down in writing to be answered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220767265820d14130a459bdfc4c70e9d2\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti\u003C/span\u003E: Is the answer to that question: \u201CMore people now than there were a month ago.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222fae082de6e24414924e47f1f5b934d9\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Quite clearly we\u2019ve seen rapidly escalating house prices, but it seems to me that most of the initiatives that this Government has taken to improve the lot of the lowest-income New Zealanders have been opposed by the National Party. Be that the increases to the minimum wage, the support that we gave to beneficiaries at the beginning of COVID-19\u2014a range of measures that we\u2019ve undertaken the National Party have opposed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226710aac46182451b9df57eff02746460\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti\u003C/span\u003E: How does she rate her performance in improving the state of children in material hardship to date?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022676c1b56ceea49f69e3c133f5cf21668\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of the Minister, we have always acknowledged that this is a big job where there is a lot more to do. What I can be very proud of is being the Minister who put in place the Child Poverty Reduction Act so that we actually have indicators to report against and being the Minister who\u2019s overseen the introduction of the Families Package that\u2019s lifting hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders out of poverty.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b3aa57484d44480da59857bec3d2c7cd\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti\u003C/span\u003E: What does she say to recent statements by the Children\u2019s Commissioner and Treasury that hardship rates for children may increase further?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c68440d4b506489fbcaea1f6bb5c8cab\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, what I would say is this Government is committed to doing absolutely everything that we can to reduce those.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022493f33af5830450c81f10045a84da023\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Education\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022 data-id=\u0022c53d193b593543eea67f8aa8e527fb22\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c53d193b593543eea67f8aa8e527fb22\u0022\u003EANGELA ROBERTS (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Education: What support is the Government giving to schools to help them reduce their carbon emissions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022ca4f8d29f2cd4931a11b3b18b09fe430\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ca4f8d29f2cd4931a11b3b18b09fe430\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E I recently announced 41 schools from the Far North to Southland that will receive funding for projects to help reduce their schools\u2019 emissions and to save them money. This was the second round of the Sustainability Contestable Fund, and work will begin immediately. These initiatives will help to reduce carbon emissions and costs for schools across the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226bd3aa48efa84ee5bf7722e8aa464b7f\u0022\u003EAngela Roberts\u003C/span\u003E: Can he give examples of the kind of project that the Sustainability Contestable Fund supports?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e84bbec162ea4a83a7f5c09b3da28b96\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I can, but I will only choose two. Ladbrooks School in Halswell installed new LED lighting, new low-flow tap fittings, a heat pump system to replace an old electric hot water cylinder, and more efficient heat pumps to replace electric fan and panel heaters. At Randwick School\u2014[Speaker counting on fingers]\u2014two schools; two examples of schools\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227643e98ea55d4586a955ee82edadccb1\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Ah, two examples.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c98cf7426134eee9c599ab10d80a911\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: At Randwick School in Lower Hutt\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022565c19a05cc342c1833fd85687ce2056\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Very good school\u2014a very good school.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277bdc08ba834429ea4f487d3d5c36972\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014there were 48 solar panels being installed, and it\u2019s estimated that\u2019s going to save the school $2,600 in the first year alone, with its savings expected to total more than $65,000 over 25 years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f1ee22ceb08b444186bba3efd55e1cf2\u0022\u003EAngela Roberts\u003C/span\u003E: Is this all about solar panels and boiler replacement or are there other sorts of things happening as well?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229bab7837742a4e0590bbf9e5182d9404\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, that\u2019s a very good question. Solar panels and boiler replacements are very popular projects, but we\u2019ve seen other innovations funded, including rainwater collection, water conservation initiatives, composting, and recycling initiatives. These projects also help to build business confidence by providing a pipeline of work for local suppliers and contractors like plumbers, gasfitters, electricians, and builders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283f9dfac0f8c48d1be84ff0579de1ca1\u0022\u003EAngela Roberts\u003C/span\u003E: What other action has the Government taken to support schools to reduce their carbon emissions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002269745c401704434d983584325a0e76f1\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: More good news. We\u2019ve also committed $55 million through the State sector decarbonisation fund to replace up to 90 coal boilers in schools with low-emissions alternatives like woodchip boilers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022caadf772f4f14ab7909ef612d16fd49c\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: If at all possible, Minister, will these new schools or school refurbs be built out of wood?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ff1149952714155901ff152875dac0a\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: I thank the Minister of Forestry for the question. And, in fact, I can report that I recently visited Waimea College who have built nine new classrooms with wood-only technology, removing a lot of concrete and a lot of steel from the construction process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022911c13f1c1d74d9fab3b0d76e55a5d3b\u0022\u003EHon Damien O\u2019Connor\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister consider instructing officials to look at wool as a suitable flooring material and insulation material for all those new construction projects?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c08a90ee0d514711ae66e983f473b386\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: I can advise the Minister that is, of course, one of the things that we will continue to consider.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228982c2e7dc844053870c60c7121b01fe\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I think we\u2019ll refer to those members as \u201CWooden\u201D and \u201CWoolly\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222962c6964dfc421fbcaba04838a58eee\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. You\u2019ve just taken three supplementaries from us. Just wonder why that was\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eab205f8ef0a427d975ff2508614a671\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Because three members interjected when a member was asking a question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a7e39dd358ae431395d356e0182653e9\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, well, we just ask for some consistency, because when the Hon Damien O\u2019Connor was asking his supplementary then, there was quite a degree of noise and interjections from the Labour members. It\u2019s a fairly jovial question. Members were enjoying the spirit of near Christmas on a Thursday afternoon on a question that people were enjoying, so I just\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002217e85d7dd73f415b8a1c8bba39b2c68a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I think there\u2019s a significant difference between\u2014[Interruption] Mr O\u2019Connor will stand, withdraw, and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aab617dd8136499f826193de5676fdeb\u0022\u003EHon Damien O\u2019Connor\u003C/span\u003E: I withdraw and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c584efcc6b44183956b75d9be08a048\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I think members are aware of the difference between a slight murmur of humour and disparaging loud noises, as at least three members made while Ms Roberts was asking her supplementary question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022cac9c3abec754953a49a5b06aabfd4dc\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u00229751158caa924088b06990cc2ab2811e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229751158caa924088b06990cc2ab2811e\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: Does he agree with all the findings on the Auckland light rail City Centre to M\u0101ngere project reached by the Controller and Auditor-General as set out in his letter to the CEO of the Ministry of Transport dated 26 November; if not, what findings does he not agree with? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u002296a5c82f97ea4b1f80086644b7302920\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002296a5c82f97ea4b1f80086644b7302920\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E I respect the role and the function of the Auditor-General, and while his report does not provide specific findings, I note, the views that he expresses and his intention to \u201Chelp inform any future procurement process for the provision of light rail in Auckland or other similarly complex infrastructure projects.\u201D In light of that, I intend to take his views fully into account as the project moves forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad38c9d622214f5b886b321c894c795d\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Was the Government\u2019s request to pause market engagement on light rail so the NZ Infra proposal could be examined more closely made against the advice of officials? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fa7d644062f24c77bfd5f42d8a3aae0b\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: The report notes that there was differing advice on this matter. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ef4eaceba6884e65b5b85730b315d60a\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Were the mandatory procurement rules that set out the standards of good practice for Government procurement breached by the decision to follow a twin-track process? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226456104d7abf4916b60031fb0ad8f9f6\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: The letter from the Auditor-General notes that this was a highly complex process, and also notes that the rules need to be interpreted in a way that is sufficiently flexible to respond to innovative proposals. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e639db5ab5942a2bcb81a8d8ec2aa8c\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Auditor-General that a process that was not in compliance with the Government\u2019s own rules \u201Cputs New Zealand\u2019s reputation at risk, domestically and internationally.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002240d8bac43c194fcba3c8c8270f5a0e6c\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I agree with the views expressed by the Auditor-General that these considerations did open up areas of risk, but given the significant market engagement the Government has with its transport programme, I don\u2019t see that as a risk that is being borne out. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235337288c36e4e15982443ddf55ecda5\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Well, has that market engagement failed to the point that the Government will need to restart the procurement process as a consequence of those issues, and does this mean we\u2019ve wasted three years? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ccb9be0fc2fd4ad9a983b17db421b871\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: The Government ended the twin-track process in July 2020, and, because of that, will be restarting any procurement process once further decisions have been made on this important project. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227098e1aadf534011931d68afa40f8082\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Oceans and Fisheries\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u0022317a293b54f245abb1a4721e520ed95f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022317a293b54f245abb1a4721e520ed95f\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Does he plan any reform of fisheries management; if so, what are his priorities for the reform?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022f9ff3bc0be2d4ea0a7f7c089b5d02f6c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f9ff3bc0be2d4ea0a7f7c089b5d02f6c\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Oceans and Fisheries):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. This Government will continue to improve the environmental and economic sustainability of our fisheries sector, where a range of environmental, recreational, tangata whenua, and commercial interests can be pursued through an abundant fishery and a sustainable environment. We will build on the sustainability measures we\u2019ve already introduced, and continue to roll out cameras on boats, implement the Hector\u2019s and M\u0101ui dolphin threat management plan, and continue working on the Sea Change project within the Hauraki Gulf and the Rangit\u0101hua/Kermadec reserve proposal. We\u2019ll work with industry to help modernise fishing practices towards an ecosystem-based management approach and rebuild fish stocks that have been overfished. We will update marine protected areas legislation to ensure it\u2019s fit for purpose, focusing on the future framework we need to protect our precious spaces and marine biodiversity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db69d61512794361977567e892dca7d9\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: Following his recent reported comment that, and I quote, \u201CThere are some legitimate concerns about the adverse environmental effects of bottom trawling.\u201D, what action, if any, is he considering to address those concerns to protect seamounts, decades old corals, from bottom trawling?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224003d130db9345c2b36d246008452809\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: I recently accepted a petition on bottom trawling from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition here at Parliament. I look forward to the select committee consideration of that petition. We do need to do better in respect of bottom trawling. Sustainability is an ongoing journey. New Zealand has made good progress, but there is, and will always be, more to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022918517eebd9b43609b8cce70e3038399\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: What action, if any, is he considering to restrict or phase out other environmentally damaging fishing methods, such as set netting and dredging?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c05fd7fb6bca49979643d25c62947c20\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, in respect of set netting, there\u2019s already been a major change in respect of the extension of the areas that are prohibited for use of nets as a consequence of the threat management plan that I\u2019ve already referred to for the M\u0101ui dolphin and also Hector\u2019s dolphins. I haven\u2019t got anything else to bring to the attention of the House today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bbc9a5e9293743f59ff1269cf661ccf7\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: Is he confident that the former National Government\u2019s 2016 review of the quota management system (QMS) is an adequate and appropriate basis for reform of fisheries management, or does he intend to initiate a more comprehensive review?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228089c0a150774faa8d9934ef523e2676\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re not proposing to review whether the QMS should exist. We see its continuance as important. We agree that some updates around the edges need to be made. The prior Minister of Fisheries started on some of that work, and I will continue it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221e31503a6e1249a8af048ade51617cce\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister believe that the current suite of tools in the quota management system, such as annual catch entitlements, are adequate to ensure sustainable and abundant fisheries, and if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b3be2e5b21be41adbc69e00ff987fb7b\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Some of the rules in the QMS encourage the wrong result, which is one of the reasons why rules are being changed to remove the incentive\u2014for example, the current system encourages discards.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5ce6f7c5aa74c01872996fbe4cb6f92\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with LegaSea spokesperson Sam Woolford that, and I quote, \u201CA major flaw with the quota management system is that 56 percent of targeted fish stocks have never been scientifically assessed, so we have no idea if they are overfished.\u201D, and if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277072e39cfa84bd888a9952700d57474\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m aware of those statistics. I\u2019m also aware that if you use a different denominator\u2014namely, take these matters as a proportion of the biomass that is caught\u2014you get a different answer. I\u2019m looking forward to the imminent report from the Chief Science Advisor on her views as to how we reconcile these things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022206b55b740784c8da8ee9d9f3328f56e\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022 data-id=\u00221dfe014492e241979ae031426ec8198b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221dfe014492e241979ae031426ec8198b\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON (National\u2014Taup\u014D)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Is she confident the Government\u2019s policies and actions to address youth unemployment are fit for purpose?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u002258276e8810434c6f822c86869190547e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002258276e8810434c6f822c86869190547e\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. The Government has laid out our approach to youth unemployment, through our employment strategy and the youth employment action plan. We reiterated this commitment during the election and in the Speech from the Throne last week. Our plan includes continuing successful programmes like Mana in Mahi, He Poutama Rangatahi, free apprenticeships and training, rolling out Tupu Aotearoa, and new investment into things like expanding Flexi-wage and the training incentive allowance\u2014to name a few. We are proud of our record of investing in young people. And while there is more to do, we know this investment is already making a difference to many.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022315ccffccf554166ae62494bbb0d994c\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: How many 18- to 24-year-olds were on the jobseeker benefit at the end of October this year, and how does this compare to the number of 18- to 24-year-olds on jobseeker benefit at the end of October 2019?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b053b101f1ed4198bb3262c53e262d4a\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: I will say that globally countries are experiencing an issue with employment or higher levels of unemployment. Unfortunately the reality is, for many countries, that young people bear the brunt of recessions like we are faced with now. So the numbers of under-24-year-olds on benefit in October 2020 was 68,745, and that compares to 49,155 in October 2019.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b260c36e3ff84fd99870e58cce3b7282\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: What is the maximum number of people the Government\u2019s youth employment schemes He Poutama Rangatahi and Mana in Mahi can actually support into work with the 68,000 18- to 24-year-olds on benefit at the end of October?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227f9c5f3c6c2d4f89bdba370be0081700\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s important to mention that there\u2019s no one or even two programmes that have been developed to address unemployment or employment for young people. Mana in Mahi is one, He Poutama Rangatahi is another. But as I said, there is more happening, including the Apprenticeship Boost. If I only refer to Mana in Mahi, 1,622 young people have enrolled or completed Mana in Mahi to date. The achievement has been good; the retention has been good. The vast majority have either completed, are still on the programme, or have exited on to employment or training elsewhere.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d383ac8e2734b2385cbcaa3f1541c0c\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister set a specific target to reduce the number of 18- to 24-year-olds on benefit, with the Government\u2019s own employment strategy saying, \u201CThey are at a far greater risk of poorer outcomes later in life, including lower wages, lower employment levels, and poorer\u201D\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3c25cd1f9e84db2bb31832e2f1d24c4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member\u2019s completed a question. The quote is not necessary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e018158e531b480187510af60e9c3f99\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: As we saw from the last National Government, simply putting targets in place doesn\u2019t necessarily address the issues that young people face in this country or unemployment in general. I think if we reflect back to the time following\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022115abd364629437c9c312ec03d474bd4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume her seat. There was a very clear question asked, and the Minister has not yet started to address it. She will address the question that was asked, rather than other matters which she would prefer to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022179e1ba83ceb43ac8fafd28ce3a62736\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. Perhaps, just saying that as the member went on, I potentially lost track of the question. So perhaps that member could repeat her question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022679b09ef3f2b4deb9425b68398e3d34b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I will tell the member, because I was listening, and it was a question about whether the Minister will set targets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002294d679e9f9184dd0aa2fbb791753664c\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Simply setting targets does not necessarily achieve the results that we as a country need to be achieved. What we are doing is using an evidence approach to supporting young people into employment, upskilling, and training. We want to support as many young people as we possibly can to realise their potential. This Government\u2019s investment in upskilling and training, including apprenticeships, clearly indicates that we are committed to that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e6db1d9aa0b24f399db9803baffa84e4\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister satisfied, with 69,000 young people under the age of 25 on benefit, that programmes like Mana in Mahi are only serving 1,600?