"\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=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220add7dd0cad8434c8d7eaf6849c43650\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 12 AUGUST 2021\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226e883d6ddeeb463b94037d6dd7fb1faf\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 12 AUGUST 2021\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000002\u0022\u003EThe Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00225ec2e723d7d3424597459c3e43f4860a\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002244b768cbbb8743d1a8100f09d3cfc824\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022 data-id=\u0022b9f934232ae4412c9ae3fc3322e21c91\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b9f934232ae4412c9ae3fc3322e21c91\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa)\u003C/span\u003E: Ke tau lotu. \u0027E \u0027Otua M\u0101fimafi, kuo mau taa\u0027i m\u0101lie \u0027i ho\u0027o \u0027of\u00E1 mo e ngaahi t\u0101puaki hono kotoa. \u0027Oku tuku homau lot\u00F3 ka mau h\u016B atu ke ke malu\u0027i ange mu\u0027a \u0027a e Kuin\u00ED, mo tataki ange \u0027emau fua fatongia \u0027i he Fale Ale\u00E1 \u0027aki \u0027a e poto Faka-e-\u0027Otua, \u0027ofa pea mo e \u0027ulungaanga mal\u016B, ko e \u0027uh\u00ED ko e mo\u0027ui mo e melino \u0027a e fonu\u00E1. \u0027Oku mau kole atu \u0027a e ngaahi me\u0027\u00E1 ni hono kotoa \u0027i he huafa ho \u0027al\u00F3 p\u0113 \u0027e taha ko S\u012Bs\u016B Kalaisi ka ko homau fakamo\u0027u\u00ED, \u0027Emeni.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00222c39e6204d404d7885a2067bb7891c1b\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00224637986529244f52b85a7c67a50a17f9\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=\u0022c2b82ccfb1454de386c3eb4da98062d1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c2b82ccfb1454de386c3eb4da98062d1\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Today, the House adjourns until Tuesday 24 August. In that week, the Estimates debate will continue, with appearances by three Ministers. Legislation to be considered will include second readings of the Water Services Bill and the Education and Training Amendment Bill, and the committee stage of the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill. The remaining stages of the Ahuriri Hap\u016B Claims Settlement Bill will be completed on Thursday, 26 August, and Wednesday, 25 August will be a member\u2019s day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022f634a6f8314346df84fc732dce39f827\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f634a6f8314346df84fc732dce39f827\u0022\u003ECHRIS BISHOP (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you to the Leader of the House for that update. Bearing in mind that we now have just 18 Government bills on the Order Paper and that number 18 is the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill, are we to expect that the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill will soon receive its second reading in the House?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022e142cd97a0a84f9088cae9a406854948\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e142cd97a0a84f9088cae9a406854948\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Of course, the member doesn\u2019t count the bills that are currently before select committee that are due to be reported back.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ede79e68c857429a97d040c294947c3b\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a2bcf9f661144d86b5f090b73c909f69\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=\u00226c315c251dc847dd9cd2d8aef9938231\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226c315c251dc847dd9cd2d8aef9938231\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No papers have been presented; 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=\u00225e8927d85ca14e80a74e5170bf262739\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225e8927d85ca14e80a74e5170bf262739\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EPetition of Brenda Tairi requesting that the House reinstate Jesus\u2019 name back into the parliamentary prayer\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Epetition of Lydia Tait requesting that the House urge the Government to build a new secondary school in Christchurch\u2019s southwest area of Halswell\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Epetition of the New Zealand National Party requesting that the House urge the Government to provide for 500 MIQ spaces each fortnight to bring skilled migrant workers before the commencement of calving season.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002234c6d5456a8a4cdab820856808d6988b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002234c6d5456a8a4cdab820856808d6988b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Those petitions stand referred to the Petitions Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003ESelect committee reports have been delivered for presentation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u002235cf7f67e8c54b7983bcac889512beb2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002235cf7f67e8c54b7983bcac889512beb2\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EReport of the Education and Workforce Committee on the petition of Jo Bethell\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereports of the Health Committee on the petition of Diana Ayling and the petition of Marsha Mackie\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Regulations Review Committee on the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order 2021, the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) Amendment Order (No 7) 2021, and the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Air Border) Order (No 2) Amendment Order (No 8) 2021.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022acb5cc25a23b4fcab5335cf7df59c6e5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022acb5cc25a23b4fcab5335cf7df59c6e5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The report of the Regulations Review Committee is set down for consideration.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f30dd21279ba4d06ac60813894c15c28\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b56da8c9aaab4b5eb6060f3d95684bd4\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022eea850f9a874400fade93bb9febda07d\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\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=\u00221f8b654eef88470da97814f01295b837\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221f8b654eef88470da97814f01295b837\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=\u0022a7672d67d2744696b3cfa731415547cd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a7672d67d2744696b3cfa731415547cd\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E The resurgence support payment was triggered in June, following an Australian traveller coming to Wellington with COVID-19 and the subsequent alert level rise to alert level 2. This is the payment that assists businesses with one-off costs during these alert level rises. I can say the latest and almost final report for the resurgence support payment shows that 4,146 applications were received, with $6.61 million being paid out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f6b370e8cc524a37ba3d15381beb667b\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: What other reports has he seen on the economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca567d215cba4c509c19d19691b13fd6\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, today the Government set out its plan to reconnect New Zealanders to the world, which will mean that the economy can continue to operate and recover strongly. It does include, as part of the announcement today, the setting up of a pilot as we move towards investigating the way in which different border settings can work and work towards the establishment of low-, medium-, and high-risk pathways into the country from 2022. The pilot\u2014or the trial, there\u2019s a self-quarantine one for the medium-risk pathway. This will include a small number of people being able to use different forms of isolation, and this will be done by working with businesses and their employees to ensure we get a good understanding of how such a system can work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022544ac487d2514c0ab2182a8a59f83590\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: What reports has he seen on the impact of the construction sector on the economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2cb40488c5445ecacab46e774034414\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: One important indicator of construction activity is concrete production, and Stats New Zealand reports that concrete production rose 12.6 percent in the three months to June, compared with the previous quarter, and for the year production is up 46 percent, along with a number of other indicators that show the construction sector\u2019s confidence in the recovery that we\u2019re experiencing\u2014including the Government\u2019s moves to increase the supply of housing and the $57.3 billion investment in infrastructure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225b00d6b8dea34ead8c681e00e37d390c\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u00220755e8626de64bf8a94d6d302efefa11\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220755e8626de64bf8a94d6d302efefa11\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does her Government\u2019s commitment to \u201Coverhauling the welfare system\u201D include ensuring low-income communities are supported to deal with the effects and costs of climate change; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u00225564c039c27c484ab9963fe7a7270336\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225564c039c27c484ab9963fe7a7270336\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E The Government\u2019s welfare overhaul is an ongoing commitment to a welfare system that ensures that all New Zealanders in need are able to have an adequate income, are treated with respect and dignity, and are able to participate meaningfully in their communities. The Welfare Expert Advisory Group acknowledged that a number of factors, including climate change, will substantially change the nature of work in the long term and increase the risk of adverse impacts, including labour market displacement. Key recommendations by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group to address this were centred around revamping active labour market policies across Government to make them more coherent and effective, and strengthening the Ministry of Social Development\u2019s (MSD) redundancy support policies to better support displaced workers. MSD are also working to assess the impacts of the emissions reduction plan on employment and the income support system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022edc6189e5d3a4ee4bcc7c2540aede0ee\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with India Logan-Riley, co-founder of Te Ara Whatu, who said that \u201CA truly just transition would involve transforming the economic system and reckoning with colonisation. But raising core benefits is a step towards that just transition.\u201D; if so, does she commit to further increases to core benefits beyond what was announced in this year\u2019s Budget?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022be043b09af714e0bb6dade85af0476cb\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: I hear the quote from that particular member, but I have not seen the context in which that was said or any of the additional commentary around that, so I don\u2019t want to go too far into that. However, I will remind the member that we have moved quickly to raise benefits, last year by $25, and this year again\u2014they will go up again next April. We did move to index benefits. Going back to the primary question also, it\u2019s important, on top of income support, that we look at support for employment, and that includes employment that is available at the moment and employment that will be available moving forward into the future as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d6d14b6f42154d5e9c6cd52677ab9e97\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: What, if anything, does the Minister for Social Development and Employment do to help people find decent and meaningful employment with a living wage that will allow families to transition to a low-carbon economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226cb9b91fc9984269abf4a6fde661a8c6\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s not just about me as Minister, it\u2019s about all of us as a Government, and we\u2019ve been very focused on this, particularly in light of COVID. We have a number of active labour market policies in place, many of them we have discussed in this House: Mana in Mahi; Apprenticeship Boost; our M\u0101ori trades training, and a further expansion of that and He Poutama Rangatahiwas announced yesterday; and there is more. Much of the work that we\u2019re doing in the active labour market policy space is to support people to upskill and train so that they can get into more secure, more stable work and work that is better paid\u2014the trades and construction are two of those areas where we\u2019ve had a particular focus. We are working with our tripartite partners to continue to bolster and flesh out the work we\u2019re doing in the active labour market policy space to look for gaps, because we do, as a Government, want to do more here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251041ea491754f3a93a4676d905d9247\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Mana in Mahi scheme guarantee workers at least a living wage?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d511cef479a4c25ab91e2e907f37b63\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: The Mahi in Mahi scheme in itself doesn\u2019t, but it does provide people with a pathway to sustainable employment, and that is what we\u2019re looking at. If we think about the areas of investment that we have put money into\u2014apprenticeships and trades being the one that\u2019s front of mind\u2014people can earn decent livings in those particular areas. And so we are very much focused on ensuring that people can get into sustainable, well-paid work, and I think our Government\u2019s track record over the last 3\u00BD to four years proves that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222c4f86fdf722473c9d027e1f1c409467\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Has she encouraged her Cabinet colleagues to speed up the trials of public transport subsidies for people on community services cards?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022adf13666676d46098278bc9281f19754\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: It is not yet an active policy; however, a community connect pilot is going to be trialling half price public transport fares in Auckland for all community service cardholders. The trial will aim to reduce emissions and air pollution by easing congestion, as well as improve transport equity, particularly for low-income earners. It will begin in July 2022 and will be for three years, and, if successful, we will consider expanding it. It is a part of the Minister of Transport\u2019s, Minister Wood\u2019s, $31 billion investment into Auckland\u2019s transport infrastructure, and an exciting project to be part of.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002257930219155a493c9c54876c93c614bd\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Will she advocate for a clean energy industry training plan that will connect young rangatahi into work for clean energy careers through the Ministry of Social Development?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022936f6cf19b6842279f8a360297f410d1\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Can you repeat the question. I didn\u2019t hear the end of that, sorry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251a486271c234d6e960691c39287bd93\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: So the question is: will she advocate for a clean energy industry training plan that will connect young rangitahi into training for clean energy careers through MSD?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f9f8fd465e574259899cbae0cd5abe71\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Not just through MSD but across Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002228937d0c893a45fba031955ae4b6dab5\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022123b413b91224841b99516c74b3e64b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022123b413b91224841b99516c74b3e64b0\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: Has he reassessed any of his spending plans, since Statistics NZ reported inflation is 3.3 percent, and most banks are now predicting swift increases in interest rates over the next year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u0022645e335326ae45fabce5fe20ba370262\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022645e335326ae45fabce5fe20ba370262\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E The Government constantly assesses the investments it makes as New Zealand\u2019s economic recovery from COVID-19 continues at a faster rate than other countries due to the success of our public health measures and economic plan. With regard to the member\u2019s reference to the inflation rate, I would note that Stats New Zealand\u2019s latest report is that annual Consumers Price Index inflation was 3.3 percent in the year to June 2021. I would also point out Stats New Zealand\u2019s comment, \u201CPart of the annual increase was attributable to the fact it is measured against the June 2020 quarter, a period impacted by the COVID lockdown where some prices fell.\u201D This 3.3 rate compares to the OECD one of 3.8 percent to May this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b13460a909194c499a6f772ed09e38c0\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Is he concerned by ANZ predicting that New Zealand is about to experience the \u201Cmost aggressive interest rate [rises] since 2004\u201D, and, if so, has the Government identified what low quality spending it can cut to help prevent this?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b6cc90a8f5de409facc0141bce5654e7\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: In reference to the first part of the member\u2019s question, I\u2019d note that Stats New Zealand has not reported that most banks are now predicting swift increases in interest rates over the next year. The retail banks are forecasting the official cash rate (OCR) to be between 1.3 percent and 1.8 percent in a year\u2019s time. In September 2017, the OCR was 1.75 percent, so the forecasts are showing that interest rates are back to where they were under the previous Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228ef15dfcb35443d691fe77bfcc2119fb\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think that all of the big-spending initiatives announced by the Government over the last 18 months are still necessary, given the surge in the cost of living and predicted aggressive interest rate rises?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a75d83bd03c64c2892e602f8169ecba6\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I think that the Government\u2019s response to COVID-19 to make sure that we kept people in jobs\u2014that we invested in strong public services\u2014was exactly the right response. If the member is advocating large-scale cuts in health and education, well that would be typical of the National Party, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s wise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aaefc01ec0c845ad9f7097a6a3dc9345\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Does he still believe monetary and fiscal policy should work together, and, if so, will he follow the Reserve Bank\u2019s lead and reduce the wasteful spending that\u2019s driving up the cost of living?