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002230876c87cb17429fa03e832f2be96aab\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: If Mana in Mahi was the only programme, then, yes, I would be concerned, but we have a vast array of programmes that have been put in place to be able to support young people into employment, upskilling, and training. We don\u2019t want to see any New Zealand young person have potential wasted. So we are doing our very best to actually support\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d5a5f4fb7fde40dc9e867821a66137e7\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: 69,000.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2934f207db94861bd45960881a95028\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014all young people in New Zealand\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd75193f7ec64b7ba6d5deb7120826da\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! We\u2019ll have one person answering the question, not the person who asked the question trying to answer it from her bench.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e2c962c10253467282daf73930e54c07\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014to realise their potential.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227d6e43272c43438c90c7d296b21a4ff0\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Environment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022 data-id=\u00225677ddf641b84987b407318030144619\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225677ddf641b84987b407318030144619\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE (Labour\u2014Palmerston North)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for the Environment: What actions is the Government taking to reform the Resource Management System?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022b6b396b05e3f4fd384c9799b509ddb3d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b6b396b05e3f4fd384c9799b509ddb3d\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Minister for the Environment):\u003C/span\u003E Improving our planning system is a priority for the Labour Government. The current system takes too long, costs too much, and has not adequately protected the environment. The Government will ensure that New Zealand\u2019s resource management system is fit for the future by repealing and replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA). The Randerson review provides a sound platform for the Government to advance this work. In the first six months of 2021, the Government intends to release an exposure draft of key elements of the first bill, the Natural and Built Environments Act (NBEA). \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe79156d5f14443391b93136f257e7ac\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: What legislation did the Randerson review recommend to replace the RMA?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ddb35f5f74c4dc5adb3dbe3e0bec50f\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: The panel recommended the RMA be replaced with three pieces of legislation: firstly, the Natural and Built Environments Act, that would provide the framework for both built environments and regulation of the natural environment; secondly, the Strategic Planning Act, that would overlay the NBEA; and, thirdly, a Managed Retreat and Climate Change Adaptation Act, that would seek to prepare us better for climate change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f9a9a81157643749e58363cceefa160\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: How will the Natural and Built Environments Act and Strategic Planning Act differ from the existing RMA?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c06e3065e4949e5b6ecd2b9d1aa6395\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: The Natural and Built Environments Act will better protect environmental outcomes and limits via a mandatory set of national direction. At the same time, there will be less emphasis on subjective amenity values to assist development in built areas. A single NBEA plan for each region will reduce the number of plans from over 100 to about 14. The Strategic Planning Act will sit above the NBEA, and under it there will be long-term regional spatial strategies developed to help integrate decisions under the NBEA, the Land Transport Management Act, the Local Government Act, and the Climate Change Response Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220f519157d2ab4069b79abe6f49202ead\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: How will the exposure draft be progressed?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295ee51a566964b59b9e8e28e1cdc0935\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: To advance the NBEA, I intend to request the select committee to commence a select committee inquiry on an exposure draft, with refinements being made and further material added prior to the bill being formally introduced to the House. This will allow all parties in this House an opportunity to contribute to the policy process to ensure that the replacement for the RMA endures through subsequent Governments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002289fe02ed6dbc4db7a70dbfcdcf0403cf\u0022\u003EHon Scott Simpson\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Minister for Economic and Regional Development, who recently said on Newstalk ZB of the Government\u2019s work on the RMA that \u201Cby the end of next year, it\u2019ll be done and dusted\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ea3736f5580a40f1a9afd8c166f71cf7\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019ll be well under way by then.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ff5857ec45164218b297df6739b670ef\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022 data-id=\u0022c8575276609b4099acfdd7e348fe27b1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c8575276609b4099acfdd7e348fe27b1\u0022\u003EDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Will further border exemptions be provided for shearing workers; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022 data-id=\u00223627d07282334b05ac2b79aadbfae4d3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223627d07282334b05ac2b79aadbfae4d3\u0022\u003EHon KRIS FAAFOI (Minister of Immigration):\u003C/span\u003E The Government has been very clear that its priority is to protect New Zealanders from COVID-19 and support the economic recovery. This is why we do have stringent quarantine health systems at the border and we control the number of people moving across the border. So, on that note, the Government has enabled 60 shearers to come to New Zealand to assist with the peak of the shearing season. This is a decision welcomed by the Federated Farmers Meat \u0026amp; Wool Chair, William Beetham, who has said, \u201CWe really appreciate how hard it has been for the Government to manage this issue and keep New Zealand safe, and we really appreciate the fact that they understand the importance of animal welfare and have provided these exemptions.\u201D I thank Mr Beetham for that. We will continue to engage with the industry around labour demands and exceptions in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f3280d3b210644d5b30832a3b5a88a4e\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: Is he confident that the border exemptions provided for 60 shearers will be sufficient for the shearing season, given reports that the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association initially applied for 200?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d6ed8e1104b47c99e6a3383b4be7609\u0022\u003EHon KRIS FAAFOI\u003C/span\u003E: I am very glad the member asked that specific question, because Damien O\u2019Connor has been working very closely with the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association to make sure that we have what, we believe, is the minimum viable number to make sure that we can get through the issues with the border at the moment. I will remind the member that the border is closed, so we can\u2019t bring in as many shearers as we have. And I would also note that, for some years, the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association has pointed out that there hasn\u2019t been any training of the local workers for shearing, and I\u2019d like to thank this side of the House for investing $1.8 million into a trainee pilot programme to make sure we can get local workers into that workforce and not rely on people coming from overseas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022690adf82ef7d41b0a936303023a784a8\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister take responsibility for any animal welfare issues that arise from unshorn sheep that become flyblown due to the lack of shearing in this season?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db96f636662442d28351966cd1e2b68c\u0022\u003EHon KRIS FAAFOI\u003C/span\u003E: I am confident in that, because we work closely with the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association and we\u2019ve had praise from the likes of the head of Meat \u0026amp; Wool from Federated Farmers that we have the local workforce and the immigrant workforce to make sure that we can get through the season without any issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022438c2ee0aaff4675bb06c2405d6ab3e3\u0022\u003EKieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: In light of the Minister\u2019s support for the shearing industry, will he confirm to the House his attendance at next year\u2019s Golden Shears?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cee229f5e08d4384a84a00d54d8d2dc9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member will resume his seat.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202c7441aac0f4bb48a28ff2bf4477d57\u0022\u003EKieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: What border exemptions has the Government announced to support the primary sector?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cf0a0d7859104f908015ca1d449ad444\u0022\u003EHon KRIS FAAFOI\u003C/span\u003E: The Government recognises the important role of the primary sector in driving our economic recovery, and so far we have issued border exceptions for 30 veterinarians, 570 deep-fishing crew, 210 agricultural mobile plant operators, 2,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer workers to support the horticulture and winegrowing, and, as I said in my primary answer, 60 experienced sheep shearers, who we hope to see at the Golden Shears.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022121f0bfd59b64b87b7ebedf1daedb3c9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014M\u0101ori Development\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022 data-id=\u002275447f7830ae4559b4f033e475cad333\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002275447f7830ae4559b4f033e475cad333\u0022\u003EARENA WILLIAMS (Labour\u2014Manurewa)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for M\u0101ori Development: What steps has the Government taken to support the M\u0101ori economy through Government procurement targets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022 data-id=\u00227659bdf52c5c442c8be04c6ea690069a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227659bdf52c5c442c8be04c6ea690069a\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON (Minister for M\u0101ori Development):\u003C/span\u003E Today, alongside my colleague Stuart Nash, the Minister for Economic and Regional Development, I announced this Government\u2019s decision to increase supplier diversity by setting a new procurement target of 5 percent for M\u0101ori businesses and enterprise. The new 5 percent target for Public Service contracts for M\u0101ori businesses is an important step towards a more inclusive and prosperous society, and we are honouring our manifesto commitment to better support wh\u0101nau in M\u0101ori enterprise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229e636d2a070e403d82c0598d8a58d565\u0022\u003EArena Williams\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government introducing procurement targets for M\u0101ori?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f6b6fc9ae6b448ba06570e9cdc338cb\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: We want to ensure that the Government procures goods and services from more diverse suppliers in small to medium businesses, with the benefits flowing back into communities. Small and medium businesses face significant challenges as a result of COVID-19, and that is exactly why targeting M\u0101ori businesses and jobs is a big priority for this new Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d9c11aa9aed14690af19a7216704b8ab\u0022\u003EArena Williams\u003C/span\u003E: When will the policy be implemented?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002232c09d5cca344dc0a6bffea7276a562c\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: We don\u2019t need to wait. The policy supports buyers to be more intentional with their spend within their existing quality assurance parameters. It\u2019s anticipated that Government agencies will take the policy into account when they go to market for each contract. The initial target of 5 percent will be reviewed at the end of next year, and I have a real expectation that the data collected will support increasing the M\u0101ori social procurement target further.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad6f4f2c948246e8a61f79395a770ec3\u0022\u003EArena Williams\u003C/span\u003E: What support will be available to M\u0101ori businesses and enterprise to take advantage of the new procurement target?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002268388b311c0c47bdbd7e4ca05c2d5208\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: Te Puni K\u014Dkiri has contracted Amotai, formerly known as He Waka Eke Noa, to offer intermediary services that include making connections between M\u0101ori businesses and buyers, verifying that businesses are M\u0101ori businesses, and practical business support and training for small to medium sized enterprises. Intermediaries have an important role in matching buyers with suppliers and linking businesses to capability support. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ba69a7017ca94c7889cb2709b86f05f3\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022448a1755abe14a0eaa99699f35675ddf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, does the member want a supplementary?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d497dde8c7be4e11935dbfd832580c8c\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220ec768b195d842afb6302f833dcbe21f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, unfortunately, the member\u2019s office sent me an email saying that all the M\u0101ori Party\u2019s supplementaries\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dbf09e696b6f4d17bbc87e6fef827dae\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019ve got one left.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a604ae2b32244a55934ee4dd8ed3a70b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The email that I saw said that all the M\u0101ori Party supplementaries were going to the ACT Party. If I can have an assurance that that is not the case, then I will give the member a supplementary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022edc67b77280245d5b0b17231471497d6\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, in the email I saw, the ACT Party was offered three out of four supplementary questions from the M\u0101ori Party.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225cd4ef9b15ca48cab66f932cda1b4ab9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK. It would be quite good if those ones were sent to me as well, because the one that I got said \u201Cfour\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284a65d8e864d4c3a949247f8666ffb13\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The M\u0101ori Party campaigned on a 25 percent procurement; this Government is saying 5 percent\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bc8154644bc417e824837e26bca2010\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume his seat. The member is starting right off with a supplementary for which the Minister has no responsibility. He has no responsibility for the M\u0101ori Party policy, and you can\u2019t ask him about that. So just get a narrow question around what the Minister is responsible for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022768e789e88d8428abaf5aaf9e595df97\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware that the M\u0101ori population is 16 percent; where did he get his 5 percent from?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d6dbbfbe23724700b6fb49e8e4fb5864\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: The 5 percent target is an aspirational target. I know it\u2019s hard for the Opposition to understand that word, but it\u2019s a target based on the volume of contract not the value. It is a really good start because the National Party refused to acknowledge indigenous procurement, and I say to the member to tautoko what we\u2019re doing and support this percentage. It\u2019s a good start for our party, and we\u2019re hoping to increase it over the next 12 months.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226043d769e3b4447e8ffa27222f0faa39\u0022\u003EHon Nanaia Mahuta\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231e434829f4f4a0d987b7973da088589\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Before the member does I\u2019m going to warn Chris Bishop. This is now the third time I\u2019ve warned him for inappropriate interjections today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229bd6d9ad5423402c856d0d7f57802f72\u0022\u003EHon Nanaia Mahuta\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister confirm that, in terms of the number of M\u0101ori businesses able to procure across a range of Government contracts, it is very difficult to assess whether or not they are able to fully procure 5 percent, and we\u2019ve got to start somewhere?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208cb19e0eec34909b1a3a32fb88c5343\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: I can confirm that to the Minister. There\u2019s been a\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022781a775249624ce4b961bf3244875121\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK, the member\u2019s finished his answer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223456bccc734243b9a1497df77d93aa10\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister confirm whether or not he has received any correspondence from the National Party as to whether or not they would support a 16 percent target for M\u0101ori procurement?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002260531e6b8a7d40aaa92a0804ff97d0b1\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON\u003C/span\u003E: Not in the last 50 years have we received anything from the National Party to support any indigenous procurement. Shame on the National Party, sir.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220cd56daacd1c4e0bbd1eeaf07a7618a9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Police\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022c55c656700314e379e383fbdb8be0c6f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c55c656700314e379e383fbdb8be0c6f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Before I ask the member to ask the question, I\u2019ll warn the House that the Minister\u2019s office has indicated to me that this answer might be slightly longer than normal.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u0022e435b218c1e244669b9c533ee55392e2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e435b218c1e244669b9c533ee55392e2\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Police: What are her plans, if any, to reduce gun violence in New Zealand from its highest levels in nearly a decade?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022 data-id=\u002226b1827de73a497f9d907e7ed41e55f3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002226b1827de73a497f9d907e7ed41e55f3\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police):\u003C/span\u003E First of all, let me acknowledge the officers involved in the recent Northland shooting. I\u2019m sure every member of this House would join me in commending their professionalism and bravery, along with the family of Constable Matthew Hunt, who I had the privilege of meeting this week. The Government is committed to continuing the biggest reforms of our firearms legislation in New Zealand\u2019s history. Already we have banned military-style semi-automatic weapons, magazines, and parts; taken 62,000 prohibited forearms out of circulation; and passed the Arms Legislation Bill, which National voted against. There is a great deal more to do, and I intend to make further announcements in the new year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c81933f54684cc98feb099c2a8cd4f0\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: What specific actions will she be taking in response to the four incidents in the last three months of shootings against police officers in Northland, including the shooting of a police dog this week?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf814345bd974882a937cfb45f0e7e15\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Can I say that any incidents where the use of weapons is involved is distressing for the police and the community, and police are front-line workers who go above and beyond to keep our community safe. We need to support our officers so we can continue to support our communities. But I\u2019m sick of National\u2019s virtue signalling on law and order. Under them, police numbers fell. They are up: 2,200 new constables, 1,280 new fulltime-equivalents, 700 alone focused on organised crime. This Government delivers for police\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fc7f6476f358493d8416dc7143b68259\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Right, OK. The member has answered the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022735bacc9c1024d76bbf18b0ae931de02\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: I couldn\u2019t hear it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bbd4d6b4ff3e44dbb2f6eb87f4431193\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc0af3596f2d4e88a170f4d8ef708c96\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: A point of order, Mr Speaker. That was a very direct, succinct non-political question and it was not addressed by the Minister at all. It was about specific actions the Minister has taken.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283004a988d084cf2a36973ada6c2cd13\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Can I answer by saying that we have increased\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281dba625eccb4ec3a1d9ae78478cc56e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c8b2774872bc41eaaa122d2470957675\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order, I did answer that in saying that we have increased police numbers targeting organised crime by 700. Now they work specifically with gang violence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228767409b38e146d2afc7ede20c8f6cf9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: And I think if there hadn\u2019t been so much noise from the member\u2019s colleagues, he would have heard that\u2014even if the Hon Stuart Nash wanted it repeated. Right. One more here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222cfd0d4bd8954d6c9df24c0959ccd932\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Will she make it a priority to address increasing firearm violence in Counties Manukau, and is she concerned about comments from Police Association President Chris Cahill, \u201CFront-line officers in South Auckland feel compelled to wear anti-ballistic plate armour because they encounter firearms on a daily basis.