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221db3ce2281fa42918b2726ba2becb25b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I reject the premise of the member\u2019s question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227c0afc68d22841ce83daf96735caca87\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: What advice, if any, has he received on the impact faster than expected increases in interest rates will have on the ability of thousands of New Zealand homeowners with mortgages who have to pay their mortgages over the coming years and months?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb8d542000c24934b1069a683dfdc49b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, as I said in earlier answers, what happens with interest rates has not yet happened. In terms of the Reserve Bank, that is the Reserve Bank\u2019s decision. I have been very clear over the last year and a half that everybody who takes on mortgage debt needs to be aware that interest rates do move up and down over time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d9441c2c20b410285993324385974d0\u0022\u003EHon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Does he believe that the biggest drivers of the increase in Government spending, such as responding to COVID-19, keeping New Zealanders in work, and rebuilding our run-down infrastructure amount to wasteful spending? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f9b7523415e47c5aadf286e99e446d1\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: No, I don\u2019t, and that\u2019s the very point I was making in my earlier answer to Mr Bayly. If the National Party is now proposing cuts in all of those things, I think New Zealanders will be very interested to hear that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223ec1a7d4df4840d68a4ea43f12bb8d66\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: What advice, if any, has he received about the impact aggressive interest increases in the mortgage rates will have on the costs passed on to renters or the ability of first-home buyers to afford to take out a mortgage?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002212c71a28c44d42eb95369ca631833970\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: The member will be aware of the actions of the Reserve Bank in regard to that, including their consultation around loan-to-value-ratio changes and debt-to-income ratios. On this side of the House, we\u2019re getting on with building more houses, and, obviously, we\u2019ve taken the action that we have when it comes to interest deductibility.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022228261a3076145a08d6287f7b3cc328d\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Housing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022 data-id=\u0022c0e49f817dd7460790f96a8695bf976e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c0e49f817dd7460790f96a8695bf976e\u0022\u003EANAHILA KANONGATA\u2019A-SUISUIKI (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Housing: What recent announcements has she made about support for Community Housing Providers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u00228478c7a5cee54c85b4cca0e11711784f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228478c7a5cee54c85b4cca0e11711784f\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing):\u003C/span\u003E Yesterday, along with Minister Henare, I announced that the Government will bring forward funding for community housing providers (\u201CCHiPS\u201D) to deliver housing faster. By front-loading payments, we\u2019re bringing forward some of the money we already provide to \u201CCHiPS\u201D over the course of a 25-year contract. We have responded to a simple request from the sector that will make a difference to the number of new-build houses that \u201CCHiPS\u201D can bring on, and it builds on our trusted, progressive partnership relationship that we have with them. Early-stage payments will help ensure a pathway for newer or smaller community housing providers, including many M\u0101ori and iwi providers, to enable capacity growth in their organisations and improve housing outcomes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bad21f23db2a4e07ad6ee38298af5cfc\u0022\u003EAnahila Kanongata\u2019a-Suisuiki\u003C/span\u003E: Will this change lead to more new build developments coming from the community housing sector?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002253307232426040b386753c93bf1cfd21\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. This greater funding flexibility builds on our progressive partnership approach with the \u201CCHiPS\u201D, that is focused on increasing the supply of new, warm, and dry housing. I\u2019ve made my expectations clear to the sector that we need to increase the pipeline of new affordable housing by demonstrating additionality, limiting redirects or buy-ins, and having a preference for houses that the \u201CCHiPS\u201D themselves will own. Since we came into office, we have seen the number of new builds by community housing providers increase from 37 new builds in 2017-18 to 656 in the most recent financial year. We\u2019ve also increased financial support to the sector with funding provided to \u201CCHiPS\u201D, transitional housing providers, and other housing support service providers, increasing from $95 million in the 2016-17 financial year to over $400 million in the 2020-21 financial year alone.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002295945ace-51e8-4dbc-a0e3-c19f4ed99ed9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002215bcfc0f74de4a08829acce954ccfb56\u0022\u003EAnahila Kanongata\u2019a-Suisuiki\u003C/span\u003E: How will this enable the bringing on of new housing supplies sooner?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225daa681effe849698903071de246b055\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Community housing providers will be able to bring on new housing supply quicker by front-loading payments, while still receiving the same level of support that they would over the lifetime of a project. Initial assessment of current opportunities by Housing and Urban Development officials have identified six individual projects, with approximately 200 places in priority locations where early-stage funding will be the thing that makes them viable. We will have greater certainty around the number of additional projects as we discuss early-stage funding with the sector.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fd8590c0ce504740bdc683f3f60df0d6\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Why has she allowed Government housing agencies to hire more officials\u2014a grand total of 1,205 additional housing officials\u2014than they have funded newly built houses from community housing providers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255af3bf81e384200a64e3b3d49aa38c3\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I know that when you have to rebuild the ability of a Government to actually (a) realise there is a housing crisis and (b) do something about it\u2014in answer to the member\u2019s question: why have I allowed them to hire staff? It\u2019s because we needed to build some houses.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0b405fb76634131902d7f596f270099\u0022\u003EHon Peeni Henare\u003C/span\u003E: What was the response of the community housing providers when asked what the number one barrier is in allowing them to get on with the job to support our families?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227c9ca8f3bb5f474da4312d6f5f466820\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Particularly our smaller and newer community housing providers, particularly M\u0101ori and iwi community housing providers, and Pasifika providers\u2014instead having access to that money earlier and upfront will make projects that would not be viable viable.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bb271f67df064b6d9e3341e72a8ec86a\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014COVID-19 Response\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u00226dc3b1e891e7429094cd7dfd4032653a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226dc3b1e891e7429094cd7dfd4032653a\u0022\u003ECHRIS BISHOP (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: Will the Government administer 8,016,768 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the week of 21\u00A0November 2021 as set out in the Ministry of Health\u2019s \u201COriginal cumulative vaccinations model\u201D, and does he have confidence in the vaccine roll-out?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022224798b358ad40ccbcb0f73cb06deb51\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022224798b358ad40ccbcb0f73cb06deb51\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response):\u003C/span\u003E I have full confidence in the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, which continues to deliver doses ahead of plan. The number of doses delivered at any given time will in part depend on the number of people coming forward to have the vaccine, and there have been some changes to the model since February. I\u2019m confident that all eligible New Zealanders will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of this year. This morning, the Prime Minister and I announced when different population groups will be eligible. Fifty-plus will be open from Friday, 13 August; 40-plus from Wednesday, 18 August; 30-plus from Wednesday, 25 August; and then, from 1 September, all eligible New Zealanders will be able to book their vaccines.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022230a5a5dde6f4df3acda7c1e7488def6\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Is it the Government\u2019s expectation that 8,016,768 doses of Pfizer vaccine will be delivered or administered by 21 November, which is roughly 91 percent of the eligible population of 4.38 million?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe272b575dc84e80999221fd1ce8093c\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: As I said, there have been some relatively small changes to the model since it was released in February. The model in February assumed the first big deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine would arrive at the beginning of July, and, as we know, they didn\u2019t arrive until the middle of July. So some of those numbers have moved around a bit, but as I said, the aim is to ensure that all eligible New Zealanders have the chance to be vaccinated by the end of the year, and we\u2019re absolutely on track to do that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284e8a076047b4dd78d4234533c398eaa\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Well, OK. Is the spreadsheet that is on the Ministry of Health website, that is pointed to every week by the Government, that says that on 21 November 2021, 8,016,768 cumulative doses of vaccinations will be delivered\u2014is that spreadsheet still accurate?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229de75172e6c647999376e4e2385d08ca\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: The model overall is still accurate, but there can be some changes in timing, week from week. For example, as I indicated, the overall effect of us not getting the larger doses of vaccines until towards the middle to end of July, as opposed to at the beginning of July, has an overall impact on the cumulative numbers in some weeks of up to 200,000 to 300,000. But overall, we will still be tracking against that model.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b984f4092bae49cdbea712b598a124a0\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: So, bearing in mind that there might be some movement around the middle of the roll-out between now and November, is it correct that the Government\u2019s expectation is that by 21 November, just over 8 million cumulative doses of vaccinations will be delivered around New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221e0b098bdff844b7b230bea7ae0519a4\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: The Government\u2019s expectation is that by the end of the year, all New Zealanders who are eligible will have the opportunity to have both doses of their vaccine.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dec76e265a4f419b9c837efc0923667b\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Is it correct that after Dr Ashley Bloomfield\u2019s meeting with port CEOs on Tuesday this week, the Government moved to allow all port workers to get vaccinated, if they want one, and not just those interacting with ships, and why hasn\u2019t this been the case since February?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fd352682c8ba4992a10c99e66707a930\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Group one, the first people eligible to get the vaccine, included front-line port workers. That included all of the people that we were being questioned about earlier in the week, who have been on and off ships. What is happening now, as we move through group three and into group four, is that more people are becoming eligible, including those who work at the ports who are not in front-line roles.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b24348f90c942cb8c258e91ad774719\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Why has the Government not ordered any Pfizer booster shots for 2022 and 2023 when the CEO of Pfizer has said that orders will be made on a \u201Cfirst come, first served\u201D basis and slow orders means slow delivery?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002288ca8f5af9df4cbb88591ff0e02c2d67\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! It doesn\u2019t come close to either the question or any of the supplementary answers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e63f6571cfb47a283fb3bcc4ed60d2d\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. The primary had two legs, and it included confidence in the vaccine roll-out. That\u2019s not specific to first vaccine roll-outs; that is a continuous process. I think questions about booster vaccines for 2022 are well within the primary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002270203f536678440b851b0e3ad13342d8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019m ruling it\u2019s not. The second part of the question must have a relationship to the first or it would have been ruled out. You can\u2019t ask two questions. They are not two separate questions. There is a question and an additional leg to it. They cannot be different questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228eb9e297ab154500939479f17218ef9a\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Well, point of order. Firstly, the primary question was accepted as being within order. Is it now the case that questions about vaccine delivery in 2022 is not counted as being part of the vaccine roll-out?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a886e36b061c485eb46096a72e498048\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Not when it\u2019s written down; not when it\u2019s a supplementary part to a question which is relatively limited. The member\u2019s been here for a long time. He should know that. I\u2019ll just make it absolutely straight: primary questions can have two legs, but you cannot have two separate questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a08aee06337a4802acb9ffc5a1d0ecd1\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1260da83c664dcf9b1f2d1d14f132ab\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, if this is going to be ongoing, the member will be outgoing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022415538af1d3c46baa890635366782bd4\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: I just\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002233859acbf01349e899ff9fa2834d009a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A point of order, unrelated, from Chris Bishop.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a4b9a3f1527042ffb5cfa7fcedb18685\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: No, it is related.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228147072f63ec443eb0ad4ce276107d49\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member will sit down, then, because I\u2019m not going to hear it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b4c60ab9794a4b128fcf8b21b13f3fa0\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022 data-id=\u0022161a5780ed4c42f29c9c50f05bd55693\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022161a5780ed4c42f29c9c50f05bd55693\u0022\u003EARENA WILLIAMS (Labour\u2014Manurewa)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How is the Government delivering more pathways into mahi for job seekers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u00227c96646da5d14524b60ee58585f121c7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227c96646da5d14524b60ee58585f121c7\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E Yesterday, I announced a total of $24.1 million to support job seekers on pathways into employment, education, and training. We\u2019re investing $18.4 million in M\u0101ori trades and training and $5.6 million in He Poutama Rangatahi. These two programmes focus on providing bespoke wraparound support, pastoral care, and free employment training. Yesterday\u2019s announcement accelerates our efforts to fill demand for skilled workers, improve employment, social, and wh\u0101nau outcomes, and support businesses to grow and take on apprentices.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002257d1b4b8ca5e4f758e7b40aaaf389ab2\u0022\u003EArena Williams\u003C/span\u003E: Who will benefit from the latest tranche of investment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e127c76e01104ac183497dbe84fcd726\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: The latest tranche of funding will help prepare over 800 more people for the workforce. M\u0101ori are also set to benefit from the boost to M\u0101ori trades and training. While there are many elements that make this programme successful, one particular and integral part is the wraparound support that is offered from a te ao M\u0101ori world view. It\u2019s something that is not common across many employment programmes but as we look to support more M\u0101ori into jobs and lift incomes, it must be front of mind for employers and the workforce, as it is for Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dcea0a22342a4472a6aa798dcca4ecf0\u0022\u003EArena Williams\u003C/span\u003E: What feedback has she seen on the announcement?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eeb3fda966644af984a2ff6bd2a82469\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Helmut Modlik, chief executive of Ng\u0101ti Toa, applauded the Government for its \u201Cauthentic, sincere willingness\u201D to do better in the M\u0101ori unemployment space and to \u201Cnot just accept the inequalities are entrenched and immovable\u201D. Aspiring tradesman George Fermanis also said these initiatives will help rangatahi get the support they need. He said, \u201CFor the iwi it\u2019s a good family base way of knowing each other and being supportive of one another in everything, so when I make mistakes they will be able to lift me up back on my feet.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022557cf68c9ed243c8850103a872102b70\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Energy and Resources\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u00224a9588f2c773480aa1d97bdcef8399fe\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224a9588f2c773480aa1d97bdcef8399fe\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Will she apologise to Genesis Energy for her statement that Genesis made a \u201Ccommercial decision\u201D when it came to how much generation to have online on Monday night, and what are the terms of reference, if any, for the review she has instructed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to undertake?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1d89baa18fb40928c51384d1f9630d3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1d89baa18fb40928c51384d1f9630d3\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources):\u003C/span\u003E In answer to the first part of the question, no. In answer to the second part of the question, the terms of reference are currently being finalised along with an inquirer. It is my expectation that this inquiry will be under way as early as next week. The focus of the review will be on the matters that have been raised this week, including communications with industry, stakeholders, and the public; escalation communications; whether Transpower\u2019s alert system is fit for purpose; and Transpower\u2019s modelling tool. The review will also focus on whether other generation could have been brought online, scheduling and risk margins, and whether there is adequate standby generation or other resources to reduce risk.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d35ca6d05d3438093695faf05ffad72\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Will the review consider time lines, and, if so, has she discussed with David Clark, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, when he received the 7.10 p.m. grid emergency notice and why he did not give her a call to alert her?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002224461c4d06074c4c868da2bcbf55319b\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I indicated, when I listed out what the terms of reference would be, that communications and escalation communications would certainly be part of the review. That is something that I want to look seriously at. As has been indicated on my behalf in this House yesterday, I have had an apology from Transpower for the communications that occurred on Monday night.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002218a4a033e70b4f619a655780f7c0a135\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: So, in review of the time line, when was the first time she was alerted to the fact that at 1.02 p.m., Transpower issued a warning that there were insufficient generation offers for the evening peak?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227467dc0a91f54d339b2306c8021d7586\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: As I have also indicated throughout the week, I was alerted around 8.30 p.m. from a text from my press secretary. As soon as I received that text, I gave Alison Andrew, the CE of Transpower, a call. She then gave me a briefing on all the alerts for the day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224b1198bed52542afa409c546346dd601\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Does she expect her Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) review to agree with Dr Deborah Russell, who said yesterday in the House, in regards to 28,000 houses being without power, \u201Cstuff happens\u2014stuff happens. \u2026 Staff go home in the evenings\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022424fdd3e78254b13a23e4a7e8b761215\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s not what she said.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a33742cb45f34c11bb4caa274e490b97\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: This is actually a serious\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224a5d7f53f8f54fcdb0485c0fcf846c18\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The member will resume her seat. I\u2019ve just had some interjections from the Deputy Prime Minister alleging that statements made were inaccurate as part of the question. If they were inaccurate and they were deliberately put in as part of supplementary questions, that is not a matter he should be raising by way of interjection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ddf9abdfda324f838df5f47997fe4583\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: As I said, this is a serious review of a very serious occurrence that occurred on Monday night. As I have indicated to the member, the time line of communications will be included in the review, including escalation communications, particularly when it occurs after nine. If the member is asking me if I expect members of my office will sit checking their emails every minute to see if an email has come in after hours, the answer is no. I expect more of agencies in escalation communications. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225d596755fbda4e218ff6c4d8f9bc4341\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! A former Minister of energy and a member who may or may not have interjected yesterday are being very loud. They will be quiet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002272c56e59c67c40bb8649c4531f9d760d\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. I was misquoted. It was a selective quote.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d991121d728a4219bd95e14ce3d9a10b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no. That is not a point of order. The member may seek leave to make a personal explanation in order to say, \u201CThe member said this, and I actually said that.\u201D And if she does that, I will put it to the House, but the member can\u2019t just argue by way of point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ba22047825144358925c44259ce415dd\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave to make a personal explanation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002270cdab878e1e4245a72c01e05b36f1c0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: In relation to the matter that was raised?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220842edbdc2864094b3d8c6b879e7528f\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: In relation to the matter at hand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e063fe897314aeab5feaef1312fd7c2\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002212d74f81-b1f7-4b51-9fb4-8f9481477192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226798edd9562642178ff5b7d69976ef4c\u0022\u003EDr Deborah Russell\u003C/span\u003E: The member misquoted me. I did reference staff going home in the evenings, but it\u2019s quite separate from the words \u201Cstuff happens\u2014stuff happens\u201D. It was only a selective quote of different parts of the speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aef76411056a4d3886c3395b2339777d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, that\u2019s made it absolutely clear. [Interruption] Order! Order! I just say to members here that the fact that Dr Russell has done that has probably helped the member for Taranaki - King Country quite a lot.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ce8cbe1ea3743b99023f83b59877e2f\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Will the MBIE review consider findings of the Transpower white paper she received in 2018 that stated New Zealand\u2019s exposure to supply shortages in winter and dry years is expected to double by 2030, and can she name one measure the Government is taking that will reduce the risk of winter blackouts this decade?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ebd04f70a8e447f0ad2ce8325b668455\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: As I answered the member in the answer to the primary question, when she asked me what the terms of reference would be, and I indicated whether there is adequate standby generation or other resources to reduce risk, I think this indicates that that will be covered in the review that happens. But I do remind the member: it was not a lack of physical generation capacity that caused the blackout on Monday night. We know that there was between 500 and 600 megawatts of capacity that was not utilised and not brought in that was compounded by the fact that there were errors in the modelling tool from Transpower that led to more load being shed than was required.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229982c11d61a94be28103feefb61b7504\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Will the MBIE review consider the Government\u2019s decision to not allow OMV to pursue promising initial drilling results at its Toutouwai-1 as its workers were not considered essential during COVID lockdowns, and does she now consider gas exploration to be an essential service for the country?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022335335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a4098b2e0c744c218274156749e6bbdd\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: No, the review will not cover that. During level 4 lockdown, we allowed a number of industries that were critical to keep New Zealand going but also to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID to continue. I think that what we did in terms of the energy sector and what we did allow to be critical industries was in the best interests of New Zealand. But if the member is now wanting to relitigate what we did to keep New Zealanders safe and to keep COVID out, I think she is conflating some very serious issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223dde3cc7fb084c8db1d0fc3cb2be1048\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Education\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022 data-id=\u0022f4f1d010d5bb498aa06c27e066a70feb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f4f1d010d5bb498aa06c27e066a70feb\u0022\u003EIBRAHIM OMER (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent progress has she seen in education on implementing Recommendation 36 of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022 data-id=\u0022cca6cbf4f5554db8bf5c273cc5fb5184\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cca6cbf4f5554db8bf5c273cc5fb5184\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI (Associate Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E The royal commission\u2019s Recommendation 36 falls within the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and asks us to invest in opportunities for young New Zealanders to learn about how we can value ethnic and religious diversity, conflict resolution, and self-regulation. We have made great progress in a number of areas to realise this aspiration, including the successful delivery of the learning hubs model in Christchurch to support ethnic families in the education system, investing over $5 million into social and emotional learning programmes, such as self-regulation skills in early learning and primary schools, strengthening evidence-based bullying and prevention responses in schools, and providing quality teaching resources and professional development for teachers so our classrooms are safe and inclusive learning environments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e9fd836895e942c1a7d1ab4597495a8c\u0022\u003EIbrahim Omer\u003C/span\u003E: How has the learning hubs model in Christchurch contributed to achieving Recommendation 36?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bcf1bbf2485248388747af9ebad32b86\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI\u003C/span\u003E: As part of the Government\u2019s ongoing commitment to work with the victims of those affected by the March terror attacks, the Government funded Learning Community Hubs in Christchurch help families to connect and engage with their school communities. This initially started as a 10-week pilot programme and was so successful we now have seven Learning Community Hubs in Christchurch, supporting 158 families across 18 ethnicities. When I visited a hub, parents and children were overwhelmingly positive about how the hubs have helped families thrive in the education system and increased their sense of belonging. Parents say their involvement with the hub has improved their relationships with their local school and encouraged more engagement with their child\u2019s learning, such as through reading time at home. Teachers and students have also benefited through this collaborative and inclusive approach.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a5bef9a378344e77bb5d8758ec69671a\u0022\u003EIbrahim Omer\u003C/span\u003E: What further plans are there for the learning hubs model?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228577250e4f4f4e65baca29ea6c3586fb\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI\u003C/span\u003E: Based off the success of the learning hubs model in Christchurch, we are rolling the programme out to Auckland and Wellington later this year. Support will be available through the learning hubs, and this will include delivering Reading Together to support children to improve their literacy skills, academic mentoring for students, information around internet safety, parent education workshops to provide an overview of the New Zealand education system, and assistance in understanding career pathways for young people. These are all practical ways this Government is responding to Recommendation 36, by investing in opportunities for young New Zealanders and supporting our ethnic communities to feel included and valued in Aotearoa New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d3f1246bbc904b548a70b062bc8dbe35\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Housing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u00226a1a88a639aa461a839d18d9566cc7d3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226a1a88a639aa461a839d18d9566cc7d3\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te Paati M\u0101ori)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Housing: Does she have confidence in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u00226ab91b39196e45a0bf874bd7138090a6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226ab91b39196e45a0bf874bd7138090a6\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Housing):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, because since establishing the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, our Government is delivering the largest public housing build programme in a generation, implementing the Homelessness Action Plan, supporting M\u0101ori housing aspirations through a dedicated M\u0101ori and Iwi Housing Innovation work stream and record investment for M\u0101ori housing in this year\u2019s Budget, transforming suburbs across Auckland and Porirua through the large-scale projects, and supporting first-home buyers through KiwiBuild; progressive homeownership, including a dedicated pathway for iwi M\u0101ori providers; first-home loans and grants; rolling out the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund; and much, much more. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a7d627f4f5545979bf41eaf2f1fbd72\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Does she have confidence in the emergency and transitional housing programme, given that suppliers are providing unhealthy accommodation\u2014in the words of one of my constituents, \u201Crat-infested rooms that are damp, rooms without adequate heating, rooms with bedbugs and rotten furniture and mould.\u201D? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7be634019534ef5be10bf533f47da32\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I do have confidence in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. I think it\u2019s really important for the member to realise that there are several ways in which motels are offered. One is through the long-term contracted motels that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development provides, and then there is the more ad hoc hotel accommodation that is provided through emergency special needs housing grants. Now, as we\u2019ve discussed before, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) does not have the ability to do long-term contracting of motel units. That is why the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is working in partnership with the MSD, so that we can transition\u2014in Rotorua, for example\u2014to where we can have longer-term contracted. We can have more wraparound services and ensure that quality standards are being adhered to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cdab09c9915e43a3bda1d919435cdf9e\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: What screening protocols and measures are used to ensure that emergency and transitional housing suppliers are providing safe and healthy accommodation for vulnerable wh\u0101nau, and why are emergency and transitional housing providers exempt from the healthy homes standard? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022927f72a3d8824d80aa347a9a9a08b46a\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: In terms of the long-term contracts that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is putting into place in terms of our transitional housing places, there is a lot of work with providers to ensure that they are suitable, not only from a physical point of view but that also we have the capacity to put in place the wraparound services. So it\u2019s not just the warm part of the healthy homes standard; it is also that we can provide those wraparound services. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ea27355c7d1043209f000a2f892b830a\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Has the Minister received any reports relating to the mistreatment and discrimination of our vulnerable wh\u0101nau by emergency and transitional housing suppliers? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022299669f7093c46e1b477981f4151f78e\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: No. I do note that that member has written to me about a case that he is dealing with in his electorate office, which I\u2019m more than happy to discuss with him, but I would like to respect the privacy of the individual in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f266278329648c8892e4740cc0d4984\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does she have confidence that each of the 1,205 new staff hired across the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and K\u0101inga Ora are there to\u2014and I quote her earlier statement\u2014\u201Cbuild some houses\u201D, and, if so, how many of those new staff have trade certificates? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a5fcfd9217044ed69ef990111049b0f1\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I have confidence in those staff. I think the member is being ridiculous. In just the same way, we don\u2019t have everyone in our Ministry of Education with a current teaching certificate. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ababd4fd05324386a4b448e2c635c27f\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. The question wasn\u2019t addressed. It wasn\u2019t the confidence in the staff, but the staff\u2019s ability to build houses, and that wasn\u2019t addressed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223dc1b2f6afd4430a9173aca070091075\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The very first word was \u201CYes\u201D\u2014it\u2019s answered. I should\u2019ve stopped her at that point. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a488daccdfff4627b38311c9dc7574dd\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: What protections are available to our vulnerable wh\u0101nau to address their concerns without \u201Cfear of being kicked out with nowhere to go\u201D when many wh\u0101nau in my electorate have consistently made complaints to my office about being issued two-day eviction notices? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022146b86ea435647d4a1a3c1795809d5c6\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: Evictions are incredibly rare in transitional housing. Every attempt is made to put the right support around the individuals or the wh\u0101nau that are in those facilities\u2014and, as I say, incredibly rare. There of course is always the recourse that the member has brought a case that is in his electorate that he would like to discuss with me, and I\u2019m more than willing to do that, but I do not want to get into the specifics of that individual case in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225e69ecb5c7ad4a5cbb24ad709036bf60\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022 data-id=\u0022b223d021ad3b41f0bcaa857f31ccccee\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b223d021ad3b41f0bcaa857f31ccccee\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made on the P\u016Bhoi to Warkworth motorway?