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f0aa9c000b54e43a0210e8935c60fd3\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Can I say that I support the work of our front-line police. They go out to support us every single day to keep us and our community safe. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f370308207b549a98f17528be5250da2\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s a relief.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224eb35cca736f4b079b3c6255eb89ab99\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Can I just remind that member that National voted against tougher penalties on gun crime. National voted against new powers to deal with returning terrorists and National voted against harsher penalties for those who pushed synthetic drugs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222686554c42d9436d8e90b470a5c62d4d\u0022\u003ENicole McKee\u003C/span\u003E: How will the Government\u2019s policy of introducing a firearms register reduce firearm violence?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7de010654c84484bafa4ca37543e8d1\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Reforms to date have been about responding to the need to prohibit dangerous firearms and strengthen and improve the existing legislative and regulatory regime. A key goal of the reforms already agreed by this House is to reduce the likelihood of lawful firearms getting into the hands of people who will use them for harm rather than for legitimate purpose.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002254d748965c90481191ad323281d021bd\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: What does she say to Diane Hunt, mother of slain Constable Matthew Hunt, and the 39,000 people who signed a petition to protect police officers, who said, \u201CThey all deserve to come home and there needs to be more deterrence to stop people from thinking they can shoot them as they see fit.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002248bab9f8e1be46748f4491f933c2a171\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I had the privilege and honour of meeting with Mrs Hunt and her family. And I have to say to her that I agree that this country needs to support and honour and acknowledge the work of our front-line police staff. I have full confidence that our select committee process will be robust and appropriate and I look forward to the recommendations from her petition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202ffa17d60104a7889383b98cf1763fc\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Will she support my member\u2019s bill, the Arms (Firearms Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill to take guns out of the hands of these violent criminals, and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec72607f31c545a7ba81235f871b8f43\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Unfortunately, National\u2019s bill is fundamentally flawed. It would only have targeted gang members with convictions. What about other dangerous, high-risk people who are not gang members? It left significant gaps and will not effectively deliver the public safety objectives that we seek.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe8bf6ed796840db9de29a91feba8cf0\u0022\u003ENicole McKee\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister expect criminals committing gun violence to actually register their firearms?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cff9d0af79c64876983061f05c430876\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: The firearms register is targeted at those who would register their firearms so that we can actually identify how many firearms\u2014[Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c0ba74500724726a9456bb6b988274e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume her seat. I\u2019m sick of not being able to hear a member because people are shouting her down. I\u2019ve had enough of it. The balance of this reply will be heard in silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022867a02864f9a45b18fc393cdf3978210\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The purpose of the register is to register firearms, and we know that those legitimate firearms users will do so. This will allow us to track firearms should they be stolen so that we know\u2014the whole purpose of this, for the member, is to know how many firearms we have in the community. And we know that legitimate firearms owners will do that and we will be able to track firearms that are then stolen from them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293ca3e73681343de9b5b342426c26193\u0022\u003ENicole McKee\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker, if I may. My question to the Minister was asking whether or not she expected the criminals to register their firearms, but the response I got was that the law-abiding are expected to register them. So I\u2019d like to know\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a14055a3f7a40e5977a8265cd9dcc29\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order, Mr Speaker. That is far away from the primary question, which asks\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283e2a6350bda479e81cd9e9f0f48a958\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ffc60507a63f47d3b716ab51b94435ae\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f3c0c0a6d574b55961e7bf8f8764b91\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, hang on. I haven\u2019t ruled on the point of order yet, so I\u2019m just trying to get at\u2014and I think the member had a valid point of order and that was it was a very specific question about whether or not the Minister expected criminals to register their firearms. She answered\u2014and people can have a debate about the quality of the answer\u2014another question and she will now answer the supplementary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dcdba94f9920483b89a7659ef7ec81f4\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I don\u2019t expect criminals to do anything lawful. My expectation is that lawful gun-owners will abide by the law, and the register. The point of the register is to understand how many firearms there are in the community. Unfortunately, if we had been able to have a register\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ebbe1def1dec4e4294f67ff7bc347050\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member, I think in the first sentence, actually answered the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229865fe9f25504d9eaf5e527259d1acfd\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Conservation\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022 data-id=\u00222c74f4dff7c8407c89cce90991155284\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222c74f4dff7c8407c89cce90991155284\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON (Labour\u2014Rangitata)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has she made about the Milford Track?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00223873dd969ea541168670f03c5aaf19be\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223873dd969ea541168670f03c5aaf19be\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E Well, I thank the member for that fantastic question. On 30 November, I announced the full reopening of the iconic Milford Track. Hikers booked on the popular Great Walk are now able to complete the walk end to end for the first time since it was closed due to extensive flood damage in early February. The reopening is a milestone in the flood recovery work taking place in the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national park areas and is a testament to the hard work achieved by both Te Papa Atawhai\u2014the Department of Conservation\u2014and the many, many contractors involved in the rebuild work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225d50ea65304d40ccb018f95dfc696171\u0022\u003EJo Luxton\u003C/span\u003E: How did funding allocated in Budget 2020 contribute to the reopening of the Milford Track?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202dc010d131d49549cdc8bec96ce0faf\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Budget 2020 included $13.7 million for repairing vital conservation and visitor infrastructure destroyed in the February flood. I want to take a moment to commend and acknowledge my good friend and colleague the Hon Eugenie Sage for her work in securing that funding. Completing repairs and getting the Milford Track back up and running has been a priority for Te Papa Atawhai, and it is pleasing\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229598c209febe47839d2ca5a05850b13a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! [Interruption] Order! That\u2019s enough.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f6b52b3bf44743269c7ec092239a86f5\u0022\u003EJo Luxton\u003C/span\u003E: How will the reopening of the Milford Track contribute to the economic recovery from COVID, particularly for the Te \u0100nau community?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283953a980e4f422285014ec3eb7d745e\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: The reopening of the track is absolutely fundamental and critical for the economic recovery of the people of Te \u0100nau. This community relies heavily on tourism and has had an extremely difficult year due to the downturn of economic activity as a consequence of COVID-19. The serviced track draws thousands of visitors to the region every year, and the reopening sends a strong signal that the area is open for business and will be welcoming visitors throughout this summer season. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a0bc03c5f400407d8c6bc56238e16de8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, surely not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a3b7c01b45dd4023aa5ef96a185d7c5c\u0022\u003EJo Luxton\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. What progress has been made on fully reopening the Routeburn Track?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b5b91f5e847b4a37bc78d4b0b94aab2c\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, another fantastic question from the member\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202022b4358bb46e284471138daf3ff1c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb81eee5bb0c4eae907955668bea4863\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b8d52d669bd4d71940b6c0d214121bc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no, the member will resume her seat. That concludes oral questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f4a82d81e9f34aff95cbfcffb75de460\u0022\u003EAddress in Reply\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220fefa7b9b10f418eae89c8c83d6b497e\u0022\u003EAddress in Reply\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000229\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 2 December.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00221745d941772a4008add1793375b568c4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221745d941772a4008add1793375b568c4\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Firstly, Mr Speaker, can I take this opportunity to congratulate you on being re-nominated to the Chair. I know that fairness will continue to improve as the year goes on\u2014well, indeed, I hope that\u2019s the case. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EIt is a huge privilege to be able to speak in this Address in Reply debate in response to the Speech from the Throne, which set out the Government\u2019s agenda for the next three years. The election delivered the kind of outcome that we didn\u2019t expect in some really challenging times. But voters chose stability and certainty at this election. It\u2019s the first time under MMP that we\u2019ve got a majority Government, and we\u2019re not taking that for granted. In fact, what we\u2019re saying is that, during these very uncertain and challenging times, we will ensure that, for those things that will make a difference in the lives of many New Zealanders across many communities in our country, we will steward through the kind of plan that will see our way through. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThere are three things that the Prime Minister has outlined in her speech that I want to speak to: firstly, to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID-19; secondly, to accelerate our economic recovery; and, thirdly, to lay the foundation for a better future. On the first issue, the Prime Minister has always said, when we couldn\u2019t have predicted that there would be a global pandemic and it arrived here in New Zealand, that we would take the kinds of steps that would give New Zealanders the assurance that we had our priorities in the right place, and that was for our people. She said that the best economic response is a health response, and we hold to that approach. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EWe committed to an elimination strategy, and that elimination strategy doesn\u2019t mean that there couldn\u2019t be the high prospect of resurgence of COVID-19 during this time, but what we\u2019re doing is continuing to strengthen what happens at the border. We\u2019re continuing to learn and improve processes as people come home, and we have quarantine processes in place. We\u2019re continuing to build the capacity of our ability to triangulate and identify the extent of an outbreak through contact tracing and keeping a record, and through making sure that we\u2019ve got good testing and surveillance testing happening across our communities, and we have established a Minister responsible for our COVID19 response. All those things indicate that it\u2019s an important effort. It\u2019s one that is conducted across the whole of Government, and we\u2019re undertaking a purchasing programme for a vaccine when that comes online. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EBut let me step back from that approach, because the team of 5 million and how they\u2019re continuing to work to ensure that that approach across the whole of Government can be underpinned at a regional community level should be spoken about. I in particular want to acknowledge the effort that\u2019s happening across local government to ensure that, should they need to support a coordinated effort, they are in a level of readiness. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe second part of our strategy is accelerating the recovery, and a key part of that, again, is people, and we want to make sure that we\u2019re investing in our people. During some really difficult times, some sectors and industries have been really hit by the impacts of COVID and how it has affected their businesses, their sectors, their industries, and we\u2019ve signalled very clearly that we want to lean into the space of ensuring that we\u2019re investing in people through trades training. We want to make sure that we\u2019re removing costs for two years for trades training and we want to ensure that we\u2019re increasing apprenticeships training, because we know that, during this time, it\u2019s an opportune moment for us to signal that we can get the requisite skills as the economy recovers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI\u2019m also very proud about our intention in vocational education, which has been reset over the previous term. We should see now a greater focus on the types of resilience skills and expertise in the effort that we are making to grow back an economy that moves from volume to value, and we will see the benefits of that over time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EBut for women\u2014and I\u2019m really glad about this signal\u2014I was really pleased that we\u2019re going to reinstate the training incentive allowance to assist sole parents, and disabled people and their carers with the costs of getting a degree-level tertiary qualification. When I came into Parliament, National at that time had got rid of the training incentive allowance, yet I knew women who went to university and were sole parents and who got a law degree because of that type of support. So we\u2019re sending a signal there that we\u2019re not going to pull the ladder up. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EWe are going to make sure that we are going to invest in people in training in skills, in trades, and also in higher qualifications during this time, because we know part of that effort is about what we do actively as a Government to invest in jobs. So all the signals that the Minister for Infrastructure has given around leaning into investment and the way in which the Government can be an active investor\u2014$42 billion into infrastructure will start to see the benefits of that roll-out, both at a regional and sub-regional level, and jobs and opportunities, and there will be benefits there. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAs we prepare for the future, it\u2019s important to recognise that we\u2019re thinking ahead as well, because COVID-19 shouldn\u2019t be a reason not to do the things that are progressive and that could fundamentally transform the way that our economy works. So, again, bringing forward our 100 percent renewable electricity target to 2030, I think, is significant. Just yesterday, the Prime Minister declaring the climate emergency to make clear our Government is really investing in the future for our kids and their kids, I believe, sends a very, very important message to many people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ESupporting small businesses: small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and each and every day when we go through our town centres and we see, yes, some businesses have closed but also some have pivoted or are doing things, we know that the support that we\u2019re providing to ensure that small businesses can continue to operate under this time is so important. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EPositioning globally is a big part of what we want to do, as well; so we need to continue to foster the relationships that are underpinned through various trade agreements. So what we\u2019re doing with the EU free-trade agreement and the UK free-trade agreement to ensure that we\u2019re getting products to market\u2014again, it\u2019s a part of a whole, comprehensive strategy to ensure that we\u2019re investing in people. We\u2019re supporting a move from volume to value, we\u2019re ensuring that small businesses are able to thrive, and we\u2019re positioning our market readiness in a way that will indeed ensure a successful recovery. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAs we lay the foundations for a better future, I don\u2019t think any one of us could really outline that vision any better than as it was given in the Speech from the Throne. But, clearly, as the Prime Minister set out, that vision is about making sure we don\u2019t shy away from the challenge of climate change. The impact of what we do will have long-term, intergenerational impacts. That\u2019s why yesterday\u2019s announcement on the declaration of a climate emergency was so important in sending a signal to the Government sector that we will clean up our backyard by starting first with us, and we will demonstrate leadership. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EChild poverty: making sure that we\u2019re continuing to overhaul the welfare system and support those that are most vulnerable\u2014our children\u2014and do the very best by them, making sure that their health, their dental health, their mental health, and the support for housing will all have a contributive benefit to them and their wh\u0101nau. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ELastly, in terms of the things that we will be measured by is housing, and this is a really difficult challenge. It\u2019s a difficult challenge, and we couldn\u2019t turn it around in the first term, but we will continue to commit to invest in this space, because we know that, when people have the security of tenure and when they\u2019re able to move from insecure accommodation to secure accommodation, whether that be to homeownership or papak\u0101inga or the like, we\u2019ve got to provide pathways across the whole of the housing spectrum. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to be able to speak in this Address in Reply debate. I\u2019m proud to be able to say that we are a Government who have a vision for the future, and it\u2019s not just about the nows; it\u2019s about the next few years ahead, and it\u2019s about positioning and ensuring, both at a local level and a global level, that we\u2019ve got the kind of economy that will do the very best by New Zealanders. Ultimately, our health response is the best economic response, and we\u2019ll continue to pursue that pathway. Thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022 data-id=\u00229548fe5e292b4f92bed2b7ff282d9ebe\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229548fe5e292b4f92bed2b7ff282d9ebe\u0022\u003EHon MARK MITCHELL (National\u2014Whangapar\u0101oa):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can I just take my first opportunity to congratulate you and acknowledge you as one of our Assistant Speakers for this term of Parliament. It\u2019s a pleasure to stand and take a call on the Address in Reply debate. Can I just acknowledge the opening comments of the previous speaker, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, when she said that, although they were surprised at the level of support that they had throughout the country, they embraced that support and they realised that now there was a requirement to deliver for the country. I completely, totally support those comments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EActually, in reality, for the next 36 months, it\u2019s really important that this Government does deliver for our country, because, obviously, with the challenges and the headwinds that we face globally and at home, it\u2019s important that this Government, which in the first three years of governance had a major issue in delivering, sorts those problems out. They realise and understand that they do have a very strong mandate now. They stopped looking back. They have now exhausted the option of actually being able to blame the previous National Government. They\u2019ve had three years in Government. They now have three years with a very strong mandate. It\u2019s important that they get out and they actually deliver.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EI want to talk about infrastructure and the delivery of infrastructure. I\u2019m going to make it very local. I\u2019m going to talk about a project that\u2019s critically important to my electorate. It\u2019s known as Penlink, and it\u2019s part of the motorway network that will link the Whangapar\u0101oa Peninsula into the main State Highway 1 network. I\u2019ve been pushing for this project myself for the last nine years, when I came in as the representative. At the 2017 election, I felt fortunate that I was able to get support from my own team, from the National Government at the time, to say, yes, we would build Penlink, and I campaigned on that in 2017. It is genuinely a shovel-ready project. It is fully consented. It is ready to go. The land procurement has been completed under the Public Works Act and, in fact, half of the road has been completed on the Weiti side of the river. This project is ready to go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EIn this election, Phil Twyford visited my electorate three times with Marja Lubeck, and they were very, very clear about the fact that they had become fully committed and were behind Penlink and that it would be delivered and started in 2021. That is next year. Let me assure you that I will be holding this Government to account on behalf of my electorate to make sure that this road is started and it is delivered in this term of Government, and that is going to be the litmus test, because when the Hon Nanaia Mahuta said that they were surprised at the level of support, I can tell you that there were people living on that peninsula that gave their party vote to you, Labour, on the back of that promise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EThat road isn\u2019t just important in terms of relieving the pressure on our roading network; it\u2019s actually a safety issue, and the reason why it\u2019s a safety issue is because it\u2019s a peninsula. If we were to face a major civil defence event like a tsunami, there\u2019s only one way on and one way off. That vulnerability was highlighted about three years ago, when we had a fatal accident on the intersection of Whangaparaoa Road and Viponds Road that, basically, cut off and left 20,000 people stranded on the peninsula. They could not get off. They said at the time the answer was \u201CWell, we\u2019ll use the ferries.