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u0022024ddbc62d7a418aa5b005ead4b49810\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022024ddbc62d7a418aa5b005ead4b49810\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E As is the case with all new sections of State highway, Waka Kotahi assessed the potential for tolling the Ara T\u016Bhono - P\u016Bhoi to Warkworth motorway. Tolling can be a useful tool that can help fund the construction and maintenance of new roads or significant upgrades to existing roads, so the Government will continue to look at it where it makes sense. However, earlier this week I was pleased to announce that this particular motorway project will not be tolled when it opens next week.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022004101a7c7304b8ba83bdfd63c875002\u0022\u003EMarja Lubeck\u003C/span\u003E: What factor led to that decision?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277c0a0b3e5734d069952efc5269a4f89\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: There was strong community feedback about this particular issue with a large part of the affected community opposing the toll. This is a factor which I have to consider. I\u2019ve listened and this was a factor that led me to declining the proposal. Another very important factor was the fact that commuters could be forced to pay two tolls, given the Northern Gateway is already tolled between Silverdale and \u014Crewa. This is especially important since there is no southbound exit from the road before the Northern Gateway. I want to acknowledge the local List MP, Marja Lubeck, for raising these issues and advocating for her community.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002252feab83bd08430bbc3821559121a126\u0022\u003EMarja Lubeck\u003C/span\u003E: What feedback has he received on this decision?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276bdadb11bc543cfb1a38b32ed5b32d9\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve received some very good feedback from locals and stakeholders. The AA\u2019s Northland district chair, Tracey Rissetto, congratulated the Government on this decision, saying, \u201CWith this decision out of the way, it now means Northlanders can look forward to the new road opening next year without having to worry about how expensive the tolls will be.\u201D The AA\u2019s Auckland district chair, Mark Yates, also commended the decision, saying, \u201CThe Minister of Transport has clearly listened to the strong community feedback on the Waka Kotahi tolling proposal\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002205f1820c926045bc9bb3b6e99eb76395\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Racing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022 data-id=\u002253852dcb2eda4ca6b5dce703d03327dc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002253852dcb2eda4ca6b5dce703d03327dc\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Racing: Is he satisfied with the operations of the TAB?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u002228fa3ed276fb43db9f5bb880e56df2d0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002228fa3ed276fb43db9f5bb880e56df2d0\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister for Racing):\u003C/span\u003E I genuinely thank the member for his question. I do have confidence in the TAB to carry out its operations. It is important to note that as Minister I am responsible for the legislative framework under which the TAB operates and appointments to its board. Operational matters are the responsibility of the TAB. If the member has concerns about the returns on his investments, I suggest he chats to the senior Government whip. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d10e4e8eaada477c851fa7ec1566a63f\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: So will the TAB be taking odds on the Government\u2019s proposed Auckland cycle bridge construction, and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022599c44b88bfc413e940bc57b510ffc28\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I do note that that would very much be an operational matter for the TAB, if they were to do that. But I\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022999932ac1ae34a05b65749601b5cfb0f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume his seat. As someone who was actually on the select committee when the bill went through, I\u2019m telling you it\u2019s not an operational matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002226e2671ec7bc4182bf45423f5e44d703\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: Will he discuss with the TAB the opportunity to offer a multi-bet on whether the Auckland cycle bridge and the Auckland light rail will begin construction this decade?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f480817802644d00871928de0cac1e2f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! Out of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022512a8fbe6e314ab28930b078d014fccb\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. As the Minister just pointed out, he is responsible for the operation of the legislation and what sorts of bets the TAB actually can take. So as the odds for 1.6 million Aucklanders are\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c818eab2d8b74df0ba07cfb793b76ad4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume his seat.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c24b1cdd3af24e039fea88e1547b8da7\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e2ef2887360498a808d569fa412b165\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member will resume his seat. The Minister is not responsible for that. There is legislation. The Parliament is responsible for legislation, and I don\u2019t see any bill before us to change the legislation in order to allow the TAB to take that sort of bet along with a whole pile of others which involve political decisions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d79bb99155be41e4ad1c2967d51ce734\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002254bf2fa4ca0b47a1b70a182573169c51\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002203389f9474224fea83c1ce80332b3b8a\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002260d988c1d4704cf79c3158bae9ceb5bf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A point of order, Damien\u2014oh, sorry, Rawiri Waititi. Is it a point of order?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228603ea9ccfc6452ca627d82b153b1394\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: I look very different to David Seymour, Mr Speaker. Did you call David Seymour, did you?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b8a9aeaf06714f579518030c8a6161ea\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Damien.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a72209f1ad854848b4f30b39f64f36f0\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, Damien. No, no, point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022127965929aed4b6f953e69e4fbe8228e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, you certainly don\u2019t look like either of them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208263dae3bbe48f6987abc575b697ede\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, Ha! I would be interested\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229ad924f167324e8c8043ef3bb7ae90ea\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is this a point\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002217a06703cb384f0dbf9f64ba2b5a91da\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014to know the answer to that quinella, thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002297f925b7dfcc4cb19d9ff002ebd8802c\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223adcaf73c71940bda61c6471cb3d9588\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the member will resume his seat for a second. The member will resume his seat, and I\u2019m just going to tell Rawiri Waititi that if he continues with that sort of irrelevant point of order, it may be that bookies but not the TAB will start taking odds about when I next throw him out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228afd12e6c8ec4d54a1540e2124bae35d\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: I refer to the Racing Industry Act 2020, where the responsibilities of the Minister to take odds are quite clear, and place bets\u2014the question is: is the TAB refusing to\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e52b3ad9dd524244a77c8b5c9cb25291\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume his seat. I\u2019m just going to warn the member now that if he is misleading the House as part of a supplementary question, as I think he is risking, he gets in quite serious trouble. Remember, he\u2019s probably arguing with the last person in the House who sat on the select committee that allowed anything other than horse and dog racing betting by the TAB.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225ad455c58ecf40838e64d1b2d6509ca7\u0022\u003EDamien Smith\u003C/span\u003E: Is the TAB refusing to take odds on the construction of the cycle bridge and Auckland light rail because no reasonable person would take it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208dee9f954d8429bb1dfcdebfb13279e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Any further supplementaries? Right. Question No. 12, Tim van de Molen. [Interruption] Look, I called someone else. I sense an interest in the House in allowing Mr McAnulty to ask a question. I\u2019m going to warn him that if it\u2019s out of order, he goes. I think we\u2019ll go for Tim van de Molen. [Interruption] Well, are we going to have the life history of this member now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022025ce44a1b6f4cddb1880ae137aaec96\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Building and Construction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022 data-id=\u002213ea3418433c4b7283d2304f9519849a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002213ea3418433c4b7283d2304f9519849a\u0022\u003ETIM VAN DE MOLEN (National\u2014Waikato)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Building and Construction: Does she stand by all of her statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022 data-id=\u00223869db9efbc4474a8c7c6b0fc3355ed5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223869db9efbc4474a8c7c6b0fc3355ed5\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister for Building and Construction):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, in particular I stand by my statement that \u201CA report from Statistics New Zealand \u2026 shows the number of building consents has broken yet another record, with 44,299 new homes having been consented in the year ended June 2021\u2014another all-time high. This is an increase of 18 percent from the June 2020 year, with 4,310 new dwellings consented in June alone. These figures demonstrate \u2026 how far we\u2019ve come in the last year since facing the initial disruptions of COVID-19. We\u2019ve responded to the sector uncertainty by investing in the sector to keep the momentum going to deliver the warm, dry, and safe homes that New Zealanders need.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b26fd390ec2420fa4e2047323f254af\u0022\u003ETim van de Molen\u003C/span\u003E: Does she stand by her statement that she is considering limiting log exports to boost the domestic supply; if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022723930b830834e81a5aecf325d96475a\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I stand by my comments that, ultimately, this is for suppliers to manage. Advice I\u2019ve received from the Construction Sector Accord shows that some suppliers are already increasing structural timber production over the next six months, reducing exports, and moving stock from the South Island to the North Island where demand is higher. Additional wood-processing capacity has recently come online, including the opening of a new cross-laminated timber manufacturing plant in Rotorua. The Accord is working alongside industry to inform Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment guidance on product substitution information, raising awareness of alternative products, and reducing reliance on constrained building products.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0b726ccfbe84a60a3e70e397bd1f690\u0022\u003ETim van de Molen\u003C/span\u003E: What advice, if any, did she receive from the trade Minister or officials about the implications on our trade obligations had she progressed with her intent to restrict log exports?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295ab239086e04be3b3e8f96ca0a2f512\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: Can I confirm with that member that I stand by my comments that that is ultimately for suppliers to manage.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214abf224a6fd4c02848122c77846da52\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! No, the member didn\u2019t address the question. The Minister will address the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aa4641e80c6b4bab88d9f4db45a3692e\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I have not had a conversation with the Minister for Trade and Export Growth because, ultimately, matters of export are for the suppliers to manage.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022189ee0cf469f4e2687994921ad66e9e7\u0022\u003ETim van de Molen\u003C/span\u003E: Is it correct her own advisers told her that limiting log exports won\u2019t materially help domestic structural timber supplies, as the bulk of logs exported from New Zealand would not be suitable for the structural timber?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bfe73e3445d845f2b0574dcf21c249ba\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: What I can confirm is advice I\u2019ve received that suppliers are already increasing structural timber production over the next six months and reducing exports and moving stock from the South to the North Island, where demand was high.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022071f7800-2755-41b6-83df-07ebaf867ae2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e09f8980a64d460b83d3c5ce46942d7a\u0022\u003ETim van de Molen\u003C/span\u003E: What does she say to claims that there is a sufficient supply of logs for domestic use, but that the issue is a lack of processing capacity driven by increasing costs, such as the price of power\u2014if you can get it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b2fd7d47020244d4a5648574406e30a1\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m clear that advice that I\u2019ve received has advised me that additional wood-processing capacity has recently come online, as I\u2019ve already said, including the opening of a cross-laminated timber manufacturing plant in Rotorua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022544c6533fcad44078392e9a06102f43a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022544c6533fcad44078392e9a06102f43a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That concludes the time for oral questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202de050607444345beaa18af6dd8ad8d\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Aw!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226068cc1b0e3a460ba471da0c7e879d27\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Look, Mr Bennett. I know how much you love it, but if you keep this up you\u2019re going to have a few fewer of them\u2014especially if you groan while I\u2019m on my feet. It does have a feeling, after only two weeks, of being like the last day of term.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000205\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\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022658137ab3e5344e986d1ddd9cb74f67c\u0022\u003EEducation and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022dc83eae36f80488ca567d2acf2a80cc7\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022cc71634a18bf446589355b5ebc44ca82\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cc71634a18bf446589355b5ebc44ca82\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002227ef3340bfa14103bb408fefaa8dbd5e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That legislative statement is published under the authority of the House and can be found on the Parliament website.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002243709729acde4b189d8d19f53cde943b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Education and Workforce Committee to consider the bill. At the appropriate time, I intend to move that the bill be reported to the House by 16 September 2021 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions), during any evening on a day in which there has been a sitting of the House, and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House, and outside the Wellington area, despite Standing Orders 193, 195, and 196.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EA brief background of why we\u2019re here with this bill. The Teaching Council, as it is now known, was established by the last National Government under the name of the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. It replaced a body, what was then called the Teachers Council. It had an expanded range of functions from the previous Teachers Council, and it was expected to move to a position where it would become self-sustaining through member contributions, through the contributions of the teaching profession. The last National Government expanded the functions of the council and also put additional funding in to manage the transition to those expanded functions, but with an expectation that, over time, the council would set new fees that would mean that it would be self-sustaining. Those subsidies from Government were due to come to an end shortly after this Government took office. We increased those subsidies to increase that transition time for the new council, and particularly in recognition of some of the changes that we made, including reinstating elections to that council. Therefore, those subsidies were due to be phasing out last year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThe council went through the fee-setting consultation. They decided that they wanted to affix a new fee that was based on a one-year fee rather than a three-year fee, and that they would adjust teacher registration to a one-year cycle rather than a three-year cycle in order to achieve that. That was then challenged by the Post Primary Teachers\u2019 Association\u2014the PPTA\u2014who took that through court. What the court found was an anomaly in the legislation that was never intended by the last Government, who established the council, or by this Government, who transferred those provisions from the previous Education Act into the new Education and Training Act. The court found that the council was not able to affix a fee that covered all of its functions. It was only, by law, authorised to affix a fee that covered some of its functions. That was never Parliament\u2019s intention. However, the court found that the new fee that the council had been intending to introduce, the one-year fee, was overturned.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThe challenge that we were then faced with was that the fee that the council had to revert back to had also been established under the very same law that the new fee had been established by. Therefore, there was a question as to whether or not that existing fee was also established legitimately. So this bill, first of all, validates the previously collected fees, the fees that were collected under the National Government and the fees that have been collected under this Government, up and to the point where the higher fee was introduced. It also allows the council to keep the fees that it collected, the one-year fees that it collected, and offset those fees against the three-year cost of registration for those teachers who had gone through the one-year registration process during that intervening period, otherwise the council would be in a position where it would have to refund someone the one-year fee and then reinvoice them, effectively, for the three-year fee. It would potentially also lead to a position where most teachers in the country, if we didn\u2019t pass this bill, were not currently registered, and that is something that I think we would all want to avoid.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThe other thing that the bill does is it allows the council to move to an annual fee without having to change to a three-year registration. So they can retain the status quo of a three-year registration, meaning teachers won\u2019t have to reregister every three years, but will, effectively, allow teachers to pay their fee in one-year instalments, which I think is something I hope the teaching profession will welcome.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI acknowledge that there are different views amongst the teaching profession about the council itself and the scope and functions of the council. Primary teachers are quite supportive of the current scope and function of the council, if we are to accept what their advocates and their representatives tell us. Secondary teachers are more sceptical. I want to indicate that the Government will be making other changes to the council in future legislation that responds to some of those concerns. One of the concerns is that the disciplinary functions that the council has are overly onerous, that there are matters going to the council\u2019s full disciplinary tribunal process that could be dealt with through the complaints assessment committee in a more efficient way\u2014still transparent, still robust, but more efficient\u2014and thereby reducing the overall cost of the running of the council. We will be bringing some proposals forward to the Parliament in due course that will deal with that issue, because I think the teachers do have a legitimate point there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EWe are also in conversations with the council about their leadership function and who should ultimately pay, what burden of that leadership function should sit with teacher registration fees versus whether Government should make a contribution to that, and we\u2019ll continue to talk to them about that. So the council will now have an opportunity to set a new fee to cover their full costs, the costs of operating the council. They will, in the meantime, revert to the fee that existed before the court case, before the new one-year fee was overturned by the courts. That will be the fee that applies in the intervening period, and fees collected under that previous regime will all be validated by this legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003ESo it is an undesirable position for the Parliament to find itself in. It dates back prior to this Government, to the previous Government. I don\u2019t think they intended this situation to emerge, nor did this Government. We have a responsibility, I think, as a Parliament to fix it and to fix it quickly so that the public, parents, students, and teachers can be confident that we\u2019ve got a robust teacher registration regime in New Zealand, teachers can be confident that they are registered and that their registration fees that they\u2019ve previously paid are valid, and also that those who are caught during this period, the one-year period, don\u2019t have to go through the process of getting their money back and then paying more in order to get the three-year registration. So I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002254ba7f173cbf444299be2506bcab42ed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002254ba7f173cbf444299be2506bcab42ed\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u0022fbdb3464869e4f259d90c5e33a90a155\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fbdb3464869e4f259d90c5e33a90a155\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E How many times is the Minister of Education going to amend this education Act? He made a complete hash of it when he did the vocational education review. He then had to amend it for the early childhood education, and now he\u2019s having to amend it because the Teaching Council lost their High Court case under the Education and Training Act 1989 for trying to increase fees for practising certificate renewals. He could have taken a leaf out of Sir Michael Cullen\u2019s book, who said, \u201CWe won. You lost. Suck it up!\u201D But, no, he puts retrospective legislation in place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003EWhat does this Government do in their spare time? Do they sit around looking at where all our essential workers for the health and wellbeing of society are? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002200c0eacefe6b491b808de0b83a4f02ef\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member will resume her seat. I\u2019m going to make two points to the member. The first of all is that this is a very narrow bill\u2014very narrow. She will address this bill. It\u2019s a first reading; it\u2019s not a wide-ranging debate. You don\u2019t go on to other things. The second point: the member is reading her speech; she may not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002212b26fff81334277b0018e8ba33e8f26\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Here are the facts\u2014and I will read those because it comes from the facts of the court case, if I may, Mr Speaker. So the Post Primary Teachers\u2019 Association took the case to the High Court and it was lost. The fees and the annual certification decisions were quashed at the beginning. They failed on five counts: they failed to consult, they failed to properly consider the merits of the annual certification, they misconstrued and misapplied key elements of the statutory regime, and it amounted to an unlawful tax. So they lost on five counts. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003EThe Minister could have, at that stage, sucked it up, paid the money, and then gone on and thanked the teachers. The teachers who have done such an amazing job over lockdown: Zooming in with kids, bringing kids back up to speed\u2014and we know that\u2019s been really tough. We could have thanked them for dealing with all the non-teaching issues that kids have been bringing to them and caring for our young people, guiding them through these really challenging times, and we could have thanked them for doing a good job. But, no, instead, the Government is bringing in retrospective legislation to keep the fees that they had to pay unlawfully. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003ESo that court ruling quite clearly said that it was unlawful for those fees to have been taken. Now, clearly, the Teaching Council does a really important job and, clearly, they now have a funding shortfall. But the Government has been prepared to spend money in lots of other areas: $785 million on an on-again and off-again walking and cycling bridge, half a billion on the first year of health reforms, $120 million on failed vocational education reforms\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225ebfea28cfe949eda08438f57392eb4d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! I\u2019m just going to say \u201Cditto\u201D, and it\u2019s the second warning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002210a0263ed2ec41258f3e66bf99384386\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014thank you, Mr Speaker\u2014$20 million to develop new phonics early-reading books for teachers, with not one language, but two languages, that nobody else in the world has done. So plenty of money to spend on education and other matters when the Minister has chosen to, but not to pay the amount, the shortfall that is needed for the Teaching Council. So I felt the Minister has had to spend a lot of money on consultants with all the changes he has brought in and I felt that it was my duty to give him some free advice on this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003EThe amendment bill should be dropped. It is a waste of time and money. The Minister should do a Sir Michael Cullen\u2014suck it up and pay the gap\u2014because the Teaching Council has important work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00223660bf9e4cd7498f96ed950faa4bc23a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223660bf9e4cd7498f96ed950faa4bc23a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Right. Order! Order! The member will resume her seat. I have warned her twice about reading her speech. She has continued to read it. This speech is terminated. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EI want to make it clear that I made it very clear earlier in the year that members are not to read their speeches, and while I don\u2019t spend as much time possibly as I should during readings of the bill in the Chamber, it is something which I am adamant about. The Standing Orders were changed very deliberately, and I intend to enforce the rules. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u0022bb1026a4ad634e4bad403f368b2cb427\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bb1026a4ad634e4bad403f368b2cb427\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228a21362bf6fe4d3cb1a51728bcdb080b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Does the member want to table the rest of her speech?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222dd73a1a15824aabbfa6b2c6198d7bb1\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS\u003C/span\u003E: I want to table my notes so you can see they\u2019re just notes. I\u2019m happy to table them for you to see. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022962aa09fc6e745a19b85c28e5e095819\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022962aa09fc6e745a19b85c28e5e095819\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the member wants the leave of the House to table her notes. Is there any objection to that? There appears to be none. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EDocument, by leave, laid on the Table of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u002264c92a059236461d91561d90fc93bbfb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264c92a059236461d91561d90fc93bbfb\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order, Mr Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bc188a170fb0451f86beba78089ddc60\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A point of order, Simeon Brown. I hope the member is not going to make a rare misstep.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a5af2fcdfe9048b7b1f5e7f95c8be84a\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, no. I mean, it\u2019s a pretty unreasonable thing for you to be saying that someone\u2019s reading their speech when, clearly, they have just got notes, which they\u2019re referring to as they give a speech. I mean, how are you\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022ea4fa3784c6148aa8c7fbd06611496ec\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ea4fa3784c6148aa8c7fbd06611496ec\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member is now arguing with a ruling that I have made. I\u2019m just saying that I\u2019ve been around long enough to know or to at least make a judgment that when a person is constantly looking down, then that member gives the appearance of reading. People who refer to notes generally don\u2019t have six or seven pages of them and turn over one\u2014[Interruption] No, no, the member\u2019s been shifting notes around. She knows. Next speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022 data-id=\u0022c4823b4c5d2b4376b71c359e8f218d69\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c4823b4c5d2b4376b71c359e8f218d69\u0022\u003EMARJA LUBECK (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a call on the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill. It\u2019s an absolutely narrow bill, and there will be very little to add to the speech that we\u2019ve already heard from the Minister, but I would like to elaborate a little bit more on what the Minister spoke about: the work that we did in our previous term with regard to giving teachers more independence when it comes to representation on their own body, the Teaching Council, as it now is. Our Government did that work, and, of course, as the Minister already foreshadowed, more of that work will be continuing in the next few months that we have ahead with regards to the way that the council operates, as the Minister outlined, because, as they did previously, the teachers raised a really legitimate point when they brought up these points.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ENow, there are some facts and figures involved that I don\u2019t want to get wrong, so I will be referring to the numbers as they were added up, because I don\u2019t want to get that wrong. So prior to the change to the fees increase, these fees had not changed since 2010, and when they were changed in February 2021, the amount really changed from $220.80 for a three-year certificate to what became an annual certificate of $157. So that meant that a teacher would pay $471 over the period in total of annual fees, where, of course, previously it would have been $249.20 for the three years. Now, the recent High Court decision did challenge that decision, has brought it back to what the fees were previously, and that is exactly what this bill does.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f677db8b-66c5-4794-953c-bdf7aa425710\u0022\u003ESo it is important to understand that this bill is not validating the quashed practising certificates, but what it does is it validates the payments that were received since 1 February 2020, because it would be quite a ludicrous exercise, in fact, if we were to get the teachers to pay a certain amount and then having to refund, and then the teachers having to pay a top-up on top. So this bill is really common sense. It saves a lot of time. But what I do look forward to, as chair of the Education and Workforce Committee that will be hearing submissions and working with my team on this bill, is that we hear from a wide variety of submitters on their views on this bill, and I commend this bill to the House. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u00226d681a9def97491994a0bfceb575d354\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226d681a9def97491994a0bfceb575d354\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (National):\u003C/span\u003E This bill is an outrage, and if a National Government introduced this bill, the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) would be marching in the street. Every teacher in New Zealand deserves to understand exactly what this bill does. First of all, it gives the Teaching Council broader powers to set whatever fees it wants. Second of all, this bill retrospectively tidies up unlawful fee setting by the Teaching Council.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EI have in front of me the High Court ruling that has led to this bill, and I would put to you that a Minister of Education who was on the ball of his education role would not be introducing this bill, but instead would be sitting down with the Teaching Council and saying, \u201CSort it out. You are not given a mandate to charge teachers whatever you want whenever you want to. That is not actually what the law allows you to do. Tighten your belt, because teachers around this country are already faced with extraordinary increases in living costs, and what they don\u2019t deserve is to be given increases in their registration fees because you, the Teaching Council, are breaking the law.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo, first, I want to congratulate the PPTA on having the courage to bring this case to court, because, actually, it\u2019s not every day\u2014is it, members of this House?\u2014that the PPTA takes a Government entity to court. I think, actually, before it spends its union fees on taking anyone to court, it thinks carefully. I thank them for doing that, because this court ruling I have in front of me sets out very carefully exactly what it is that the Teaching Council have done unlawfully. It sets out how poorly they have behaved and it sets out all of the bad behaviour that the Minister of Education is just going to hide in the corner and fix up with this retrospective piece of legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo let\u2019s go through why we need this bill, because what the court found was that the Teaching Council broke the law because it failed to consult before imposing annual certification fees. So that\u2019s the first thing the Minister of Education does with this bill\u2014he says, \u201CLook, they broke the law, that\u2019s a bit tricky and embarrassing, but I\u2019ll tidy it up with a little bill to cover their tracks.\u201D The second thing that the High Court said was that \u201Cthe Teaching Council failed to properly consider the merits of annual certification\u201D. Then they said, in a very clear judgment, that they had misled the Minister on the payment by instalment idea\u2014they had misled the Minister of Education. But, you know, don\u2019t worry, he\u2019s here to tidy it all up for them! Then, they said that they didn\u2019t properly consider the pros and cons of annual certification. Then, they said that they imposed a blanket one-year period of certification inconsistently with the Act, and that they set an unlawful fee\u2014and set an unlawful fee\u2014which bundled together all of the costs of the council services.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ENow, Mr Speaker, when I say this I\u2019m going to look at my notes, because if I don\u2019t look at my notes for this, you might think I\u2019m exaggerating. But, actually, what the High Court said was that \u201Cthe Teaching Council\u2019s decision to set a fee for issuing a practising certificate amounted to an unlawful tax\u201D, and that\u2019s what the members on the opposite side of the House think that we should use Parliament\u2019s time to validate. We should use Parliament\u2019s time to validate Government quangos going off and setting unlawful taxes, and they expect this to all quietly happen on a Thursday afternoon in Parliament and not a teacher in New Zealand will notice. Well, I will tell the House this: when ratty little pieces of legislation are put through to put unlawful taxes on New Zealand teachers, New Zealand\u2019s teachers will find out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EIt is fair to say that it is not every day or every week in Parliament that the National Party finds itself in strong agreement with the PPTA. But I do want to quote the PPTA\u2019s views on what is occurring in this House right now, because what the PPTA say is that they are concerned not only with the detail of the bill but what it says about the Teaching Council because they say they were \u201Cconcerned that the Council had mandated annual certification without consulting the teaching profession.\u201D\u2014without consulting the teaching profession. So here we have the entity whose responsibility it is to represent that profession, to ensure its reputation is kept in good order, to certify those who are allowed to be members of that profession, and you have the union for that profession saying they didn\u2019t even consult the teaching profession effectively, and that has been upheld by a court of law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ENow, I listened very carefully to Minister Hipkins\u2019 speech because I waited to hear him say, \u201CI\u2019m disappointed in the Teaching Council.