\u201D The problem with that is the ferry captains were stuck in the traffic and couldn\u2019t get out to Gulf Harbour. So it is a genuine safety issue as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EThe promise has been made, and I want to see that road delivered. I\u2019ll get behind and support any way that I can to ensure that that happens, but fundamentally it now comes back on a Government that has made a promise, that has said that it can deliver, and I\u2019ll be watching very carefully and making sure that that road is delivered and we see the start to that road in 2021, next year, as promised.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EThe other point that I wanted to raise is around the Speech from the Throne, the commitment to community safety and law and order. I can say that in my experience\u2014and I\u2019m proud to have had a 14-year policing career myself. Most of it was spent on the East Coast of New Zealand\u2014Gisborne, Ruat\u014Dria, and Wairoa\u2014where all of the toughest social issues that we have to face as a country are often seen in that part of our country. I have never seen the gang problem and the challenges we face around all those issues associated with gangs\u2014whether it be the dealing in stolen property, whether it be intimidation and standover tactics, whether it be the dealing of class A and class B drugs, whether it be the recruitment of our young people. I\u2019ve never seen it as bad as it is today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll come back to my electorate shortly, but I just want to share some of the headlines that we\u2019ve seen as a country over the last weeks. Operation Cincinnati\u2014this was great work, and I want to acknowledge the police gang unit that actually runs a very, very effective operation. \u201CTwelve gang members arrested in major drug bust\u201D\u2014I think that was focused on the Comancheros. Outstanding. Good work. But then we have headlines like \u201CThree men with gang links charged with Southland kidnapping and aggravated burglary\u201D; \u201CWhang\u0101rei shooting: Gang behaviour getting more vicious\u201D; \u201CPolice plead for sightings of Mongrel Mob member after he breached parole, went on run\u201D; \u201CComancheros gang boss Pasilika Naufahu found guilty of money laundering, conspiring to supply class B drugs\u201D; \u201CViolent gang member gets rewarded at sentencing for difficult upbringing\u201D\u2014that\u2019s outrageous; \u201CMan charged over gang debt murder wanted to become a patched member\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EIf I take it back to my own electorate, we\u2019ve never really had a gang issue. We\u2019ve been very fortunate up in Whangapar\u0101oa and, before that, in Rodney. Our police up there, our police leadership and our local police service, is very proactive, and we\u2019re fortunate, we\u2019re lucky, and I thank them for that. But in the last six months, we\u2019ve had the Hells Angels buy a commercial property in Silverdale and set up a pad. Why? Why are they coming into the area? We see patched gang members on Grand Drive in the heart of \u014Crewa\u2014Mongrel Mob gang members. We see the gangs taking over local restaurants. We see a rise in theft, a rise in violence. We know that there\u2019s an increase in methamphetamine coming into our community, and that is actually even, sadly, ending up in our schools as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003ESo this Government\u2014and I make an appeal to the incoming police Minister. We\u2019ll get behind and support her, but you\u2019ve got to get serious about taking these gangs on. You\u2019ve got, as an incoming Government now, to send a very clear message to the gangs that, actually, our police are going to run the town, not them. I went to a public meeting in the Hawke\u2019s Bay\u2014the last week of the election, actually\u2014hosted by our candidate Katie Nimon. There was a massive turnout. Moteliers there said that the gangs, because of this policy the current Government are running in terms of using motel rooms to house people, have taken over motels in Napier. They\u2019ve got a big problem, with the upcoming tourist season, where they don\u2019t have enough beds. They went from having three gang chapters to having nine. They\u2019ve taken over Marine Parade. They\u2019ve got massive, massive issues down in the Hawke\u2019s Bay.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EI was down in Taradale last year, at a public meeting, because the local gangs conducted street warfare in the middle of the day in Taradale, with firearms, and they ended up with a shotgun pellet in a baby\u2019s seat. We\u2019re whistling in the grave. We\u2019re one step away from having a tragedy in this country, and it\u2019s time, actually, for the Government to take their commitment around community safety and gangs seriously. I\u2019ve got a meeting in my office tomorrow where I\u2019m bringing together\u2014it\u2019s with our local police area commander, with our three councillors and our local board\u2014to actually develop a local gang strategy for my own electorate. It\u2019s becoming that serious.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EFinally, I just wanted to acknowledge that I had the mother of Constable Matthew Hunt, Diane, here yesterday, along with her daughter, Ellie, and one of his best friends, Sam. It was an honour for me to accept the petition. Just very quickly on the petition: she\u2019s not trying to change the rules around the length of sentence or interfere with that. Quite simply what Diane is saying is that, if one of our police officers, who we ask to go out on behalf of all of us, to go out and accept risks and protect our communities, if one of them is killed in the line of duty and they\u2019re convicted and sentenced to life, which basically means 10 years, that, actually, they carry out their sentence; they don\u2019t get the option of parole. That\u2019s us as a country sending a very, very clear message that we support our police.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003EI\u2019d make an appeal to the Labour members and to the Government. You nod your heads. You\u2019re out there. You always stand up and you\u2019ve got the right words. Actually, you\u2019ve got to back that up with actions now and support Diane, support the family, and support our police in that petition. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u002265dcc335fdac479d9f38cc8d0bf986d8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002265dcc335fdac479d9f38cc8d0bf986d8\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: I call T\u0101mati Coffey\u2014this is a five-minute call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022 data-id=\u0022207cd17c7d824bb4b0d1c2b228804bee\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022207cd17c7d824bb4b0d1c2b228804bee\u0022\u003ET\u0100MATI COFFEY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113nei te mihi nui ki a koe e te Mana Whakaw\u0101, otir\u0101 ki ng\u0101 mema katoa o t\u0113nei P\u0101remata, ng\u0101 mema hou hoki. He mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E[Warm greetings to you Madam Speaker, indeed I extend greetings to all the members of this Parliament, including the new ones. Kind greetings to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EKia ora, Madam Speaker. Can I congratulate you on your ascension to the big seat in the House and wish you the best of luck. I look forward to working with you proactively over the next few years, and also to our new members of Parliament as well; this is my acknowledgment to all of you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EThe Hon James Shaw said not long after the election in an interview, \u201CIt\u2019s a new Parliament; it\u2019s a new day.\u201D Actually, I found it quite refreshing to hear that. As I look around the Parliament and I see new members inside this debating chamber, it makes me realise it is a new Parliament; it is a new day. But, actually, what we are celebrating over on this side of the House is a pretty stunning election win. We managed to secure many new MPs. It\u2019s an overwhelming endorsement of the leadership of our Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI want to thank all of those people that put their faith in us to be able to guide the country over the next few years. Although the deckchairs have been shuffled, although there are new people in this Chamber, the kaupapa remains the same as it did just before the election, which is all about keeping New Zealanders safe from COVID, making sure that we\u2019re managing the borders so that we\u2019re keeping any COVID right there in managed isolation facilities. The kaupapa is still the same, about accelerating our economic recovery, because I know\u2014as somebody that lives in the geothermal paradise of Rotorua\u2014that actually our tourism industry has taken a hit, our hospitality industry has taken a hit, and our retail sector has taken a hit. There are jobs that are at stake. There are businesses that continue to hibernate until we get back on our feet. So making sure that it\u2019s a directive of this Government over the next few years to make sure that we\u2019re accelerating our economic recovery is a priority, and making sure that we\u2019re laying the foundations for a better future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EUnderpinning all of those priorities is a commitment to M\u0101ori, because during the election we got an overwhelming endorsement in terms of our party vote across all of our M\u0101ori electorates in the 2020 election, which means that we must truly value and support M\u0101ori across the country, who have shown their support for us by voting our Government in. We now are proud to say that we have 15 MPs in our Labour M\u0101ori caucus. The experience and the advocacy that they will bring will be crucial to the Government in issues such as Resource Management Act reform, in issues such as water, and the many other issues that we face as a country. We now have eight M\u0101ori MPs in the executive, including our sister from the Green Party. Six Labour Ministers, five Cabinet Ministers\u2014collectively we sit across 24 portfolios\u2014but that brings both responsibility and opportunity: opportunity to tackle the big issues and the responsibility to deliver those real results to iwi M\u0101ori and to everyone across Aotearoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EWe will continue to strengthen that M\u0101ori Crown relationship, to ensure that the Crown can grow to be a better Treaty partner and to work in true partnership with M\u0101ori, and obviously the work of the Hon Kelvin Davis will be testament to that, and we will work alongside him to deliver on those results. We will continue to work to settle historical Treaty of Waitangi claims, as well as the need to protect the taonga that is te reo M\u0101ori. We are also going to celebrate Te Ao M\u0101ori and how it defines us as a nation by making Matariki a public holiday\u2014that\u2019s right. It was launched in Rotorua, and proudly so, alongside one of the people that we consider to be at the forefront of this: Dr Rangi M\u0101t\u0101mua. Waitangi Day is our only indigenous holiday, as you will, but it\u2019s fraught. So Matariki will provide a positive, more enlightened, more indigenous aspect to a public holiday that we will hopefully have not too far away.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve got huge work to do in terms of Oranga Tamariki\u2014making sure that we partner with iwi, with hap\u016B, and with M\u0101ori organisations to find appropriate solutions. I was proud to go to the launch of Te P\u016Bt\u014Drino a Raukatauri, which is a partnership of the different iwi in the eastern Bay of Plenty\u2014Ng\u0101ti Awa, Ng\u0101ti T\u016Bwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ng\u0101i T\u016Bhoe, and Te Whakat\u014Dhea\u2014to make sure that they\u2019re part of the solution when it comes to the oranga, the wellbeing, of our children in the eastern Bay of Plenty. Strengthening M\u0101ori housing outcomes is going to be a priority of mine, and you will hear me relentlessly talk about it in this House. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022 data-id=\u0022db546d550d7c48f980fd13bc40afa33b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022db546d550d7c48f980fd13bc40afa33b\u0022\u003EDr LIZ CRAIG (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s great to be able to start this debate by congratulating you on your new role, and also congratulations to all of the new colleagues on both sides of the House. I\u2019m looking forward to working with you over the next three years. It\u2019s fitting that, as we start to reflect on the Government\u2019s priorities for the next three years, we look back, and for me it\u2019s about thinking about the year that was and about some of the things that have informed our Government\u2019s priorities moving forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to just give you a bit of a southern perspective because, for us in the Far South, the year had barely begun when we were hit by the Southland floods. As Minister Kiritapu Allan reflected in the House just today, it\u2019s so wonderful to see the Milford Track reopening, because those floods took out a huge amount of the infrastructure in the Routeburn and the Milford Tracks. But it also, a few days later, hit Mataura and Gore. So it\u2019s wonderful to be starting this new year with Parliament declaring a climate emergency but also to have today the announcement that the Milford Track after $13.7 million worth of investment is back open for business. That\u2019ll have a huge impact on many involved in the tourism industry down in Fiordland. Next year, though, we are also seeing work start as part of the shovel-ready project on rebuilding and strengthening Southland\u2019s flood infrastructure, and so that\u2019ll be involving working on some of those stopbanks that were really struggling to hold back the water, particularly around Gore and Mataura, in the recent floods. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EIt was only a few weeks later, though, that we entered lockdown, and for me entering lockdown, our office was incredibly busy, as was probably many of yours around the House. So, basically, I worked right through lockdown, but, emerging out the other side, I made the point of going and visiting as many of our social service agencies and our local businesses as I could. The story they told me pretty much was the same two key things. Firstly, they were incredibly grateful for the decisive health response and, secondly, incredibly grateful for the wage subsidy. On the decisive health response, Southland had the highest rate of COVID-19 in the country for most of that early period, and so for many of us there was only one degree of separation between somebody in our family and some others who were affected by COVID-19. And indeed, we did lose two very beloved community members to COVID. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003EI think, reflecting back on this, it reminded me of when I was in my early public health training and a couple of my bosses had been involved with the research that found, in terms of cot death, that if you place your babies on their back rather than their front to sleep, we could save over 100 babies a year. I don\u2019t ever remember anybody walking up to one of our bosses and saying, \u201CThank you. My baby didn\u2019t pass away as a result of your work.\u201D And I think for us in Southland none of us ever knew what might have happened if we hadn\u2019t had that decisive health response. But we were all incredibly grateful, both to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for the way she led our country through it but also to a number of our public health workforce, and particularly some of my former public health colleagues, who took that leadership role and were part of that team that crafted that plan that saw us all through. So one of the number one priorities for our Government moving forward is continuing to protect New Zealanders from COVID-19. That not only means strong border controls but also those investments that we\u2019ve talked about in vaccines, which we hope to have rolled out in 2021.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003ESome of the other things, though, that people talked about were particularly the wage subsidy and the way many businesses said they went into that lockdown not knowing if they\u2019d have a business out the other side, and yet the marvelling of the 12-week subsidy, not only for the fact it was in their pockets within a few days of them applying but also the fact it was 12 weeks, which meant that, when business resumed, they had a few weeks to gauge what was happening, and in many, many cases, people weren\u2019t laid off as a result. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223c5917bd-9c2f-4bdf-af2f-b13cd1a2c8bb\u0022\u003ESo, moving forward, accelerating our economic recovery, both locally and nationally, is a key priority for our Government. Certainly, what I see locally is that the projected rises in unemployment haven\u2019t happened to the extent that we were predicting and instead we\u2019ve got a building boom, some of it because of some of the projects that have been funded. Under way was already the city rebuild for us but also assisted by shovel-ready funding, as are the stopbanks. So, moving forward, though, there\u2019s another range of other issues that we\u2019ll be focusing on over the next three years, and I look forward to working with all of you on those. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u002259df2d9652194e40ad8da50de972d886\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002259df2d9652194e40ad8da50de972d886\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker, and congratulations on your new role. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak in this debate today, and my first opportunity of the 53rd Parliament. I\u2019m going to today plan to go through a lot of issues from the Speech from the Throne which I have concerns about, but I would like to start by\u2014the first speaker up this afternoon, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, talked about the voters choosing stability and certainty in the election. Voters would love to have stability and certainty, as would many of my constituents, and there\u2019s a breakdown of various areas of the economy in terms of how much stability and certainty they actually have. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003ENow, we all know what\u2019s happened with international tourism, and that has been a choice that we\u2019ve made as a country in terms of keeping ourselves safe around COVID19, and a very important choice that is. So it\u2019s up to us as Kiwis to then support our local tourism businesses as much as we possibly can. We\u2019ve also seen essential services being able to carry on, but there\u2019s been a large degree of instability and uncertainty. If we look at some of our essential services, and it\u2019s been touched on in the House already today in question time, in terms of shearers for the wool industry, for the scanners, initially, which we managed to get into the country for the sheep farmers, but also for our fruit pickers and the Recognised Seasonal Employer workers\u2014the long time and the long debate that we\u2019ve had to get those people into the country\u2014there hasn\u2019t been a sense of stability and certainty for those people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EI guess, in my electorate, if I look at some of the other areas where there\u2019s large instability and uncertainty, it\u2019s around large events, events like I have in our electorate, like the Mystery Creek Fieldays, which was the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere and will be again when people are able to travel into our wonderful country. We can make it into a fantastic domestic event, but there\u2019s still some uncertainty with events like that and events like WOMAD around being able to do that and get the certainties from the Government that they need around the health issues that work around those events. It\u2019s quite restricting for people to be able to plan those events and pay the upfront costs of those events without the certainty that\u2019s brought about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EI\u2019d just like to touch on yesterday\u2019s announcement around climate change, which also brings a level of uncertainty. In that climate change emergency motion it says here, \u201CTo avoid a more than 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global warming, global emissions would need to fall around 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching net zero by around 2050.\u201D\u2014global emissions. Now, everyone on our side of the House would agree that we have to take some actions around climate change, and my colleague Stuart Smith in particular, who spoke on it yesterday and who I know has a speech coming up in the House soon. But what I fear from some of the actions of this Government, and the scale and pace of recovery that\u2019s talked about in the Speech from the Throne\u2014the pace of this recovery and the pace of the decisions that have been made, and the talk of just transition but the lack of just transition\u2014is going to actually shift climate change problems from our country to other parts of the world. So we actually have some of the most efficient farmers in the world, and we have some of the most efficient energy industry people in the world, in this country. We\u2019re in a position to help, with some of our intellectual property (IP), the rest of the world\u2014not destroying our economy and actually shifting the problems overseas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EI was in the airport this morning in New Plymouth. I was speaking to someone from the energy industry, who, basically, said that in places like Africa they\u2019re still actually in the process of using dung for energy because they\u2019re not even thinking in the realms of climate change at this point in time because they are actually still trying to get to where we are. So I think we\u2019ve got to be very careful as a country. We need to do something, but we need to be careful that we don\u2019t run ahead of the world to not only the detriment of our own economy but also the detriment of climate change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EForty-two billion of infrastructure investment. No action before COVID. All of a sudden, at the beginning of 2020, just before COVID, this Government decided it was going to be the party of infrastructure. We\u2019ve yet to see it. We didn\u2019t see it before. What I would hope\u2014our leader, the Hon Judith Collins, has offered on several occasions, prior to being the leader and since being the leader, to work with this Government on the Resource Management Act (RMA). I would urge this Government\u2014this is our opportunity to make some real difference in this space. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EInfrastructure\u2014the Hon Andrew Little over there will remember the ecstasy when we were having Mount Messenger all of a sudden in 2016; it was going to happen. Yesterday, we received news that there was a development from the High Court but still a number of stages to go. Look, this RMA is just tangling things up, and I know that, Minister, your team wants this Mount Messenger reconstruction as much as we do; so I would urge this Government\u2014if there\u2019s some sensible changes around the Resource Management Act, we should work together to make sure that this long-term cost and change around RMA comes to an end.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EI see in the Speech from the Throne \u201CProgrammes to bolster our exports\u201D. Now, I want to know: what are these programmes\u2014what are they? Because we see programmes like Fit for a Better World, which has come out for the primary industry sector. It\u2019s vague. It\u2019s got no detail in it. I wouldn\u2019t disagree with a whole lot of the high-level stuff that\u2019s in there, but, actually, a goal without a plan is merely a dream. I think that we can do far better in terms of working out the stages about how we get to this new world. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003ECurrently I\u2019m working through a number of things with the energy industry as the new spokesperson, and I see quite a bit of alignment between the energy industry and the agricultural industry in that there are a lot of expectations coming towards us, and there is a lot of ambition and will in both of those industries to bring our country and their industries into a space that we need to get into.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EBut we keep hearing the words \u201Cjust transition\u201D, and I\u2019m not seeing just transition. I\u2019m hearing the words. I\u2019m hearing the promises. Then I read here \u201CProgrammes to bolster our exports\u201D. In agriculture, if we go ahead with some of the constraints on water that the Government is currently pushing towards the industry, we are not going to bolster our exports. The agricultural industry, along with city industries, is very, very keen to do something about water, but we\u2019ve got to make sure that it\u2019s sensible and that it\u2019s transitional\u2014along with methane. We don\u2019t currently have tools to stop the methane, but what I can tell you is that we could destroy, in this country, our whole agricultural industry by actually pushing down far too hard on methane at this point in time, and what would happen? Food production would shift to overseas. And food\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022479e3a9b9ba44fd1bbb86c939639b455\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Do nothing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229fb904ee128e4d0d877f20911199e46c\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER\u003C/span\u003E: I didn\u2019t say \u201CDo nothing\u201D, to the member over there that\u2019s decided to chirp in. I\u2019ve said we need tools. We have IP in this country, and if that member thinks that we can sit in this country and do everything to the nth degree and the rest of the world doesn\u2019t do what we are doing and we\u2019re going to make one iota of difference to climate change, then that member\u2019s got a bit of delusion going on. So we\u2019ve actually got to work through these processes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EI also see within our agricultural industries that technology is going to play a big part, and in the last three years, I haven\u2019t seen much technology being added in the form of connectivity. We had quite a good roll-out programme with broadband and connectivity when the National Government was in, and we need that programme to continue desperately to get that productivity up so we can move to the new technology and we can make progress on climate change. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003ESo I would urge this Government not just to shift climate change but to actually work with the world in making a real difference, not the one they\u2019re about to make. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u00226aff8464eeac4031ba16b2b13c28d376\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226aff8464eeac4031ba16b2b13c28d376\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I acknowledge the member who has just resumed her seat, Barbara Kuriger. I just want to correct one small matter that she raised. She said that, on the announcement of the Mt Messenger project in 2016, I had ecstasy. Now, in light of the drug-checking bill that we\u2019ve just passed this week, I just do want to correct for the record for the sake of the House that I would describe myself as very happy on that announcement; I will leave ecstasy to the festival goers of the nation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI want to say how privileged I am to be part of a newly re-elected Labour Government, and a Government that commands the majority of the House and therefore gives some certainty about the direction that we can take. We enjoyed very good relations with our coalition partner and confidence and supply partner in the last Parliament, but this election has produced a different result. That result is also a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, and also in the policy direction represented by Labour. It is gratifying, but that is all, and we also understand that with that result comes responsibility to go in carefully, but to make change and to make progress in the areas where we have been woefully lacking for a long time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI want to also at this point welcome all new members to the House, because it\u2019s been a phenomenal intake of new members, new MPs, in this House, and I\u2019m looking at those on our side. I see Helen White there. I see Tracey McLellan behind me. I see Naisi Chen behind me. I have to say, from Labour\u2019s point of view, I have never known such a phenomenally talented group of new MPs to come into the House at one time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EBut also, I look around the House at other parties and I also look at the refresh and new talent. I see Christopher Luxon over there, who comes with a significant and successful corporate leadership background. I see people like Ricardo Men\u00E9ndez March over there, from the Green Party, and other new Green MPs. In the ACT Party, a phenomenal new suite of talent, only two of them in the House at the moment\u2014I\u2019m not meant to talk about those who aren\u2019t in the House\u2014and Te Paati M\u0101ori, too, bringing their skills and talents. I\u2019ve known both of those members through my professional engagements over the years. This House is so well served by the new talent, maybe the rest of us should take the next three years off. But no; we\u2019ve got work to do, and we will get on with that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EIn terms of my opening remarks\u2014I\u2019ve taken some time\u2014I want to congratulate the presiding officers for their election or re-election. I think this House is well set up now for what has the potential to be a phenomenal three-year term ahead of us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EThis Government has a number of challenges, as we know, and they are in\u2014if you think about the major social challenges we\u2019ve got now, housing has got to be foremost amongst them and housing affordability. Just the number of people who want to get access to a warm, dry home, whether they are renting or buying. We\u2019ve got to get on top of the housing challenge because far too many people are missing out. I\u2019m going to make some comments as Minister of Health very soon about the sorts of things that affect health, that are the source of health problems, and housing is foremost amongst them. If people don\u2019t have a stable, warm, dry home to live in, that has huge implications for their health and for the health of their family.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EChild poverty is another. We took some steps in the last Parliament by legislating the child poverty reduction legislation and started to take that seriously, starting to actually shine a light on what is happening with child poverty in New Zealand. I\u2019m confident, with the leadership of the Prime Minister and also the Minister for Children, the Hon Kelvin Davis, that we will see some really significant change this term, because we have to. We have to make gains and improve the situation of those living in deprivation and poverty. Children don\u2019t ask and don\u2019t choose to live in poverty; it\u2019s a circumstance put upon them, and we need to support them, their wh\u0101nau, their families, their parents to make a difference for them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EFinally, the global challenge of climate change. I know that the member who has just resumed her seat, Barbara Kuriger, talked about what\u2019s happening in other parts of the world. Actually, there is no step that is too small to take, and there is no country that is too small that it cannot make its contribution to the worldwide challenge of reducing carbon emissions and saving this planet, because it is nothing less than that; it is about saving this planet. And I\u2019m very honoured and pleased to be part of a Government that is taking that seriously and taking those steps. We declared the climate emergency yesterday. There are some tangible initiatives now being taken, now being set up, and that will be the start of making a real difference. We have to do that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EThese are also not just about addressing those specific issues but about laying the foundations for a better future. This is our opportunity to do it. There\u2019s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has really shaken this country and every country in the world. There have been pandemics in the past and in world history. We\u2019ve talked about it. Many countries have prepared for it. But until it happens, you just don\u2019t know. And COVID-19 has tested every nation, has tested every nation\u2019s leadership, and New Zealand, I think we can say humbly, has done reasonably well. We\u2019ve kept our people safe and we continue to keep our people safe, but we have to remain vigilant. But that said, with the insights that we\u2019ve developed now, the reflections that we\u2019ve been able to have, this is an opportunity now to build on some of the new things that have emerged because of COVID-19 and really build better for the future of New Zealand. So one of the challenges is we continue our role in managing the response to COVID-19.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EIn the area of health policy, as I said before, there are a number of factors that really determine the status of people\u2019s health. Housing, clearly, is critically amongst them; whether or not you\u2019re living in poverty is another. They are areas which I\u2019ve said we have made very solid commitments on, we\u2019ve made very solid starts on, but we have to accelerate our work on these. We have to accelerate what we\u2019re doing and really start to make real progress in lifting incomes, lifting people out of poverty, doing it through not just the financial transfers but the investment in training and opportunities, the support we give to business and to investors to make investments that generate jobs, not just, sort of, inflate property prices and allow some to live off the wealth that is created by that. So we have a lot to do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EIn the health system itself, we\u2019ve taken the opportunity in the last term to conduct two major reviews. One was into mental health and addiction. We got that report. We\u2019ve started the investment in making a change in mental health and addiction. That is a huge problem. It still remains a huge challenge for us, in terms of getting the right support and the right help and the right assistance in place right around New Zealand, including for the more acute end of it as well. But, actually, for the kind of more moderate incidences of mental health problems that people have, getting the talking therapies in place, getting access to mental health support through primary healthcare\u2014that\u2019s where the future lies, and really making a difference in that area. We\u2019re starting to do that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EBut we\u2019ve also got the structural issues\u2014what we do with the Ministry of Health and its role in providing stewardship for the $20 billion - odd a year that we put into health in New Zealand. So the proposal out of the second big report that was done, which was the health and disability system review, with a group chaired by Heather Simpson, one of the proposals, it says, is let\u2019s have a focused Health NZ body that is about driving the performance not only of our hospitals and that sort of expensive end of healthcare but actually making sure that our primary healthcare is being delivered in ways that are relevant to communities around New Zealand. We have to do that as well\u2014also a health authority that really means we are fulfilling our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in terms of tino rangatiratanga. Give the M\u0101ori health authority the power not only to advise and make change and make a difference but to work with M\u0101ori health providers and all health providers to make a difference for M\u0101ori health outcomes. We have to do that. That remains an important challenge too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EThe answer or the future or the real gains in health are going to be made in what we do in primary healthcare. It\u2019s not just what happens at the GP\u2019s clinic; it\u2019s what happens in community centres. And the range of health practitioners\u2014we have not just GPs, as I say, but nurses, nurse practitioners, kaiawhina; all those who are involved in providing care and support to those who need healthcare. If we get that right, we can make a huge difference for New Zealanders, for their enjoyment of life, for their ability to do the best for their wh\u0101nau and for themselves as well. That\u2019s where the change must happen. All of that has to be in the context also of supporting our initiatives and addressing climate change, because that too is also a health determinant\u2014what we do to keep people safe from the effects of climate change is as much a health initiative too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022 data-id=\u00225221480d99c448de907f8fe1ab024901\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225221480d99c448de907f8fe1ab024901\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH (National\u2014Kaik\u014Dura):\u003C/span\u003E I want to pick up where the honourable member began his speech, with the number of new faces in the House. Congratulations to all those people who are new MPs. It reminds me of what the Rt Hon David Carter did say to me at one time\u2014that the average stay in Parliament is less than six years, which, at the time when he told me that, I found very hard to believe when you look at one of our members and one on the other side who\u2019ve been here quite a lot longer than that time. But, actually, the number of people that have come through this year in this election underlines that fact that we should all treasure the time we have in this House. It is a privilege to be here, and when you\u2019re gone, it\u2019s probably very difficult to come back. So, on that note, Madam Speaker, I will commence my speech in the Address in Reply debate. I do not envy you having to remember all those names and new faces\u2014it\u2019s quite a task. [Assistant Speaker holds up list] Yes, I\u2019m sure you do have a bit of a cheat sheet, but I\u2019m sure it has its challenges.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EDuring the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the \u014Cpawa Bridge. The old bridge has remained but they\u2019ve opened a new one, but, really, the day was to bless a pouwhenua, and it was with my good friend and colleague Rino Tirikatene, and I must congratulate him on becoming the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries. He will do a fantastic job. He\u2019s a great MP, and I have to say he shares my territory and I share part of his, I guess. As an MP crossing a M\u0101ori seat and the electoral seat, I couldn\u2019t ask for a better person to share it with. He\u2019s fantastic to work with. We tackle difficult issues and help one another out, and it\u2019s fantastic to see that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a fantastic new facility\u2014utilising an old bridge as a cycleway and shared pathway, putting these interpretive boards up so that people can get an idea of the history, because that is a crossing place, a trail that people have used down through the generations, back to the tangata whenua, of course, and so to have that wonderful ceremony at 5 a.m. We had to be there at 4.30 a.m. on Saturday morning\u2014so only the dedicated were there\u2014and it was quite a large crowd. So it was a wonderful event. Further down State Highway 1, NCTIR\u2014the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery programme\u2014is coming to an end. In fact, it will end on the 19 December, a year later than otherwise, as the Government slowed the cash flow down on that job, but, nevertheless, it\u2019s getting there. It\u2019s a fantastic facility, and if anyone in the House hasn\u2019t travelled it, I urge you to over the Christmas break. It is phenomenal. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003ETo see the uplift along that coast, you realise the forces that nature has that we don\u2019t have any control over. And I urge you to think\u2014as you drive over the Clarence Bridge going south, if you look to your right, there\u2019s a very white hill face. That used to be all grass and half of the hill slid down into the gully\u2014and if anyone remembers the cow and two calves on a little island of grass, that\u2019s where it was\u2014and that mountain range is now eight metres higher than it was prior to the earthquake. Along the coast itself, it\u2019s more like four metres in places, but a metre and a half along there, and you can see the white rocks where\u2014the area that\u2019s white used to be under the water; it\u2019s now above it. So a significant amount of work has gone in to repair that road and rail line, and I\u2019d like to congratulate all those people that worked on it. They\u2019ve worked really hard, in very trying conditions at times. I can tell you, in a southerly, in some of those areas in the middle of winter, particularly for the people doing the traffic management standing in the shade all day\u2014it\u2019s pretty cold. But they did a great job and they always have had a cheery smile on their face. So well done to them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EOn another roading matter, the State Highway 6 from Blenheim to Nelson, on about 8\u00A0December, is about to change the speed limits along their area. It was 100 kilometres an hour, and it\u2019s about to go down to 80 kilometres an hour in some places and down to 60 in others. When this was proposed, I took my good friend Chris Bishop and a journalist along with me and we drove up to Havelock, and we drove from Havelock all the way back to Renwick, an area that\u2019s now going down to 80 kilometres an hour, and I set my car on 100 kilometres an hour on the cruise control, with a journalist in the car, in the full knowledge that, at any time, he could take a photograph of my speedo over the limit. I didn\u2019t touch the brake from Havelock all the way down to Renwick\u2014all of that entire length of road, we took every corner at 100 kilometres an hour very safely. That road is absolutely safe to drive at 100 kilometres an hour every day of the week. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003ESo I asked the Waka Kotahi, with an Official Information Act (OIA) request, what criteria they use to come up with these new speed limits. Well, I\u2019m not sure, because that\u2019s the OIA. [Holds up document] There is little in the way of information there, and the little bit that we do have, I am just going to read from this: \u201CHigh speeds increase the risk of making mistakes, for example, because the driver\u2019s field of vision is narrower, reduce time available to react, increase braking time, and so make severe crashes more likely.\u201D Very true. That\u2019s the same on every single road in New Zealand. There is no evidence to justify lowering the speed limit. I think that\u2019s an appalling waste. It seems to be driven by some sort of ideology, which is not helpful at all, I think. I\u2019m all for sensible decisions to be made on traffic safety, but let\u2019s see the evidence that they have to do that. If they were confident in their evidence, they would have supplied it, but they didn\u2019t. So I\u2019m quite disappointed by that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EI want to move now to the Speech from the Throne. I note that yesterday this House declared a climate emergency, although not what a normal emergency declaration would entail. But, in the 4,500 word speech, \u201Cclimate\u201D was mentioned only about half a dozen times, which I thought kind of didn\u2019t match up with the rhetoric. But I also want to quote the honourable member that spoke just before me, Andrew Little, where he said, \u201CNo step is too small to take.\u201D I think that may be true, but no step too small to take should also be an effective one, and I\u2019ll give you an example of an ineffective step. In the UK, they shut down their aluminium industry. Their aluminium industry was pretty efficient by international standards; not as efficient as our one in T\u012Bwai Point but fairly efficient. They now import all of their aluminium from China. And, guess what? Their emissions have gone up as a result of that\u2014well, not their emissions but global emissions have gone up as a result of that. They lowered theirs; they increased international emissions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EActually, the climate has no borders. Climate change is an international issue; not a country issue. If countries make selfish decisions to lower their emissions whilst boosting international emissions, where is the sense in that? I\u2019d like to hear that from all of the activists who are pushing to get things like the Glenbrook steel mill closed here in New Zealand. The reason we\u2019d want to keep the Glenbrook steel mill is our scrap steel can go the Glenbrook steel mill and be melted down and reused, and actually that\u2019s a lot less emissions because it\u2019s a much lower temperature than making steel from iron ore. So we\u2019ve got to start to think about these things from a sensible, global perspective rather than looking at our own little area that we\u2019re in and not thinking of the bigger picture.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EAlso, as was pointed out by Barbara Kuriger earlier on, about emissions from methane, actually there\u2019s a lot of research now that\u2019s showing our emissions from methane are most likely at least one-third of what is being accounted for at the moment. So what does that really mean for us in New Zealand? That means the one thing we have to pursue is lowering transport emissions, and that will be hard because what will come from that, if we are not very careful, is energy poverty and that will affect those that can least afford it. So, once again, we need to have policies that are well-thought-out\u2014are they going to be effective, are they going to be cost effective?\u2014and we should have an upper limit on what they cost. The announcement, or re-announcement, of Helen Clark\u2019s 2007 carbon-neutral Government departments is all well and good, but what does it really mean? Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022 data-id=\u0022978c1b09bab04c329f63ef2a8908ba76\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022978c1b09bab04c329f63ef2a8908ba76\u0022\u003EANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker, and even though I have congratulated you and this is not my first time to speak in the House, I feel it would be remiss, and people may comment, that I have not congratulated you on your role. Once again I look forward to working with you in this House. I am very mindful also of the gallery beginning to fill for the speeches that will come shortly with our new members, and I want to congratulate them all very much on the most extraordinary opportunity to talk in this House for the first time. I recall it myself on 16 November, a long time ago, my father\u2019s birthday, and it was a very special occasion. I wish each and every new member of this House the most extraordinary three years and longer. Ooh, Mr Speaker\u2014it is now Mr Speaker in the seat, so I will very briefly congratulate you, sir, on your role, and I look forward to working with you in the next three years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EI am grateful today to be standing in this House. New Zealanders voted for certainty and stability in this election, and I feel the weight of that expectation and responsibility from our community. I\u2019m humbled by the faith that has been shown in our party and the exceptional leadership of our Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern. We all know that the global crisis of COVID-19 sits heavy on us all, and we all know that we have difficulties to come in the future, but we as a party, and this House, I believe, commit to keep COVID-19 at bay at our borders and to stamp it out as it comes in. Our team of 5 million have indeed done a brilliant job. I\u2019m getting a wave to say to sit down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e75707dbb4c24396b6b0805c9c331d6f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: If the member does sit down, she causes a problem. She\u2019s to speak till 4\u00A0o\u2019clock.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e50bd8932674bba864d40d58847cd0a\u0022\u003EANGIE WARREN-CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, absolutely, sir. Thank you for your direction. Like I said, I look forward to working with you, sir.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EI want to first of all acknowledge a debt of gratitude that we have to our front-line workers in COVID-19. It is an exceptional thing that our front-line workers have been doing for these last months. We know that their lives have been disrupted, and the sacrifices that they have made are extraordinary, and so I would like to put on record my great and deep thanks for their work. It is truly an important aspect of keeping us all safe. It is a huge cost to them personally.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EWe have our five-point economic recovery plan, which was endorsed by the people of this country. For me, this plan is simply about the wellbeing of our people. People are at the heart of this policy: our financial security, our environment, our planning for the future, when we build back better, focusing on child poverty, front-line climate change, addressing housing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EMy city needs all the help it can get at the moment. We are facing a huge amount of issues. We are the sixth-least affordable city in the world for housing. This is so extremely difficult. We need to build back better, we need to build back more, we need to build back faster, and I\u2019m delighted that our Government is doing so and will continue to do so.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EYesterday, we declared a climate emergency\u2014and I\u2019m going to hurry this. My heart sang yesterday\u2014my heart sang yesterday\u2014for our country and for what we as a nation will do and the steps that we will be taking to move forward, to make a difference. We\u2019ve started that work in the last three years, and we will continue to do that work, and for me that is so very important. Not only our people but our environment must be cared for. If we can\u2019t care for our environment, then where will our people live, and if our people have nowhere to live, what will happen to our environment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003EOnce again, I have to say, I am delighted to take a very brief call in this House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00224bc0ab36a3014c41a6425fdf1e8d8ebe\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224bc0ab36a3014c41a6425fdf1e8d8ebe\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just before the member calls, I want to remind members in the House and members in the gallery of the photography rules, and that is that the media and one person appointed from each party are allowed to take photos from the gallery. I now call on Simon Court for his maiden statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u0022cecfe1cf5abf4632972d27de2ec4b7fb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cecfe1cf5abf4632972d27de2ec4b7fb\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am proud to be an ACT MP and to represent all New Zealanders in this 53rd Parliament. Thank you to my family and friends for their enduring love and support as I embark on this journey, and thank you to the ACT Party volunteers for their hard work on the 2020 election campaign. I acknowledge the hard work by ACT deputy leader, Brooke van Velden, and leader, David Seymour. Their End of Life Choice Act, passed by the previous Parliament, shows how good ideas can prevail for the benefit of all New Zealanders. They showed a constructive and principled approach and that kindness and compassion are not the preserve of one political party or another.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI promise you, citizens of New Zealand, this is just the beginning of a real change led by the ACT Party. My family has been in New Zealand for over 200 years. They were missionaries, pioneers, merchants, farmers, accountants, and engineers. One of my grandfathers built a ski club on Ruapehu, which is still there today and has been enjoyed by families for more than 60 years. My other grandfather was a former fighter pilot who, with his mates after the war, bought a kitset glider from Britain. They each built a section in their garages, apart from my grandfather who glued up his piece on the living room floor. They both built sailboats in their Auckland backyard. That\u2019s pretty normal stuff in my family: innovators, free-thinkers, people who know what it takes to get things done, and people who are not afraid to take a calculated risk.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ENow, I choose to live and raise a family in West Auckland: a place which represents some of the best things about New Zealand. It is nature: wild beaches, forested hills down to sea level. It is the pioneer spirit: brave Polynesian and European settlers, who crossed thousands of miles of open ocean, seeking a better life, and more recent migrants who enrich our community not only with their skills but their cultures, all of them taking a risk for a better future. It is self-reliance: the idea you can get ahead in life by your own effort, get a trade, get a degree, start a small business, and own your own home.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI have worked as a civil and environmental engineer for almost 25 years\u2014for contractors, for consultants, and in local government. I have worked on road and highway projects in Auckland and Wellington, and in Fiji I worked in some really difficult and remote conditions, building infrastructure there for the benefit of those communities. In local government, I managed investigation, design, and remediation of closed landfills, Auckland\u2019s most dangerous landfills, and some of the worst landfills in New Zealand. I worked to clean up toxic timber chemicals and the dioxins found in Agent Orange\u2014that toxic defoliant sprayed all over Vietnam, half of which was manufactured in New Zealand. Now, those companies took a risk-based approach to the clean-up to demonstrate to those communities that contaminated sites would be safe after the clean-up. They cleaned up using technology not even considered by Government at that time. Those companies cleaned up because it was the right thing to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EAnd that leads me to why I\u2019m here. It\u2019s not just because politics needs more engineers; it\u2019s because I\u2019m also a radical environmentalist. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m not about to chain myself to an oil rig, climb a chimney stack wearing blue body paint, or glue myself to the road, because those behaviours are no longer radical; those behaviours are now mainstream. I\u2019m a radical environmentalist because I\u2019m a rational environmentalist. What is radical now is to propose real solutions to environmental problems; not all about taxes, regulations, and banning things. So I\u2019m a radical environmentalist because I believe in natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and I believe that before a Government grants itself more rights, their duty is to uphold our natural rights. Ultimately, as citizens, we know that our rights go hand in hand with our responsibilities. That shouldn\u2019t be radical, but it is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI\u2019m a radical because I believe that farmers, businesses, and communities should lead conservation efforts, but in a partnership with Government, not under threat of prosecution and persecution from bureaucrats who fail to understand their way of life. I\u2019m a radical because I believe that business and communities are best placed to solve our worst environmental and infrastructure problems but through innovation and in a partnership with Government, not by heavy-handed, counter-productive regulations. Businesses and landowners have skin in the game. They will invest in doing the right thing because that\u2019s what their customers want. And anyone who\u2019s ever run a small business knows that the customers are always right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EMy experience working as a civil and environmental engineer for more than 25 years has shown me that responsible business led by smart people should be allowed to innovate and show Government what the solutions are to these problems. As an engineer, I\u2019ve worked for businesses that actually adopted much tougher international standards because that was the best way to manage their risks. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo when friends and colleagues ask me, \u201CSimon, why ACT?\u201D I tell them, \u201CACT is the party of real reform\u2014the party that takes on the most difficult problems.\u201D It\u2019s because ACT is the party that puts its trust not in Government but in the citizen, the business owner, and the taxpayer. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo you may ask, \u201CHow did an engineer like me come to be a radical environmentalist?\u201D, because engineers are generally regarded as steady-as-she-goes types, right? Well, before I was an engineer, I studied a degree\u2014or started one\u2014in history and politics. It was Russian Revolution, Stalin and Trotsky, and the Cold War. I went on the odd protest march at uni; it was a lot more fun than lectures, after all. And in the innocence of youth, I had my share of indiscretions\u2014I even voted Green a couple of times! David Seymour says he won\u2019t hold it against me. The ACT Party believes in redemption for even the most egregious of sins. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EBut to return to my student days for a moment, while I was sitting in dusty lecture theatres and playing protester, half a world away students my age rose up and tore down the Berlin Wall with sledgehammers and their bare hands. Those people were prepared to die for their freedom, so to me this was no longer a laughing matter; it actually seemed pretty inspiring. So after a while I quit my arts degree and went to see for myself. West Berlin was glitzy and modern, charming and traditional at the same time. At the famous Checkpoint Charlie, where captured spies were traded between East and West, I marvelled at all the way our fellow humans had tried and often died to escape their workers\u2019 paradise. Using high-tension power lines for a flying fox escape is still the highlight for me and it confirms pretty much everything you see in a James Bond movie is real. But as you can see parts of the Berlin Wall preserved, you cannot miss the warning from history\u2014the warning to those who take their freedom for granted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ELet us not forget: socialism wasn\u2019t just tyranny, it wasn\u2019t just poverty; it was an environmental disaster. And for those of you old enough to remember, I\u2019m not just talking about the Trabant motorcar. The Eastern cities were ugly, crowded, and dimly lit, covered in soot and grime, broken roads and footpaths. I remember the air was blue with exhaust smoke. And from trains passing through towns and villages, I saw factories spewing industrial waste into the supposed blue Danube on its way to the more aptly named Black Sea. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EAs I travelled closer to the border with Ukraine, fellow backpackers told me to stay out, it\u2019s still highly radioactive, it\u2019s too dangerous to go there. I don\u2019t think it could have made a starker contrast with clean, green New Zealand. It also struck me that New Zealand was a very wealthy country and that our prosperity is key to our quality of life. So back in New Zealand, with a new appreciation for this incredible country we live in, I switched to environmental science, and then I studied engineering while I worked full time. I wanted to put everything I\u2019d seen and learnt to good use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo when people ask me, \u201CSimon, why ACT and why now?\u201D, well, I tell them big government and heavy-handed regulation has failed to solve our worst environmental, transport, and infrastructure problems, and it always will. We have a responsibility to rest lightly on the earth but government is too often the cause of not the solution to our problems. Every year, there are hundreds of raw sewage overflows on to beaches from councils\u2019 networks in streams and harbours around Auckland\u2014not big evil corporates, but local government. We know that is wrong, but the Resource Management Act (RMA) lets councils in places like Auckland and Wellington get away with it because they can obtain consents which are readily granted. This needs to change. The RMA makes getting a permit for waste to energy almost impossible. As a result, we now bury 3\u00BD million tonnes of waste in landfills every single year. And how does big Government, big, regulating Government, think they\u2019re going to solve this one? With more landfill taxes\u2014or the RMA denies New Zealand the very technology which solved the landfill crisis in under 15 years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EWe need a Government whose instinct is technology over taxation, innovation over ideology, incentives, not more indignation. We in ACT have a radical vision of how to solve that particular environmental problem\u2014and that\u2019s to repeal the Resource Management Act altogether. It is ACT standing up for real change in that area to replace bad law with good law. It\u2019s ACT that wants to actually protect the environment, not just pay lip-service to it through placards and PR. It\u2019s ACT who will instigate the kind of business-led innovation we need to solve our worst environmental problems\u2014real solutions to the challenges we face. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIn the aftermath of COVID-19, New Zealand has to focus on growing our productivity and growing our wealth as a priority. We need to grow our productivity and our wealth in order to pay for the pristine environment we aspire to and to deliver the vital infrastructure that is lacking. ACT will propose good urban development law to allow our cities to reach their potential and a simpler process to deliver vital infrastructure without the kind of political interference that leads to a light rail fiasco. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIn closing, thank you to the citizens of New Zealand. You stood up and made your votes count on 17 October 2020. On that day, you elected nine more ACT MPs, including me, to Parliament\u2014people who do understand how to deliver real-world solutions to the most difficult problems we face. So I say to the citizens of New Zealand\u2014all of you, not just those of you who gave your votes to ACT\u2014trust ACT. We are working hard to change your future for the better. We want a country which aspires to be wealthy and to have a clean environment; a people who are not afraid to take risks, who give each other the benefit of the doubt, and trust each other to do the right thing; and a society which values freedom and opportunity above all else. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E[Applause]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022fa1f0e28bf8b402398ab2c3f47432bca\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fa1f0e28bf8b402398ab2c3f47432bca\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Before I call the next speaker, I\u2019m going to repeat my reminder to those in the gallery about the photography rules, and that is that accredited media people and a person from each party with whom there\u2019s agreement are the people who\u2019re allowed to take photographs. I now call on Camilla Belich to make her maiden statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022 data-id=\u0022c9707cf72fae45f18e947df33c5a1713\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c9707cf72fae45f18e947df33c5a1713\u0022\u003ECAMILLA BELICH (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E E te M\u0101ngai o te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 koe, me ng\u0101 mihi i runga i t\u014D kopounga. Ki te whare e t\u016B nei, te papa ki raro, t\u0113n\u0101 k\u014Drua. Ki te mana whenua o te rohe nei, Te \u0100ti Awa, Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira, Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou ng\u0101 mema katoa o ng\u0101 r\u014Dp\u016B katoa, tae noa ki te \u0100piha o te Whare, tae noa ki a koutou e m\u0101takitaki ana, \u0101, e whakarongo ana.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EEhara ahau i te m\u0101tanga reo, engari e tika ana kia k\u014Drerotia i te reo tuatahi, te reo t\u016Bturu, te reo takitaki, o te whenua nei, o Aotearoa, o Niu Tirani. I te w\u0101 e tamariki ana ahau, e ako ana ahau i te reo i te k\u0101inga, i te kura tuatahi, i te kura tuarua, i te whare w\u0101nanga o Wikitoria, hoki, \u0101, i t\u0113nei r\u0101, kei te ako tonu atu ahau. He hiahia n\u014Dku kia tukuna iho t\u0113nei taonga ki ng\u0101 tamariki katoa o Aotearoa, kia mau, kia \u016B, kia k\u014Drerotia hei reo whakawhiti whakaaro, hei mea tohu i t\u014D t\u0101tou nei Aotearoatanga. E p\u016Bmau ana au ki te k\u014Drero M\u0101ori i ng\u0101 w\u0101 e tika ana, ahakoa aku h\u0113, kia puta atu aku t\u016Bmanako m\u014D ng\u0101 w\u0101 e heke mai nei.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E[Mr Speaker, thank you and greetings on your appointment. I acknowledge this building that houses us, and the land that it stands upon. The host tribes of this area, Te \u0100ti Awa, Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira, Ng\u0101ti Raukawa, I extend my greetings to you. To us, all the members of all the parties, including the Clerk of the House, as well as to you who are watching and listening to these speeches, greetings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI am not a language doyenne, but it is appropriate to use the first language, the original language, the lead language of this land, of Aotearoa, New Zealand. When I was growing up, I learned M\u0101ori at home, at primary school, at secondary school, and at Victoria University, and today I am learning still. It is my wish that all children in New Zealand have access to this precious gift, whereby it will be retained, and established in daily conversation as a sign of our New Zealandness. I am committed to using M\u0101ori whenever it is appropriate to do so, notwithstanding my errors, to express my aspirations for the future.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI was born in the 1980s, when many activists fought for the revitalisation of the M\u0101ori language. Because of their work, I had the advantage of a father who, although he was P\u0101keh\u0101, was learning te reo M\u0101ori at polytechnic. Because of this, I could speak some te reo M\u0101ori before I could read in English. I was then lucky enough to receive a bilingual education at primary school, and I continued to study te reo M\u0101ori at secondary school and then at university. I\u2019m learning still.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI support the aspiration of the late Huirangi Waikerepuru, who said, \u201CKei te hiahia au kia t\u016B angitu te katoa o Aotearoa ki te k\u014Drero i te reo M\u0101ori, i te reo P\u0101keh\u0101 hoki kia kounga te rere o ng\u0101 reo e rua.\u201D [\u201CI would like to see all of New Zealand succeed in being able to speak M\u0101ori as well as we speak English so that we may be competent bilinguists.\u201D] He wanted everyone in New Zealand to have the same advantage he had of speaking M\u0101ori and English equally well. I cannot say that I speak the two languages equally well, but to do so remains my aspiration. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EIn my time in the House, I will seek opportunities to speak and continue to learn and support te reo M\u0101ori. It is a taonga generously taught to me by my kaiako M\u0101ori. Through the use of te reo M\u0101ori, I hope to be able to honour them and honour the relationship that P\u0101keh\u0101 and M\u0101ori have under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, when we campaign to enter this House, we learn to tell our story, and this is mine. It is a story of political activism, of seeking change. It is the story of why I am here. It is a story of a family who first immigrated to this country 179 years ago. My ancestry in Aotearoa stretches back to the first P\u0101keh\u0101 settlers in Nelson to Dalmatian gum diggers and their families and to immigrants who arrived in the 1920s. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMy grandmother, Valerie Belich, who is watching this speech today at home, was born in the first year of the Great Depression, something she often points to as an unlucky start in life. I would like to acknowledge her in her 92nd year. Her oldest friend, Gabrielle Rikihana, is here today and has lent me her wh\u0101nau\u2019s beautiful k\u0101kahu to wear. E kore e mutu aku mihi ki a koe, Gabrielle.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E[Gabrielle, I am for ever indebted to you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMy grandmother has always encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to be welcoming, to be kind, and of the importance of family. She had a long, happy marriage to my grandfather, Jim Belich, who left us five years ago. He was born on the gum fields of the North and remembered canvassing in support of Labour\u2019s first Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage. On the night of the 1935 election, he remembered gathering at the only home in the area with a radio to listen as the results came in. He was later an active member of Walter Nash\u2019s electorate committee in Lower Hutt, and, much later in his life, after a career in advertising, which also involved Norman Kirk\u2019s 1972 election campaign, he was elected the first Labour mayor of Wellington in 1986. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMy other ancestors had less public careers. I\u2019m a descendant of dressmakers, sailors, tailors, domestic servants, bricklayers, gum diggers, typists, factory workers, quarry workers, State servants, writers, and farmers. I am proud of their work. I was taught from a young age to always respect the dignity and the rights of labour, and that a job worth doing is a job worth having. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI believe I\u2019m the fourth person of Croatian descent and the first Croatian woman to sit in this Parliament. I also acknowledge Dorothy Jelicich, who brought the first Croatian name to this House in 1972. I want to take this opportunity to honour the Dalmatian women who came to New Zealand to make it their home. Many left all they had ever known, knowing they would never see their families again, and for a life of hard physical labour in the gum fields or the land. These women kept their culture strong and their families strong, despite their marginalisation in the Anglo-Saxon community. More recently, families from my ancestral homeland repeated this journey, coming to New Zealand to escape the terrible conflict of the former Yugoslavia. So for all the mothers, the tetas, the babas, and prababas, my presence here is also for you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMy parents are committed trade unionists. They came together while both members of a union executive. There is a photo of me at the first Public Service Association (PSA) women\u2019s conference at the age of three days old. One of my earliest memories, in fact, is attending a protest outside this very House asking for fairer pay for early childhood teachers, when I myself was in a pushchair. These early memories must have been formative, and I am proud to continue to be a part of the labour movement as a Labour MP. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EAs a lawyer, my career has been spent representing workers and their unions, while working here in New Zealand and also in England and Wales. I believe if things had been different, my friend and mentor the late Helen Kelly, who I worked with first as a student president and then in unions, would be here in this House today, perhaps as a Minister alongside her good friend Grant Robertson.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EIn 2013, when Labour was firmly in Opposition, Helen was already imagining a different future. This is what she said to the 2013 Labour Party conference: \u201CWe need a new vision\u2014not a cut it, drill it, pollute it, close it, and impoverish it vision, not one where most Kiwis are seen as the problem, with a small rich group seen as the solution; one that recognises the best of human nature and that our individual happiness is dependent on each other\u2019s rights and needs as much as our own. It is the only sustainable model for long-term wellbeing, and it is the point that differentiates the labour movement.\u201D This is also my vision, and I will endeavour to continue Helen\u2019s work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EBefore I look towards the future, I would like to acknowledge the people who got me here. To all the volunteers who freely gave their time to the campaign in Epsom this election, thank you. Under the excellent leadership of campaign manager Sam Jaffe, we had over 50 active volunteers and we increased the party vote. I would like to especially thank Sam and Alex for your huge contribution, your time, and your expertise. I\u2019m very grateful. Thank you for being here today too. To Labour Party president Claire Szabo and the hard-working team at Fraser House, including Diane Lacy, Tim Grigg, Rob Salmond, thank you\u2014and a huge thank you also to Hayden Munro and the New Zealand Council members, some of whom are here today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003ETo my family, many of whom are here today, thank you for your ongoing support. To my friends here and watching online, thank you for your friendship and for your encouragement. I would like to say a special thankyou to my good friend Fleur Fitzsimons. Leadership is about letting people grow and flourish. You embody that better than anyone I know. Many of us here have benefited from your strong encouragement and support.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003ETo my mum and dad, I\u2019m here because of you, because of the unconditional love you showed to both me and Laura and because of the values and principles that you instilled in us. To my sister, Laura, thank you for being a wonderful sister who loves my little girls like they were your own. To my husband, Andrew, we met because of our shared values and desire to make New Zealand a better, fairer place. I\u2019m grateful for you and your love and support every single day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003ETo my girls, Honor and Edie, I hope you can see now that when mummy comes to Wellington, she is here to work in Parliament and not to have a holiday without you, as you have claimed. It is a big sacrifice that you both make, and I hope one day you\u2019ll be proud of this Government and what we have achieved for New Zealand. For my part, I couldn\u2019t be prouder to be your mother\u2014always my most important role.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EAs an MP who is pregnant, I stand proud and very humble to be here but without fear of judgment and without regret. The fact I can do so is because I stand on the shoulders of the many, many parents who have worked so hard to be active parents and MPs. Our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has shown what is possible. In this, as in so many things, her leadership is helping to transform Aotearoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI was here in the public gallery for the Prime Minister\u2019s speech 12 years ago, and she said to Helen Clark that Helen Clark had made her proud to be Labour. Now I wish to say the same to the Prime Minister. Through your leadership, you have made all Labour members in this House so proud to be who we are and fight for the change we think is important. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, I also want to recognise your work to recreate Parliament as a friendly and welcoming place for mothers and fathers and all who care for children. I know you have achieved a great deal, both in the executive and legislative branches of Government, but I suggest to you it is your committed and uncompromising work not just to invite but to welcome families, babies, and parents into Parliament that may be one of your most enduring legacies. So I and we thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EThere is much to do to improve the lives of New Zealanders. I come here to serve and to work hard for all New Zealanders, to stand for equality and justice and against inequality and injustice, to make progressive change for all New Zealanders, especially working people and, importantly, all our children. I am committed to the vision of the Prime Minister to make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a child. This was earlier the vision of my grandfather, Sir Jim Belich, whose knighthood recognised his service to children as the long-serving president of UNICEF New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI am also proud of the work that this Government has done on equal pay and recognising the often undervalued contribution of women. We have seen a new law following the groundbreaking case brought by Kristine Bartlett and her union, E t\u016B. I want to acknowledge E t\u016B, including John Ryall and their lawyer Peter Cranney, for this important work. You have changed the law and helped fairly value the work of working women and, in turn, supported these women to value themselves. In doing so, you\u2019ve helped make fundamental change in New Zealand. I am confident this Government will continue to deliver for working women, because we still have much more work to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EI am proud that one of my first votes in this House was to acknowledge the climate change emergency we face. It is beyond important that we recognise and act on climate change not only for our future but for the future generations of our country. There is no climate change vaccine; there is only the hard, hard work of radically changing the way we live on this earth. All of us must make this change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EWhen I leave this House one day, I hope to be able to say that I came here to serve and that I made a difference. I will be working hard every day in this role that I am so honoured and humbled to hold in order to achieve this. N\u014D reira, e te M\u0101ngai, e koutou katoa, huri noa i te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E[Applause]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022a7ea28d49f774811896ff6bebc431842\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a7ea28d49f774811896ff6bebc431842\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I now call, for his maiden statement, Rawiri Waititi. I just want to check that your family\u2019s here. I\u2019m going to be guided by the member. If he\u2019s not happy that the people who he really wants in here are here, he should sit down and he should stand up again when he is. I thought we had it organised. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u0022833b98717e1f4f8f9c0eec8e2adaabf3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022833b98717e1f4f8f9c0eec8e2adaabf3\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te Paati M\u0101ori):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019ve been looking forward to this because I know that you can\u2019t sit me down for the fifth time! But I won\u2019t test you!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EE tipu e rea m\u014D ng\u0101 r\u0101 o t\u014D ao \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EArahina t\u014D iwi e\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ET\u014D ng\u0101kau ki ng\u0101 taonga a \u014D t\u012Bpuna\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ET\u014D wairua ki te Ariki\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EKi a koutou katoa e te rangatahi, te oranga m\u014D te ao katoa:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EKia mau, kia kaha, pupuritia te mana o te Ariki.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[Grow strong young plant, for the coming days\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EWhen you will lead your people\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EGive your heart to the treasures left to you by your ancestors\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAnd your soul to the Almighty\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ETo you all, young people, you are life itself for the world:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EStay proud, stay strong, stay true to God]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EBecause you\u2019re magic, magic people to me;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EYou\u2019re magic people to me.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHold your head up high;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ELet your voices fly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to be M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EBecause you\u2019re magic, magic people to me;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EYou\u2019re magic people to me.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHold your head up high;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ELet your voices fly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to be M\u0101ori,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EProud to be M\u0101ori,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EProud to be M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EKia ora. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHe h\u014Dnore, he kor\u014Dria ki te Atua, he maung\u0101rongo ki te whenua, he whakaaro pai ki ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa. \u0100mine.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ETangihia r\u0101 ng\u0101 mate putuputu o te w\u0101, r\u0101tou te hunga wairua kua riro t\u012Btapu ki te p\u014D. Whoatu r\u0101 koutou i runga i te ara k\u014Drero kua parangia e te tini, e te mano. Hoake koutou ki tua o Reit\u016B, ki tua o Reiao ki te huinga o te Kahurangi, ki te k\u0101hui Matariki; koutou e te hunga okioki, haere, haere, whakangaro atu r\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ET\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou e hika m\u0101. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou e te Whare. Te \u0100ti Awa, te mana whenua o t\u0113nei w\u0101hi, karanga mai, mihi mai, whakatau mai r\u0101. Ahumairangi te maunga whakah\u012B e t\u016B mai nei, e t\u016B, e t\u016B, e t\u016B. Te moana e haruru nei, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, papaki mai r\u0101, papaki mai r\u0101, papaki mai r\u0101. T\u0113n\u0101 koe, e te P\u012Bka, e pupuri nei i te mauri o t\u0113nei Whare. Ng\u0101 mihi nui ki a koe. E ng\u0101 mema o te P\u0101remata, ng\u0101 kaip\u012Bkau o ng\u0101 wawata me ng\u0101 t\u016Bmanakohanga o te motu, t\u0113nei te mihi atu ki a koutou e hika m\u0101. E ng\u0101 \u0100piha hoki, ng\u0101 kaimahi o te Whare, ka mihi an\u014D hoki ki a koutou. E ng\u0101 mana, e ng\u0101 reo, e ng\u0101 k\u0101rangaranga maha, te wh\u0101nau kua whakawh\u0101iti nei, ng\u0101 iwi kua pae nei, koutou i takahi mai te nuku o Te Ika-a-M\u0101ui Tikitiki, koutou i raha mai n\u0101 i ng\u0101 parirau o te manu nui a Ruakapanga kia tau ki ng\u0101 tiriti p\u016Bkohu o P\u014Dneke ki t\u0113nei karanga whare a te p\u016Bng\u0101werewere, a te r\u016Br\u016B, haere mai, haere mai, haere mai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EE Te Waiariki, n\u0101 koutou i whakatau kia noho ahau ki runga i t\u0113nei t\u016Bru hei m\u0101ngai m\u0101 koutou; n\u0101 koutou i whakaae kia M\u0101ori ake te reo, te wairua, me te whakaaro o t\u0113nei t\u016Bru o Te Waiariki. Mai i Maket\u016B ki Tongariro, mai i Ng\u0101 Kur\u012B a Wh\u0101rei ki Tihirau, n\u0101 koutou te mana o t\u0113nei t\u016Bru. Kua tau. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou, e hika m\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[Honour and glory to God, peace on earth and goodwill to all men. Amen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EWe continue to mourn the passing of our many dearly departed, those spirits who have been taken to the dark night. We farewell you in speech as you tread the path that has been taken by so many before you. Farewell to beyond Reit\u016B, beyond Reiao, to where the multitudes are gathered, to Pleiades; to you all who now rest in peace, farewell, farewell, farewell.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EGreetings, friends. Greetings to all in this special House. Te \u0100ti Awa, you who host us on this land, we accept your welcome, your acknowledgments, your greetings. The great hill of Ahumairangi, may you stand for ever noble. The roaring waters of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, we hear the incessant lapping of your waves. To you Mr Speaker, as holder of the authority of this House, I extend my greetings. To the members of Parliament, the ones who carry the aspirations and dreams of the nation, I offer warm greetings to you as well. To the Clerks, and other staff of this House, I extend greetings to you too. To the distinguished tribes, the spokespeople, the many representatives, the wider family who have gathered here, those who have travelled from throughout the North Island, those who hail from Tolaga Bay, you who grace the city streets of Wellington to arrive at this revered house of the spider, house of the morepork, I say welcome, welcome, thrice welcome.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EWaiariki, it was you who decided that I would be the one represent you in this seat; it was you who determined that the Waiariki seat should have a more M\u0101ori voice, soul, and view. From Maket\u016B to Tongariro, from Ng\u0101 Kur\u012B a Wh\u0101rei to Tihirau, the honour of this seat belongs to you. Indeed. Good evening, friends.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the place in which we stand, and, before I do, like I said in a speech at our M\u0101ori Party launch in March this year, I strategically asked for the launch to be at Hoani Waititi Marae. Why? Because all you will hear is \u201CWaititi, Waititi, Waititi\u201D. I then said, \u201CNau mai, haere mai ki te marae o Rawiri Waititi.\u201D Well, guess what! The land outside of Parliament is called Waititi. And in every whakatau we have had so far, all I have heard is \u201CWaititi, Waititi, Waititi\u201D. N\u014D reira, nau mai, haere mai ki te Whare P\u0101remata o Rawiri Waititi. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I believe you may be sitting in my seat! I haven\u2019t got to sit down yet, so kei te pai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI want, at this time, to mihi to a true political hero of Te Ao M\u0101ori: Dame Tariana Turia, who courageously walked across this very floor and stood up for her people. She stood up against the degradation of the mana o te iwi M\u0101ori, m\u014D te t\u0101huna o te takutai moana [during the plot for the foreshore and seabed].\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHer unapologetic voice and commitment to Te Iwi M\u0101ori is the very reason why I am here and representing Te Paati M\u0101ori as the new member of Parliament for Te Waiariki. Her courage has inspired a whole generation and her act of bravery continues to inspire me today. E kui, e te iti matakahi maire i whakahinga i te r\u0101kau, ka tuohu.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[To my elder, the little axe that felled the large tree, I bow to you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI stand in this House and I feel the presence of our koroua Sir Apirana Ngata, an iwi and political leader who had no bounds, and because there are Ng\u0101tis present, a Ng\u0101ti Porou leader and politician! But because this is my maiden speech, he also has very strong affiliations to te wh\u0101nau.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EApirana Ngata is one of Aotearoa\u2019s best known rangatira, living and working according to the traditional iwi structures and, as the member of Parliament for Eastern Maori, he acted to strengthen Te Iwi M\u0101ori, te reo, me \u014Dna tikanga. His drive for the betterment and the citizenship of his people came at great sacrifice. \u201CFor God, for King, and for country\u201D was the call to arms for the price of citizenship. Ake, ake, kia kaha e.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[Let us for ever hold fast.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ESir Apirana Ngata argued that M\u0101ori support of the war effort was the ultimate way to honour the Treaty and gain equality with and respect of P\u0101keh\u0101. Seventy-five years later, we are still arguing the validity of our participation in the great wars, the place names that decorate the very walls of this House. Has the Treaty been honoured? Did we gain the respect of P\u0101keh\u0101? Article 1: consent to the Crown to custodianship and to k\u0101wanatanga\u2014not ownership, nor sovereignty. Article 2 was the security of the absolute mana of tangata whenua of Aotearoa\u2014our land, our rivers, our sea, our forests, our traditions and practices, our people, our mokopuna. Article 3 was about equality: that M\u0101ori would be treated as equal citizens in Aotearoa. Two hundred and fifty-five years of colonisation, 175 years of the signing of He Whakaputanga, Declaration of Independence, and 180 years since Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed. What has been delivered to us?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI take an analogy about the current Treaty partnership between P\u0101keh\u0101 and tangata whenua used by uncle Tamati Reedy, who was supposed to be present today but fell ill this morning: the great white shark P\u0101keh\u0101 and the kahawai M\u0101ori. The great white shark P\u0101keh\u0101 and the kahawai M\u0101ori: the great white shark said to the kahawai, \u201CShould we form a partnership?\u201D The kahawai replied, \u201CYes, that sounds like a fantastic idea.\u201D The great white shark then ate the kahawai and said, \u201CNow we are one.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAs Dame Tariana Turia stated in her maiden speech, what has been delivered to us? One hundred and eighty years of struggling to have the Treaty recognised in law, that we have survived despite cultural extermination practices, assimilation of policies, monocultural institutions, treacherous land-stealing laws, tauiwi bureaucracies that have run our affairs, denial of our tangata whenua status, and struggling to maintain cultural identity, integrity, tikanga, and to keep our language alive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ENow the largest media publisher in Aotearoa, Stuff, has publicly apologised for the way it has portrayed M\u0101ori over the past 160 years after an internal investigation uncovered evidence of racism and marginalisation in its representation of the country\u2019s indigenous people, the true indigenous people, te iwi M\u0101ori. They have said sorry to M\u0101ori for the monocultural viewpoint that has sought to oppress tangata whenua. They have said sorry to M\u0101ori for continuing to create and reinforce the negative narrative of tangata whenua that keeps our people at the bottom of the heap. They have said sorry to M\u0101ori for aiding and abetting the system of racism that strips us of our spirit and our oranga. But they have taken responsibility for their failures. They have owned their failings, and they have made a commitment to do better.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMy question to you, Mr Speaker, and to this House is: when will the Crown do the same? When will the Crown say they are sorry to M\u0101ori for the monocultural viewpoint that has sought to oppress tangata whenua? When will the Crown say they are sorry to M\u0101ori for continuing to reinforce a negative narrative of tangata whenua? When will the Crown say they are sorry to M\u0101ori for aiding and abetting the system of racism that strips us of our spirit and our oranga? When will the Crown take responsibility for their failings? When will the Crown own their failings and commit to doing better?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI refuse to allow my tamariki or my mokopuna to one day sit in the same seat asking the same question. We will no longer accept this approach, as it allows the State to continue to feast on the dysfunction that it has created amongst our people. We will no longer accept that the State continues to fund itself every year to allow Oranga Tamariki to steal more of our babies, a justice system to lock up more of our people, a welfare system that keeps my people dependent and poor, an education system that keeps my people dumb, a health system that keeps my people sick, and a housing system that keeps my people homeless. This has to stop. Einstein said stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It is time to transform the way we do politics in Aotearoa. It is time for M\u0101ori to look after M\u0101ori, as we know what is best for us. COVID-19 lockdown showed how M\u0101ori can look after themselves without Government support or intervention.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u0100perahama Taonui, a prophet from the North, once said, \u201CKauaka r\u0101 Te Tiriti o Waitangi e \u016Bhia ki te haki o Ingarangi engari me uhia ki te kahu M\u0101ori.\u201D, which translates: \u201CDo not cover the Treaty of Waitangi with the Union Jack. It must only be covered by our M\u0101ori cloak.