\u201D Did he say that? Did he express any disappointment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022faa62eae6ac34dd4bdd14a592c492a1e\u0022\u003EStuart Smith\u003C/span\u003E: No.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1e5a0d5c16642b2ba77205740115510\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: No. No, he didn\u2019t express any disappointment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EI also listened very carefully because I waited for him to say that he was angry that he was going to have to introduce retrospective legislation\u2014that he was disappointed that the entity hadn\u2019t lived up to his expectations. Did I hear that anger? Did I hear that disappointment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fca216ab232e40ad9fc8e9bd0ddaa738\u0022\u003EStuart Smith\u003C/span\u003E: No.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002289ef640d2238435fab29e0cc26a59459\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: No, members of this House, I did not. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EAnd I listened to the Minister of Education to hear something I think is pretty important, and that is an apology to New Zealand\u2019s teachers for being subjected to an unlawful tax, because what sort of a Minister of Education are you if you say, \u201CLook, teachers, it\u2019s OK, there\u2019s been an unlawful tax. The Teaching Council did it to you, but I\u2019m here to make it all OK by making it lawful.\u201D? Well, what a serious lack of responsibility, because I think the opportunity that the Minister had here with this court ruling was to say to the Teaching Council: \u201CSort it out. Pull your socks up. You cannot behave in this way, you can\u2019t act in an arbitrary way without consultation, you can\u2019t act in a way that operates outside the law, and you can\u2019t charge too much for your fees.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ENow, what this bill also doesn\u2019t do, and the Minister expressed this clearly in his speech, is it doesn\u2019t deal with the fact that the Teaching Council has created for itself\u2014and this Minister introduced legislation to empower it\u2014a leadership function. Now, that leadership function that is empowered is costly, it\u2019s costing a lot, and what I think teachers around the country will want to know is why in this bill are we not ensuring that the Teaching Council isn\u2019t just going to empire-build on that leadership function and charge teachers for paying for it, because it does allow it. This bill widens the scope\u2014we\u2019ll quote its policy statement\u2014it \u201Cbroadens the Council\u2019s \u2026 fee-setting powers\u201D. That is what we are doing in this House today, and yet we aren\u2019t at the same time being very directive to the council about the circumstances in which it can do that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EI return to the PPTA statement, because I think it\u2019s important it is in the Hansard for this bill. Here we have the PPTA saying that they \u201Cwelcome the Council\u2019s announcement \u2026 that it will abide by the judgment\u201D. Well, actually, what the Minister of Education has come in and said is: \u201CDon\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t need to abide by the judgment.\u201D, and that is what this bill does.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo I look forward to a select committee process in which the teaching unions, in which everyday teachers, in which those concerned with the professions in our classrooms, get up and submit and say that, actually, they don\u2019t want to have to pay ever-escalating registration fees, that that cost actually matters to them; that every time they have to write that cheque, it\u2019s money that isn\u2019t in the household budget and it\u2019s money that isn\u2019t available for groceries; that when it gets higher and higher every year, it affects them; and that, actually, some of them find it pretty insulting when it goes up and up and yet they\u2019re not seeing any improvement in the standards of their professional body. I look forward to them sharing that view, and I look forward to them at select committee also asking why it is that their professional body that is charged with ensuring they comply with the law is unable to comply with the law itself. I look forward to them putting to the Minister of Education that when he is setting standards for our education system, it is unacceptable to validate unlawful action by a professional body without even expressing an ounce of disappointment. This is a retrospective bill\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dbe7b25ff97041cbb0aedc1a700fa706\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Outrageous.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227a7562cccf4748d59561c3b11ab96932\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: It is an outrageous validation of an unlawful tax. It is a bill that has been brought about because the PPTA was forced to bring the Teaching Council to court, and, actually, if the Minister of Education were anyone but the Minister for COVID recovery, there would be headlines on this. It is unacceptable and I am pleased that National will be opposing this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022359a67f6bab1460ba3012a43f942c813\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022359a67f6bab1460ba3012a43f942c813\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Before I call the next member on the bill, I have had time during the member\u2019s speech to read the bill, and I want to make it clear that this bill is about the fees and not the certification periods. If members try running another argument down that line again\u2014if I had read the bill before, I would have stopped the member. She was lucky I hadn\u2019t. I have now, and it is a very narrow bill\u2014even narrower than I thought from the Minister\u2019s speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022 data-id=\u002209110092e94c400493def58e7bc48272\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002209110092e94c400493def58e7bc48272\u0022\u003EJAMIE STRANGE (Labour\u2014Hamilton East):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. The previous member appears to be a little bit confused. She appears to be blaming the Minister for this bill, whereas I stand to commend the Minister for bringing this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003ELook, I think both sides of the House would acknowledge that there has been a legislative failure in this area. The Minister has brought an elegant solution to the House, you know, bringing about a solution that I expect our teachers will be very happy with.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EOn the topic of the fees, as we heard from the Minister, the Teaching Council decided to change the registration structure from a three-year to a one-year and we heard that the fees would change accordingly. While visiting staffrooms across my electorate as the MP for Hamilton East over the past few months, I certainly heard feedback from teachers who were not happy with the teachers\u2019 council\u2019s resolution. The teachers\u2019 council is independent of Government, so I think that\u2019s an important aspect for the previous speaker and others just to be aware of. Now, the teachers\u2019 council made that decision. The teachers quite clearly expressed to me their disappointment with that decision. As a member of Parliament I fed that through to various channels that I thought needed to hear it, but it was a decision for the teachers\u2019 council.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003ENow, as we\u2019ve heard\u2014and I don\u2019t want to relitigate that\u2014there\u2019s been a court ruling, and so this piece of legislation is here to basically bring about a solution. The Minister outlined the solution. I\u2019d like to finish by acknowledging the leadership of the Minister, the excellent Minister of Education, in bringing a solution to the House which I expect, as a former teacher, teachers will be happy with. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u0022cd78cdb807664591a4e7e6ce7ac64ce2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cd78cdb807664591a4e7e6ce7ac64ce2\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Green Party is opposing the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill. It has been rehearsed that the Teaching Council is the statutory body. It\u2019s an independent statutory body. Not only does it handle the certification of teachers; it investigates teachers\u2019 misconduct, handles professional complaints, and provides professional leadership. But this bill is retrospective. This bill will have an impact on teachers\u2019 incomes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThere was a 30,000-signature petition expressing some concern, and there was an 11,000-signature petition calling for a review of the teachers\u2019 council. I don\u2019t often agree with Nicola Willis\u2014but her point about there needing to be some consultation with teachers and also with the unions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EIt is not good law when you have the Government making retrospective laws, which is one of the reasons that the Green Party is opposing it. Previously, because Government subsidised 60 percent of the teachers\u2019 council costs in terms of doing that work around professional misconduct and providing leadership of the profession\u2014and then, suddenly, as a result of that High Court decision, putting in place this bill to enable the teachers\u2019 council to receive the fees that it charged, and to retrospectively validate the reception of those fees without having a good consultation exercise, we don\u2019t think is appropriate. We are opposing the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022 data-id=\u0022b8dcaab842244c6887db04fd0c10d822\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b8dcaab842244c6887db04fd0c10d822\u0022\u003EKAREN CHHOUR (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019m standing on behalf of ACT to oppose this bill, and there are a few reasons for this. Teachers have faced many, many increases and more pressure within their workloads and the things they have to do in this year with COVID lockdown and with the pressures of mental health issues within schools. More and more is expected of them and it seems they are constantly having to fight to feel valued and appreciated. And when you are adding on to the costs of them to be registered, and half the teachers don\u2019t even understand what the Teaching Council is there for, you can see why they resent paying this fee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EI spoke to multiple teachers to ask them, you know, how they feel with this situation, and not one of them could tell me what the council was there for and what the council did for them. And the ones that did kind of said they wished that the council would just be there for disciplinary action and registration and leave the rest out of it, because, to them, they feel like this is giving the council an open cheque book to do whatever they like, and the teachers will be there to pay the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EI just had a little bit of a look at what the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers\u2019 Association had said. They\u2019re saying that \u201CTeachers understand the need to have a registration body that ensures the profession retains [a] high standard [but] They need their council to be cost effective and they need to trust \u2026 it will work for teachers [and] not against them.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EIt feels like there is no stability, and teachers have no idea what is going to come next. If we just allowed councils to do whatever they like and they know the teachers will foot the bill, I cannot see how this is good law. So we oppose the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022 data-id=\u0022ed1492d4e0cd4762a466b192cd867676\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ed1492d4e0cd4762a466b192cd867676\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON (Labour\u2014Rangitata):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this piece of legislation. From what I\u2019ve read and from what I understand, it is a very small and tight piece of legislation that simply validates the fees that were previously paid by teachers to the Teaching Council. So what we heard from the Minister was that there\u2019d been no change in the fees since 2010, and more recently the fees had been changed from what was a three-year payment that teachers made when they were renewing their registration and they did it that way, then it was moved to an annual payment for teachers to pay with an increase in cost. And we know what the subsequent issues have been since then and through the findings of the court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EWhat it does, as I\u2019ve said, is it validates the fees that have previously been paid and it means that for those who have paid their fees since February 2021, rather than the council having to refund the additional amount of fees back to teachers and then teachers then turn around the next year and pay their annual fees, it just allows them to hold on to that and, I guess, basically credit a bit towards each teacher\u2019s next instalment of their fees. So I don\u2019t think there\u2019s much more to say on this. It\u2019s a very tight bill, so I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022 data-id=\u00224cc2cc20fdd74fd09785761d235768b1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224cc2cc20fdd74fd09785761d235768b1\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG (National\u2014Selwyn):\u003C/span\u003E I just want to take a quick call just to re-emphasise the points made by my colleagues that the National Party stands very strongly alongside our friends in the Greens in opposition to this bill\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6672f28ec3a4756adbdb405fb01b316\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: And the ACT Party.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229f9ccb02ed5244e3a3e21d53e31690be\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG\u003C/span\u003E: And hopefully the ACT Party too\u2014sorry, I wasn\u2019t quite listening. Look, this is a tight bill, as has been traversed across the House already, regarding fees. I\u2019m sure, if I remember rightly, when this Government was formed, it said it wouldn\u2019t introduce any new taxes. Well, you can call it a fee, but, effectively, it is actually a tax. It is another cost being foisted on hard-working New Zealanders, just when the cost of housing\u2019s going up; fuel\u2019s going up; electricity\u2014if you can get it!\u2014is going up; and I see Stats New Zealand today is also saying that the cost of food is going up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EBut what strikes me as utterly extraordinary is that we are here legislating\u2014well, we\u2019re not; they are\u2014for a retrospective fee increase that a High Court declared was illegal. I mean, this Government is riding roughshod over court declarations. If that\u2019s not arrogant, then I don\u2019t know what is. With your leave, Mr Speaker, I would like to read out an email, if I may, that I received from a teacher in Christchurch a couple of days ago. I think Dr Webb should probably take note of this, because this person is a constituent of his. \u201CLast night, I received this unbelievable email from the New Zealand teachers\u2019 council, who have convinced Chris Hipkins to change the law, allowing them to charge the fees they want and potentially go to yearly registration. This was after the council lost in court. So now the Government seeks to change legislation, fast-tracked according to the PPTA. The fees after the law change will also be backdated and additional money sought from teachers.\u201D This person goes on to say that staff across schools across New Zealand are feeling deeply unappreciated by this Labour Government. I\u2019d also add to that teachers, midwives, doctors, nurses, farmers\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225679c5f2866b4d5c94fb68ac3a149005\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! Back to the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e0b451daa7fb4a4c9059853e094e61c5\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG\u003C/span\u003E: I beg your pardon, Mr Speaker. I was actually just winding up, other than just to re-emphasise\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002280ebbd0eeb114579ae55a01475e24cf4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Winding me up or winding your speech up?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220d72bc0455dc4f9fadb838c3f4f6a0bd\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG\u003C/span\u003E: I beg your pardon. I was winding my commentary up, Mr Speaker. Ha! Just wanted to place on the record that this is not small change. These fees are significant. They are big. They are going from $220 every three years to $157 every year. That, to us on this side of the House, is totally unacceptable.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00226ee3066540604c2988d2901d245ce1f8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226ee3066540604c2988d2901d245ce1f8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u00220fab038c7d0e4aef8b6de2b7b6fadef6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220fab038c7d0e4aef8b6de2b7b6fadef6\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to take a call on this terrible piece of legislation, the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill. Members on the other side who are getting up and saying how proud they are\u2014I heard Jamie Strange from Hamilton saying this is an elegant solution, an elegant solution, to be passing retrospective legislation to impose a tax, an unlawful tax, on to teachers. The High Court ruling said that the Teaching Council decision to set a fee for issuing a practising certificate amounted to an unlawful tax. They should be hanging their heads in shame, but no. They come into this House and they call this an \u201Celegant solution\u201D. Hear Jamie Strange\u2014how proud he is of his Minister to be introducing retrospective legislation. This legislation is retrospective. This legislation is, basically, trying to turn back the tide\u2014turn back the tide\u2014on a case which the Teaching Council has lost.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EWe have to remember that this is the Government that said they were going to turn the Teaching Council into a representative body which was representing teachers, last Parliament passing legislation where they were saying they were going to give democracy back to the Teaching Council. Well, here we are where we\u2019ve got this Government running roughshod over teachers, imposing fees on teachers, imposing unlawful taxes on to teachers, increasing costs on our teachers, and then passing legislation, clause 5, which says the Teaching Council fees and costs may, basically, set whatever they like, because one of the things the High Court found was that the Teaching Council failed to consult before imposing annual certification. So let\u2019s not worry about consultation; let\u2019s just put clause 5 in there, which lets them do whatever they like.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI\u2019m looking forward to hearing from the submitters on this piece, which is around do the teachers unions\u2014are they happy with the fact that the Teaching Council, under clause 5, is essentially going to be able to just put in place whatever fee structure they want, over whatever time frame they like, and whatever way they like? [Interruption] Well, is there a select committee process? I hope there is, because, actually, this needs to go to a select committee\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b2c99d5c5bb04bffb3fbcbde21d9f0c1\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member should listen to the speeches at the beginning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d72c17fa89648439f7ff97cb6e23ddc\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Absolutely\u2014absolutely. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Well, look, I look forward to the submissions from the teachers unions and the teachers on that exact point, because, actually, are teachers going to be happy with the Teaching Council being able to, essentially, set fees and costs in whatever way or fashion that they feel like? Because that is what clause 5 reads, to me. I\u2019m sure they\u2019re going to have very, very strong views over that and what seems to be taking away the ability for actual, proper consultation to be taking place, and the consultation\u2014because, actually, what this is about is the Teaching Council effectively being able to fund their affairs. Actually, if it\u2019s a democratic institution, which is what this Government in the last Parliament said the Teaching Council should be, where teachers should be in control and they should be able to run it, why would this Government now take away the ability for that consultation to be taking place? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThis High Court found the Teaching Council wasn\u2019t acting in accordance with the law. This High Court case found that they were failing to consult when setting fees. So what\u2019s the Government\u2019s response to that? \u201CWell, actually, maybe they just shouldn\u2019t have to consult at all. We\u2019ll just take away any consultation.\u201D What\u2019s the need for consultation? Because apparently, according to this Government, the Teaching Council knows best. The Teaching Council knows exactly what the fees should be, what time period they should be, and, actually, who cares about what the teachers think about how much the fees should be and how the governance and the affairs of the Teaching Council should be run and what that money should be going towards?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThis legislation is a massive overreach, not only retrospective\u2014retrospective legislation from this Government. This is retrospective in the fact that it\u2019s overriding a High Court case but then going the next step and saying, \u201CWell, actually, we\u2019re not only going to override the court case, but the fact that they were having to consult in the first place\u2014we don\u2019t really like that, and we\u2019re just going to get rid of that requirement into the future.\u201D Well, that\u2019s unacceptable, and I think our teachers up and down the country are going to have a lot to say on that very point, because they can see what is going to come if the Teaching Council, because of what they\u2019ve already tried to do, running roughshod over teachers\u2014if they\u2019ve already tried once, pass this legislation and you will see more and more of the Teaching Council imposing its own views on a whole range of issues and a whole range of matters, and that is something which is incredibly concerning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThis is a Government which stands up and says that they\u2019re kind and caring. Well, it\u2019s not kind and caring to get rid of the consultation requirements, which the teachers of New Zealand should have in place and should be able to have their say on what a body, which this Government says should be their body\u2014well, it\u2019s not theirs any more. This is Chris Hipkins\u2019 Teaching Council so that Chris Hipkins can effectively run roughshod over the teachers, and I think this is something which is completely unacceptable. I\u2019m proud to be on the side of the House where we\u2019re saying, \u201CNo, we\u2019re not going to accept this retrospective legislation. We\u2019re not going to accept the Government just coming in and undoing a High Court case just because they feel like it, and then, basically, saying, \u2018Well, actually, the teachers\u2019 council was right all along. We\u2019re going to get rid of the consultation requirements.\u2019 \u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m proud to be on the side of the House where we\u2019re saying no to this piece of legislation, and my message to teachers and to the teachers unions and the organisations up and down this country and to parents is to make sure they have their say, because this is probably the last time they\u2019ll ever be able to. We oppose this piece of legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022 data-id=\u002226a4e746e7df4e3e99a4ecede7614828\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002226a4e746e7df4e3e99a4ecede7614828\u0022\u003ECAMILLA BELICH (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. First of all, I\u2019d just like to use my short call\u2014I think the reasons for this legislation being introduced have been clearly outlined by previous speakers, including the Minister, and so I\u2019d just like to address some of the concerns raised by the other side.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EOne of the speakers on the other side alleged that this legislation was going to introduce an unlawful tax. Now, the finding of unlawful tax came about in the High Court judgment, which I have also read. The High Court judgment said that it was an unlawful tax. This bill does not implement an unlawful tax; this bill allows the previous fees structure to be implemented in order to give certainty to teachers and educators and to the Teaching Council. It is not the same thing. It is not the same thing as introducing an unlawful tax. So we are not introducing an unlawful tax; we are sorting out a situation following a court case, which sometimes happens. It sometimes happens. Sometimes legislation needs to be brought in after cases are brought, similar to a judicial review.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EThe other side has also said it\u2019s retrospective. It is retrospective, and the Minister said that. The reason it is retrospective is because, if we did not introduce this piece of legislation, the Teaching Council would need to go through an extremely long, lengthy period involving almost every single teacher in the country, organising refunds and then asking for additional payments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cac6a239d13a4b77b054ca3d4b9958ea\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: What\u2019s wrong with that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a955d60a86734cb88b95a4ce4cdae63f\u0022\u003ECAMILLA BELICH\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll tell you what is wrong with that. It takes our teachers away from their important work as educators and sorts out a more simple solution to allow them to continue with their work. So that is why we have that element in the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EThey\u2019ve also alleged, quite amazingly, that it\u2019s a new tax. This is not a new tax. It is quite common for professional bodies to require a fee when they are regulating the profession that they are a part of. It happens in many, many different contexts, and it does not amount to a tax. And, in fact, the Teaching Council has been charging an amount not changed, I believe, since 2010. So that is why we\u2019re introducing it in that way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a503e324-3a0b-4efd-bf44-ec6740ec9a62\u0022\u003EAlso, it does not allow the Teaching Council to do whatever they like, and the reason is that judicial review functions exist for every single law that is passed in this House, and when that is not followed\u2014the letter of the law is not followed\u2014they are allowed to challenge it in judicial review. And so therefore this is a common-sense response to an issue which has been raised, and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u002264b525e5eae24ad0be221ee429bc7ee5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264b525e5eae24ad0be221ee429bc7ee5\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E Oh, thank you, Mr Speaker. I thought I would take this call, in light of the fact that Te Paati M\u0101ori has chosen not to take their call, and support the excellent contribution of Camilla Belich, who points out that it\u2019s absolutely normal for a professional body to charge its members fully for all of the services it provides. And by a quirk of the law, there are only limited functions that could be charged for here and this is a simple tidy up. I\u2019m surprised the National Party is taking that position, because it\u2019s a position which existed under its own watch. It\u2019s a simple tidy up. And as for the retrospectivity, they might want to read a bit more carefully, because it only relates to the ability to hold on to the money and credit it to a new fee rather than going through a complex refund process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225851963481a94cc7ac80486c8d8caabc\u0022\u003ENicola Grigg\u003C/span\u003E: A new fee, like a new tax?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e98b485de6a4da4b6c800c54c36af4e\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB\u003C/span\u003E: If Mrs Grigg were to read the bill and the departmental disclosure statement, it would go a long way to improving her speeches. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022 data-id=\u00223b6285ebe40047f491e2e5a8beb42ff0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223b6285ebe40047f491e2e5a8beb42ff0\u0022\u003EIBRAHIM OMER (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to take this short call in support of this bill. But first, can I acknowledge the speakers in this part of the House, who very articulately pointed out the importance of this bill. Now, previously I\u2019ve heard the members on the other side of the House complaining about how many times this Minister has to make amendments. This is a hard-working Minister. When you work hard, you do things, you change things, you amend things\u2014that\u2019s what the hard-working Ministers, that\u2019s what the hard-working people do. So just like my colleague Jamie Strange, I\u2019d like to commend the Minister for bringing this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003EThis bill is narrow in scope. It actually doesn\u2019t do any of the things that the people on the other side said it would, because they are scaremongering. This bill validates the previous fees. It retrospectively validates the fees that existed before the court fees. This is a very important point\u2014this is the point that they keep ignoring. It\u2019s not a retrospective fee increase. Two different things: this bill is not about addressing matters that need an urgent response. It does not attempt to resolve every possible legislative issue relating to the Teaching Council\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c223698aea0445fae6f9be3f44af4e7\u0022\u003EMaureen Pugh\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I just wonder about the consistency in the rulings around reading speeches.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222c86c3bcab7640b9b979f61855f9a08f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! Is the member serious in raising that? The member knows that it is absolutely out of order and disorderly for her to do that, and if she doesn\u2019t know, she should read her Standing Orders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022372b63a66afd49ba881fe2ad5e835a40\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. I seek leave if the member on the other side would like to table his notes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229b3ad80017364bc89a5ba7685fbc9e7d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The member will leave the Chamber.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown withdrew from the Chamber. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226e419a18-df21-483e-9650-2aaee4e06211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a620cdd61e3845528fc099d12c1e0b34\u0022\u003EIBRAHIM OMER\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. A lot has been said about this bill. I\u2019m not going to focus on what has been said already, but I just wanted to clarify that this bill does none of the things that members on the other side said it would, because it\u2019s two things: it\u2019s confusing\u2014they are playing scaremongering shamefully and I look forward to having this bill in our select committee, chaired by our amazing chair, Marja Lubeck. We are willing to engage with submitters, because we have nothing to hide. We have nothing to be scared of. We are willing to engage with every submitter, with respect. Finally, I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00226389bbaf7bc04f0dbb71e07ac6590eca\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be now read a first time\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 67\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; Te Paati M\u0101ori 2.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 52\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 32; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10; ACT New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000310\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00227d89d7193c9d4dcab054aa6b158f4256\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227d89d7193c9d4dcab054aa6b158f4256\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be considered by the Education and Workforce Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022226a1a6b47724005ab754e8b9640a388\u0022\u003EInstruction to the Education and Workforce Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022 data-id=\u0022bc488789dc2e4db1bfd82014e875de6a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bc488789dc2e4db1bfd82014e875de6a\u0022\u003EHon AUPITO WILLIAM SIO (Associate Minister of Education (Pacific Peoples)) \u003C/span\u003Eon behalf of the Minister of Education: I move, That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 16 September 2021 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions), during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House, and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House and outside the Wellington area, despite Standing Orders 193, 195, and 196(1)(b) and (c).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EThe reasons for asking the House to agree to a shortened select committee process are fundamentally the same as the reasons why the bill is needed at all. First, the Teaching Council is expected to be fully self-funded through the ability given to the council by the Education and Training Act 2020 to fix fees to cover the costs of its funding. Secondly, the High Court judgment of February this year limited the council\u2019s ability to do this, plunging it into financial uncertainty. It is essential for the council, school system, and the teaching profession that this period of uncertainty is brought to a rapid end\u2014something that only the quick enactment of this bill can do, and the quick turn-around.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003EIt should be emphasised that this is not new policy. The structure, powers, and funding of the Teaching Council were the subject of submissions when the House and the Education and Workforce Committee were considering the Education and Training Bill last year. The principles that underpin these provisions of the principal Act have, therefore, been through the parliamentary process and do not need to be extensively revisited. The intention of this bill is simply to put into place what the House decided last year, having fully considered submissions on this issue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b398827c-6bf5-403e-90dc-ff03205302a5\u0022\u003ETo enable the Education and Workforce Committee to meet the deadline that we are setting, the motion also includes the usual range of permissions to meet at times outside the parameters normally allowed by Standing Orders. I want to wish the Education and Workforce Committee well in its work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022211a63f2bc34404fb361aa6fe2a703b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022211a63f2bc34404fb361aa6fe2a703b0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002213e029431a7c47319b4c86d537982699\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Mr\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022479398a25f9b40b7981fe63549c6e512\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye; to the contrary No. The Ayes have it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223dd6d5347cdb42d9894e997c0290eb97\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, is this a debatable motion?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225b496577c00e4350ba10108c7e6643b5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226283e4211a3941c887c80ee2fbf8cd47\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I seek the call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225cd7bc30ea114ea395cfbbfcad128adf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, why didn\u2019t the member seek the call before\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a57dc2a66b1c43bd8589659e87f042da\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: I did seek the call, but you didn\u2019t hear me. I was on my feet, seeking the call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c75b3c168fd9499eb7aafe8821e5bb36\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: All right. I will take the member\u2019s word that she sought the call. I normally get an indication from around here if someone does as well, but go for it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u0022518811f17afc4d2a97f9ccfc35e8723c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022518811f17afc4d2a97f9ccfc35e8723c\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. The previous speaker has put to this House that there should be a shortened period of consideration for this bill, and I stand to oppose that motion because it is my view that this is exactly the sort of issue that requires thorough examination by a select committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EWhat we have here is a piece of legislation which seeks to retrospectively validate fee setting by the Teaching Council that has been found by the High Court to be unlawful. Now, the reason that the High Court was even hearing this case was that the teachers\u2019 union, the Post Primary Teachers\u2019 Association, was so concerned by the fee-setting behaviour of the Teaching Council and was so unhappy with the lack of responsiveness or action taken by the Teaching Council when those concerns were raised that it took a motion to the High Court\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c7b8cd23070476b9dba5aad79017b4f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! I\u2019m going to interrupt the member. This is the narrowest of motions around the length of time and the circumstances in which this select committee should sit. Nothing to do with the substance of the bill is part of this motion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4164b5085404d8c8095fe03b5ac6240\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: OK. So Mr Speaker, I thank you for your guidance. This is not a bill that should have a shortened process for hearing submissions, because, actually, every teacher in New Zealand should have the opportunity to submit on this bill, should they wish to. Because it actually affects more than 140,000 of them who currently pay registration fees. I\u2019m concerned that a shortened period for this select committee will preclude submissions being heard to their fullest extent, will preclude the committee from seeking the views and guidance from the range of entities that may be affected by this decision, and, most importantly, what I\u2019m concerned about here is that a shortened select committee process may remove the disinfectant that sunlight can provide when decisions of this sort of made.