\u201D I am committed to challenging the reason why the Union Jack consistently smothers Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and I am going to take it off. I will ensure that our unapologetic M\u0101ori voice is heard and that our M\u0101ori cloak is felt and is present in every piece of legislation and bill passed in this House. You know what it feels like to have a pebble in your shoe? That will be my job here: a constant, annoying to those holding on to the colonial ways, reminder and change agent for the recognition of our kahu M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u201COranga whenua, oranga wairua\u201D\u2014\u201CIf the land is healthy, so are the people\u201D\u2014was a twist on the prophetic words uttered by W\u012Bremu R\u0101tana. Te Piupiu, a kuia from the Waikato people: \u201CM\u0101uiui whenua, m\u0101uiui tangata\u201D\u2014\u201CWhen the land is sick, so are the people.\u201D It is time for the Crown to honour its Tiriti obligation and partnership, and it needs to devolve its resources to a by M\u0101ori, for M\u0101ori, to M\u0101ori approach.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EWe demand a M\u0101ori Parliament. We want to implement constitutional transformation based on te Matike Mai report. We want to change racist electoral laws so M\u0101ori can switch between the M\u0101ori and general rolls at any time. But, first of all, commit M\u0101ori to the M\u0101ori roll and then they can opt out. Establish a commissioner for Te Tiriti o Waitangi to provide oversight of the Crown. Are you listening, Mr Jackson? We want M\u0101ori procurement to put wh\u0101nau first\u2014for more than 5 percent. We want a by M\u0101ori, for M\u0101ori, mokopuna M\u0101ori entity that takes the place of Oranga Tamariki. We want Wh\u0101nau Ora to be better resourced and for all its funding to go to the commissioning agencies and not to Crown agencies. We want M\u0101ori proprietary rights recognised when it comes to water. M\u0101ori own the water. We want to stop onshore and offshore oil exploration and drilling and also deep-sea oil drilling in Aotearoa. We want to officially change the name of New Zealand to Aotearoa and all place names to be changed back to their original names. And, yes, you guessed it\u2014we want the oath changed to also reflect tangata whenua e Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Many political commentators and many members in this House have said that these policies are ambitious, but they also said that of the M\u0101ori Party\u2019s return to Parliament\u2014but we are here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI have put my hand up to be the voice for my people, not just for the Waiariki but for Te Iwi M\u0101ori. This also comes with great sacrifice. I want to acknowledge my parents, both who have struggled this year with health issues but are here today. I love you both. I want to acknowledge my babies, who will have less time with their p\u0101p\u0101, but they understand that I am trying to make a better today for their tomorrow. Taowaru, Huiarangi, Te Ohanui, Tumanako: this I dedicate to you and your generation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ETo my beautiful wife, a Ng\u0101puhi princess\u2014the last one\u2014when I told her I was running again, she said, \u201CI must\u2019ve done something bloody wrong in another life. First my dad and now my husband.\u201D Thank you for your support, your patience, your strength, your unsolicited advice, but most of all your love. I love you, my darling.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EIn closing, our tipuna from Te Whakat\u014Dhea, Mokomoko, was wrongfully convicted and tried for the death of Reverend V\u00F6lkner in \u014Cp\u014Dtiki, whose head was decapitated. But because he looked like the perpetrator and his rope was found at the scene of the crime, he was imprisoned in Mt Eden and hung to death. M\u0101ori have had enough of being assimilated and forced to do and look like everyone else. We are not like everyone else; we are unique. Being M\u0101ori is like having superpowers. There is no one else in the world like us, and we need to maintain who we are. We are in the business of revival, we are in the business of empowerment, and we are in the business of emancipation. Before they hung our tipuna Mokomoko, he uttered the words: Tangohia te taura i taku kak\u012B, kia waiata au i taku waiata. Tangohia te taura i taku kak\u012B, kia waiata au i taku waiata, which means: \u201CTake the noose from around my neck so that I may sing my song.\u201D Therefore, I will adorn myself with the treasures of my ancestors and remove the colonial noose around my neck so that I may sing my song. [Removes tie]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EN\u0101 reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[Applause]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EWaiata\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002261689f477cff41e09ca1f9356095db0f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002261689f477cff41e09ca1f9356095db0f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Right, I think we have a changing of the guard that\u2019s going to occur, and if the people who are going could go so the people who are coming in can come. I do want to, if I can, get Debbie started before we have to adjourn at 5 o\u2019clock. Just to\u2014Order! Order! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003ETo save us something at the end, I\u2019m going to indicate that at the conclusion of the next maiden statement, the debate will be interrupted and it will be set down for resumption next sitting day, and further that the House will stand adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 December. I know there\u2019s a bit of changing round going on, so if the changing round could go, and when the next speaker is satisfied that it\u2019s occurred, she will stand up and I will call her.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003ENew members will learn that there are some rules here which parallel with some of those of our national sports, and one of them is that the Speaker is the sole judge of time, and I\u2019d probably indicate that, like other historic timepieces politically, these ones don\u2019t keep very good time. I call for her maiden statement Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022 data-id=\u002285beb51cb2c8439abc39638ef1b08353\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002285beb51cb2c8439abc39638ef1b08353\u0022\u003EDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader\u2014Te Paati M\u0101ori):\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea te mauri o Rangi\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea te mauri o Raro\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea te mauri o t\u0113nei Whare\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea ng\u0101 kino o tipua\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea ng\u0101 ara o tawhito\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaereatia ka matua o t\u0113nei raukura o kouoru e\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaerea kei aku rau e taunaki mai nei, kei aku kura e t\u0101wharu mai nei, t\u0113nei te whakamanawa atu nei ki a koutou, t\u0113nei koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ETaku raukura e, taku raukura e.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E[Clear the way for the forces of life from above\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear the way for the forces of life from below\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear the way for the forces of life of this House\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear away the negative forces\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear the ancient path\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear the way of this treasured plume\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EClear the way for those who have come in support, my beloved pillars of strength, I hereby give honour to you one and all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EMy treasures.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ET\u0113n\u0101 koe e te M\u0101ngai. I stand here as a descendant of a people who survived a holocaust, a genocide sponsored by this House and members of Parliament whose portraits still hang from the walls\u2014members of this Parliament who sought our extermination and created legislation to achieve it. They confiscated all our whenua, imprisoned us without trial, murdered and raped our women and children, and deliberately engineered our displacement for generations to come. What William Fox, George Grey, John Bryce, and many others did to my people was unforgiveable. Fortunately, their one-generational plan was outlived by our forever-generational resolve: such is the strength of my whakapapa. But the trauma of what they did lives with us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EI am the third generation born since those monsters on these walls inflicted muru raupatu on Taranaki. Many of my t\u016Bpuna were Hauhau leaders and fought alongside T\u012Btokowaru. Many of my t\u016Bpuna stood alongside Tohu and Te Whiti at Parihaka. My great-grandfather, my koro Hohepa Ngarewa Tumahuki, was our only survivor to return home after being sent by the Government to life imprisonment in a Dunedin prison in 1869 simply for fighting to stop the confiscation of his land. A mere 16-year-old, the same age as my son, he was taken alongside his father, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles. Many in Wellington at the time pleaded for our people, even to the Premier, Fox, who responded, \u201Cthese people have committed two great offences, for which they deserve death, and therefore they will not now be pardoned.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ETwo of those 70-year-old frail kaum\u0101tua, Hekaiaha and Tamarawhero, died here awaiting trial before even reaching Dunedin, and lie in unmarked graves behind Alexander Turnbull\u2019s gravestone across the road in Bolton Street cemetery. Our other t\u016Bpuna who died before returning home lie in mass graves in the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin. In 1870, petitions were made to this place to Governor Sir George Bowen and defence Minister Donald McLean to release the political prisoners, but these were ignored. In 1871, William Fox went so far as to state the P\u0101tea settlers would shoot the prisoners if returning home, and that Ng\u0101ti Ruanui would never be restored to any part of their ancient abodes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EYet despite these threats, my grandfather did return, changing his name from Tumahuki to Ngarewa, and rather than being bitter or hateful he helped to build three whare karakia, three churches, on sites of huge significance where loss was incurred: T\u016Btahi at Taurangaika, Te Kapenga at Hukatere, and Te Ao Tawhi at Manutahi. To heal the trauma, to help find a way forward, he mobilised with Parihaka, believing in the strength of kotahitanga and maung\u0101rongo. Such was his absolute belief in building a better future. He learnt to forgive in the hope that the partnership envisioned in Te Tiriti would be realised.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ENearly 150 years later, and now one of us is here, not as a political prisoner but as a member of Parliament. Let\u2019s be honest: if the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863 served as was intended, I probably wouldn\u2019t be here either. I am proud for my t\u016Bpuna that their granddaughter has arrived to ensure that this place never, ever forgets the impact of racist legislation and the importance of believing in and building a positive future for our mokopuna. I am proud for Taranaki. I am proud for Ng\u0101ti Ruanui.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EMy koko Ueroa Hohepa Ngarewa, known as Koko Charlie, was a native speaker born in 1901. He was the first born since muru raupatu, the son to that young 16-year-old who survived political imprisonment in Dunedin. He lost his wife\u2014my nan, Parewaho Tamaka\u2014when Dad was 16 and his youngest child was three months. So as a single dad Koko brought us up. Koko\u2019s whole life was us, his mokopuna. Living with us and loving Pariroa P\u0101, he made sure my siblings, cousins, and I knew our t\u016Brangawaewae, and spoiled us with love and shared only positive stories of his past, so we never felt the stigmatisation he grew up with or the pain of the heaviness our t\u016Bpuna carried. As much as possible he wanted us to feel equal. He wanted us to live the best of both worlds, which was vastly different to his childhood.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EMy dad, Hemi Ngarewa, was Koko\u2019s first-born. He met my Irish, red-haired, green-eyed, freckle-faced mother, Colleen Cleasby. We\u2019re not sure if it was his amazing Elvis Presley swish-back fringe or his platform shoes that won her heart. Whatever it was, it was a big deal for both families, as Mum was the first P\u0101keh\u0101 to ever marry into his wh\u0101nau, and Dad was the first M\u0101ori ever to marry into hers. We live a real-life Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership. Mum was a better reo speaker than Dad, and Dad prided being on the bench as a JP. With Mum\u2019s brains and finesse and Dad\u2019s brawn and stubbornness, you can imagine the Irish-M\u0101ori negotiations going on in our household.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EBoth my koko and father worked at the P\u0101tea Freezing Works, alongside generations of their whanaunga. When the works closed in the early 1980s, I was a sixth-former at boarding school. I saw firsthand the ensuing Rogernomics era: deregulation, subsidies removed, mass redundancies, and the slashing of income support. Redundancies hit my home town, P\u0101tea, really hard, resulting in many of our wh\u0101nau leaving for the first time since muru raupatu to pursue mahi. We watched as businesses, banks, and health services packed up and left. Schools struggled to stay open and average incomes plummeted as wh\u0101nau tried to survive. Once again, we were being devastated by decisions being made in this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EThey were really dark times and there wasn\u2019t a lot of hope, and, to be honest, it felt like everyone had written us off. So when one of our larger-than-life uncles, Dalvanius Prime, said he was going to pull a M\u0101ori pop song together to hit the charts, you can imagine the eyes rolling. Yet he did, and they did. Every weekend P\u0101tea M\u0101ori Club (PMC) would come together to practise, and, against all odds, PMC released \u201CPoi E\u201D, which was the biggest-selling hit in 1984\u2014the only M\u0101ori waiata to make it to No. 1\u2014and stayed in the charts for three consecutive decades. I\u2019m proud to say many of those aunties and uncles, my role models, are here today: Auntie Bib, Auntie Bub, Uncle Tupito, Auntie Laura, my Maruera wh\u0101nau, the Kershaw wh\u0101nau. To those passed\u2014Auntie Hui, Auntie Paki, Uncle George, Uncle Sam\u2014I love you endlessly. T\u0113n\u0101 r\u0101 koutou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EMy wh\u0101nau decided the only way forward was through education. All my siblings\u2014Grant, Darren, Nicola, and I\u2014went to boarding schools or trade training hostels. Both my parents became adult tertiary learners. Mum went from being a cleaner at P\u0101tea Primary School to being the principal, and my dad, after he was made redundant at the freezing works, went to teachers college, becoming head of faculty M\u0101ori for P\u0101tea high school. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ENot much later, as a single mum I followed the examples of those who raised me. Working three jobs and refusing to be stereotyped, I set up my first business at 23 years old. I met the love of my life, Neil Packer, in Whanganui, and together we raised the best kids in the world\u2014Jamie Anne, Hannah Te Aroha, and Pawhare Awarua\u2014and our five beautiful moko upstairs at the moment, Hawaiki Tangaroa, Malua Papa, Waimarino, Hekaiaha, and River, and another due in April. With my two amazing sons-in-law, Brian Manutai and Jordan Leatherby, I am very privileged to live like my koko in a three-generational homestead on tupuna whenua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EIt was my husband, Neil, who encouraged me to do my Master\u2019s at the University of Tasmania, when our children were young. It was he who brought our son to be breastfed as we mobilised busloads to march against the foreshore and seabed, it was also he who saw my frustration at the continuous pollution of our moana in P\u0101tea and insisted I become the deputy mayor, and it was he who listened to my endless homesickness as I studied in Stanford University. He helped do hangi to fund-raise to take our rangatahi to Silicon Valley and Stanford University three times.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EHe fed me as we worked tirelessly to stop seabed mining and to stop Oranga Tamariki advertising our babies on TradeMe. He put up billboards, driving eight hours from one part of Te Tai Hau\u0101ruru electorate to the other, and despite every political analyst predicting it was impossible to return a party out of Parliament, it was he, my darling, who predicted otherwise and said there would be two of us returning to Parliament. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EThe undying strength and support of my wh\u0101nau and my core team, the dream team I have around me: Hiria, Rachel, Jack, Haimona, Ngapari, Rukutai, and my precious Uncle Turangapito\u2014I love you so much. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ENine years after we marched for the foreshore and seabed, we started the battle to protect our moana from seabed mining and the extraction of 50 million tonnes of ironsand every year for 35 years. We put together submissions. As Ng\u0101ti Ruanui, we delivered petitions to Parliament, we held protest actions on the beaches, and we went to court and we won. We won and went to the High Court, we won and went to the Court of Appeal, and we\u2019re now waiting on the final legal decision of the Supreme Court. Banning new seabed mining permits and withdrawing Trans-Tasman Resources\u2019 existing permits are some of my top priorities, and I will be doing everything I can in my time here to put an end to the desecration that seabed mining will create in Aotearoa. In an era of uncertainty, our wh\u0101nau need to know that our pataka kai is protected. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EThe COVID-19 pandemic revealed the inequities and racism that our people suffer. As a leader of an at-risk rural community with few services, I had to mobilise with my whanaunga iwi very quickly to ensure we had the systems and support in place to protect our whakapapa and keep the virus out of our community. We lobbied locally, regionally, and nationally for resources, we established a call hub, we sent out kai and sanitation packs, and we set up iwi community checkpoints to discourage inter-regional travel. I was incredibly proud to work and stand united alongside my whanaunga leaders of our Taranaki iwi, and I\u2019m so honoured that many of them are here in the gallery today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to have been sent here as a representative for my people. It was they who mentored me and pushed me forward in my life, who asked me to stand, and who drove my campaign. I will do everything I can to live up to your faith in me and realise our hopes and aspirations. I am a grassroots leader who believes that politicians serve the people, and therefore must ensure that the voices of their people are heard, that their faces are seen, and that they are heard and that they are felt in this place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EToo many of our wh\u0101nau are struggling, out of work and unable to survive on benefits set deliberately below the poverty line, or are working two or three jobs on low wages while still not being able to pay their bills. Papat\u016B\u0101nuku is in trouble, and our wai is dying from pollution and overuse. The very ecosystems that sustain our whakapapa are threatened. We are suffering from institutional racism and the failure to undertake constitutional transformation like Matike Mai to recognise our tino rangatiratanga. Our young people are struggling in an education system that refuses to adjust to fit their needs or support them to thrive as their true selves. If we are well, we can learn; if we can learn, we can earn; and if we can earn, then we can create a better future for our wh\u0101nau while serving our community and looking after our taiao. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ELike my tupuna who survived as a political prisoner, P\u0101tea M\u0101ori Club with \u201CPoi E\u201D, small iwi winning against international mining companies, or a party unprecedentedly coming back into Parliament, all my life I have taken on battles against all odds, always choosing team David up against the Goliath\u2014it is part of my DNA. I believe in the Tiriti o Waitangi, for us to live balanced and harmonised lives, for us to work together, and for us to unite our strengths. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EI think of the opportunities and potential missed, and I think about the hour, the minute, the second before our natural development was brutally interfered with. Therefore, I live, I walk, and I dream unapologetically M\u0101ori. I believe in M\u0101ori, my values are represented in Te Paati M\u0101ori. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EToday, I stand here as co-leader of Te Paati M\u0101ori, with the same hopes and aspirations as our staunch kaupapa warriors like whaea Tariana. I am in Parliament to fight for an Aotearoa where we are free as tangata whenua to exercise our mana motuhake, where our people can thrive as our true selves, where we have enough to put kai on the table, where we meet our kaitiaki responsibilities by taking real action on climate change and living in harmony with Papat\u016B\u0101nuku, Tangaroa, and our atua, and where our wh\u0101nau\u2014most importantly\u2014are put first. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EMy ancestors passed on their skills to their children and mokopuna, their dreams to discover new realms, to be adventurous, innovative, resilient, and to reach their full potential. My dream is that we can be the same for future generations, that we can live up to the expectations of our rangatahi and our young people of all backgrounds, who are all inspiring us and leading movements, leading movements for Ihum\u0101tao, for climate justice, and for Black Lives Matter. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EIn this House, we have the power to not repeat the mistakes of the past that caused so much suffering for my people. We have instead the opportunity to use that power for good, to dismantle the systems that have held us back, to realise our mana motuhake, and to transform Aotearoa for the better. Every moment I spend here will be in that service of that goal. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EE kore au e mate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EKa mate ko te mate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EKa ora taku toa\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EI te whatukura o taku whaka Aotea!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EN\u014D reira, huri rauna i t\u0113nei Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E[I shall not die.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EDeath is death\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EI shall prevail through the knowledge left me by my canoe, Aotea!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ETherefore, to you all here today, I extend my heartfelt greetings.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E[Applause]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWaiata\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 5.19 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20201203a93100b031004a469cb6cc310cc7530e000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"