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EA shortened select committee process, as members of this House are aware, means that there are fewer opportunities for members to diagnose why this has happened, fewer opportunities for submitters to bring forth their views on why it\u2019s happened. I think this is a case where, actually, a select committee process that is thorough, that is full, that takes the full time period, would allow for the disinfectant that sunlight can provide.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EIn particular, what we know that a shortened process of the sort that the Minister outlined implies is it implies that there will be a shorter period between submissions being called and submissions being made. That is hard on submitters. It just means that they\u2019ve got less time to get their thoughts together. It means if they hear\u2014they might not hear for a week or two until after submissions have been called that they\u2019re happening, and then they have to go and find the time to write them. And I put to you: the people who we want to submit on this bill are some of the very busiest people in the country. They are teachers who are spending a lot of time in the classroom, who are then spending time preparing for the classroom, who often have families of their own that keep them very busy. And what we are doing by allowing this motion to shorten the report-back period is we\u2019re allowing for a much shorter time in which those submissions can be got together.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EThen what we are doing, potentially, is we are shortening the period in which the committee can actually hear from submitters. And I\u2019ve seen what that means. I\u2019ve sat on select committees where, because you have a shorter period in which to hear submissions, you have to make some really tough calls about who can be heard and who can\u2019t be heard. I\u2019m concerned that this could lead to a situation where we don\u2019t hear from people who are personally affected by having to pay a higher fee to the Teaching Council.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo I think it is incumbent on members of this House to see that democracy does its job, which includes putting sunlight on poor decision-making. A shorter report-back period curtails that opportunity, and I stand in opposition to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022 data-id=\u00225f494a7b31fd4f3cb2197944041c0ae7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225f494a7b31fd4f3cb2197944041c0ae7\u0022\u003EBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader\u2014ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I stand on behalf of the ACT Party in opposition to a shortened select committee time. A normal select committee takes around six months. I have not heard anything today that would convince me why we should shorten a six-month select committee period down to one month.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003ETeachers are extremely busy people, and they should be respected; their views should be respected. They\u2019re teaching our children every day. They\u2019re also going home late at night, often writing up report cards, marking exams. There is not a huge amount of time for a teacher, within one month, to get their thoughts together to present them to Parliament and actually be able to have the opportunity to be heard in person if that\u2019s what they wish to do. I think this shows the arrogance of the Government, trying to rush through yet again another law. We\u2019ve heard from the Teaching Council. Well, where have they heard from the teachers who will be affected by this? We need to be ensuring that the teachers, who are the main people who will be affected by this law change, who will be forking out hundreds of dollars more every three years\u2014they need their perspectives heard.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003EWe also need to have the perspectives laid out. Do teachers believe that there will be any more benefits that they\u2019ll get from an increase in costs? Is there any point to the law? Not just the teachers\u2019 council perspective should be considered. And that is why we actually want people to engage in lawmaking. That\u2019s the only way that we have better public policy in New Zealand\u2014that we actually engage and allow people who are affected by laws to come in here and share their perspectives. That is what we expect of our democracy: that people are able to engage in the parliamentary process and not have laws rushed upon them where they are being imposed with new costs and they haven\u2019t actually been able to have their say.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003EThat is why the ACT Party stands in opposition to a shortened select committee period. We believe it would be antidemocratic. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u00225330d3dfb4a5475e95fdf4ad11cff7c2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225330d3dfb4a5475e95fdf4ad11cff7c2\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E We stand in opposition of the shortened select committee process. As we\u2019ve already heard from our Green Party colleague, there has been significant interest in this. There has been a petition already from the teachers\u2014a significant number of teachers\u2014Eugenie Sage was able to tell us. During this shortened period, every teacher will be teaching. There is no holiday period in that shortened time. So we are expecting our teachers to not only do their job, and we know it\u2019s a very big job. They work long hours, and we are expecting them to put their time into their submissions without even their break period to do it. There will be exams coming up. And we know how much heightened interest there is around this. It\u2019s like adding insult to injury. They weren\u2019t consulted on the first time. That was one of the five findings that the High Court had\u2014they weren\u2019t consulted on. So we\u2019re not going to allow them time to be consulted with this time either. To me, it\u2019s an absolute insult to our teachers to say they have taken a case to the High Court, they have won, it has been found that they weren\u2019t consulted with, and so now, retrospective legislation is going to be put through and they won\u2019t have time to be consulted with again. It\u2019s absolutely insulting to our teachers to do that. So we oppose that shortened consultation period.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002266c0ff4224f14295ad56732d62a85742\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the Education and Training (Teaching Council Fees and Costs) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 16\u00A0September 2021 and that the committee have authority to meet at any time while the House is sitting (except during oral questions), during any evening on a day on which there has been a sitting of the House, and on a Friday in a week in which there has been a sitting of the House, and outside the Wellington area, despite Standing Orders 193, 195, and 196(1)(b) and (c).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 65\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 52\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 32; ACT New Zealand 10; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002225394192dcb8435bb36d14175f660220\u0022\u003ECrown Pastoral Land Reform Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002221c85cf85a144d8eaa89c1ec6efebaa4\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u00221dd35c1e31694847bfc5a2e2f812d57e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221dd35c1e31694847bfc5a2e2f812d57e\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Minister for Land Information):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224412ee242fe644199b13539fbd8bd2db\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That legislative statement is published under the authority of the House and can be found on the Parliament website.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022145c0b40b9d449f388fcc9f0970f1597\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill be now read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EReform of the regulatory regime applying to Crown pastoral land is indeed timely. In recent years, there has been increasing public concern about the management of Crown pastoral land by Toit\u016B Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, particularly in relation to the loss of biodiversity and landscapes values on current and former Crown pastoral land over time. A review carried out by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) in 2018 attributed much of this concern to unclear system outcomes, a lack of transparency and accountability, and limited understanding about the cumulative impacts of the commissioner\u2019s decision making over time. There have also been concerns about the process of tenure review, which has resulted in much former Crown pastoral land being free-holded and some of it then being subject to more intensive farming\u2014so concerns from a number of perspectives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill ends the tenure review process and sets clear outcomes for the Crown pastoral land regulatory system for the future. The bill requires decision makers to seek to maintain or enhance inherent values across the Crown pastoral estate for present and future generations\u2014inherent values that are the ecological, landscape, cultural heritage, and scientific values of the land\u2014while providing for ongoing pastoral farming. The bill sets out how LINZ\u2019s administration of Crown pastoral land will seek to achieve these outcomes by, firstly, providing direction to LINZ and the Commissioner of Crown Lands on their roles and responsibilities as lessor and administrator of Crown pastoral land; secondly, explicitly recognising the relationship between the Crown and its Treaty partner and providing for this relationship; and thirdly, introducing measures to increase transparency, clarify accountability, and provide more public involvement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe bill underpins the Government\u2019s review that ongoing, sustainable, and responsible pastoral farming is the best way for this land to be managed. I recognise the passion with which leaseholders conduct their stewardship of these iconic properties. I also understand how valued the high country is to iwi and to all New Zealanders, and this is reflected in the Government\u2019s decision to end tenure review and maintain the land as Crown pastoral leases for future generations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe process of tenure review has run its course. Since the process commenced in 1998, many leaseholders who have wanted to have gone through the process. For those parties to whom a substantive proposal has been put, the process will continue. The remaining leaseholders will continue to operate their properties with perpetual right of renewal. The bill is intended to enshrine best practice and streamline some day-to-day farming activities. It amends the existing regulatory system under which leaseholders are already required to obtain landowner consent for many activities by classifying activities as permitted, discretionary, or prohibited. Certain low-impact farming activities will not require consents. Higher-impact activities will require consent from the Commissioner of Crown Lands under an improved process. Some activities, however, that have major impacts on the values of the high country will not be allowed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EUnder the bill, LINZ will have a wider range of powers to address situations where leaseholders do not comply with their lease obligations. In particular, there are more proportionate enforcement tools that don\u2019t require LINZ to take the more extreme step of court action, which is the only enforcement option available at present. These powers will not impact anyone doing the right thing, but they will ensure bottom lines are maintained and that there are appropriate mechanisms to address poor practice. For most leaseholders, the bill will not change the way they farm, because they already follow best practice to minimise the impact on the environment and manage pests and weeds, and, in many cases, that\u2019s been an intergenerational effort. Leaseholders may at times still require consent from both LINZ and their local council under the Resource Management Act (RMA) just as they do now. It\u2019s an important distinction to make, because the RMA applies to all land and is about environmental management, whereas the Crown Pastoral Land Act is about a leaseholder-landowner relationship.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EThe high level of interest in the future of this iconic land was evident in the 3,200 submissions received on the February 2019 discussion document leading up to this bill, and the 161 submissions received by the select committee. The Environment Committee considered the bill and heard submissions over the last few months. I have to thank them. The range of changes to the bill had been agreed by the majority of the committee, taking into account the feedback from leaseholders, from iwi, from interest groups, and the wider public. These changes include providing more appropriate recognition of the Crown\u2019s obligations to its Treaty partner and mana whenua interests, and improving the clarity of the decision making and other processes set out in the bill. The changes also add some important safeguards for high country leaseholders, including providing for, firstly, greater use of farm plans for high country stations; secondly, more explicit provision for mitigation activities to be carried out in an emergency situation; and broader provision for commercial recreation permits.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EAnother change will enable the Commissioner of Crown Lands to consider the economic benefits associated with a proposed farming activity in cases where the viability of the lease is at risk. A further change was agreed to, which was intended to require public access to be considered when a lease is transferred. My primary concern is to ensure that leaseholders don\u2019t unreasonably deny a reasonable request for access across a lease from time to time. I have had some feedback that the current clause as proposed has gone a little too far, and I am asking officials to prepare an amendment that will be tabled as a Supplementary Order Paper ahead of the committee of the whole House. The committee also agreed to provide for a smoother transition in the implementation of the bill, by providing more time to properly implement the legislation. This will mean that the repeal of tenure provisions will come into force the day after Royal assent, while the remainder of the provisions in the bill, which relate to amendments to the regulatory regime, will come into force six months after that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003ELINZ will remain responsible for administering the 1.2 million hectares of Crown pastoral land. LINZ has recently taken a more hands-on approach, encouraged by the Minister, I have to say, including significantly increasing visits to pastoral leases to maintain a strong and effective connection with leaseholders. We need to know what is going on and the leaseholders need to know that we care. I expect LINZ will continue to work hard to build close and constructive working relationships with leaseholders, with iwi, and with other stakeholders. This will be an important part of implementing the proposed changes in the bill. These spectacular South Island properties are special places for all New Zealanders. This bill recognises the place of pastoral farming as a legitimate use of the land while protecting the importance of the unique values of our high country to New Zealand and New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003EI appreciate the time and effort put in by everyone who gave feedback on the discussion document and the bill. I want to specifically acknowledge all those who have made public submissions on this bill, and the work of the Environment Committee in considering these submissions and making recommendations on amendments to the bill. Thank you for your efforts and your commitment. I know that the Environment Committee made on-ground visits to high country lease properties. They took on board the wisdom and the guidance and the views of many people, of all those stakeholders, and I think the advice that came back through, and amendments to the bill, and advice to myself directly as the Minister, have made this legislation a far better piece of legislation that will be enduring and considers the interests of all stakeholders now and into the future. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u00224c1aaa6d391f449b8975090d5ab6e3e2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224c1aaa6d391f449b8975090d5ab6e3e2\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022 data-id=\u0022dd832d842ba54cb1920ff69b7614943b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dd832d842ba54cb1920ff69b7614943b\u0022\u003EHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National\u2014Coromandel):\u003C/span\u003E This is a bill that is an attempt to be a solution to a problem that doesn\u2019t exist, to a problem that the Government has utterly failed to convince not only the leaseholders exists but the Parliament of New Zealand surely cannot be convinced by the Minister for Land Information\u2019s speech just a few minutes ago.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003ENow, it\u2019s important that we go back a little bit in history to understand the genesis of this piece of legislation. It was actually introduced into the 52nd Parliament by the then Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Minister, the Hon Eugenie Sage, a Green Party Minister, who introduced it to the House, and then, of course, not long after the bill was introduced and referred to the House in July of 2020, there was a general election and the makeup of this Government that is currently in office changed significantly. The introducing Minister lost her ministerial warrant, but she was rewarded with the chairmanship of the Environment Committee, and now she has, sitting in that role, overseen the process to bring us to where we are today. Now, I accept that she was not in the chair during the hearing of submissions, but that was a token gesture to help placate what could only be seen as an ideologically driven philosophical approach to these 170-something high country pastoral farming families who are the victims of this unnecessary, unconvincing, and, frankly, insulting piece of legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EWe heard, as we travelled around the countryside, submitters from far and wide. Many of the leaseholders came to speak to the select committee during our hearings in Wellington, in Queenstown, and in Christchurch, and they were amongst some of the most heartfelt submissions that I\u2019ve heard in my time in Parliament. These were representatives of families who had farmed sensibly, pragmatically, with conservation and environmental values at their heart for several generations, and they were distraught, they were hurt, they were confused, and they were unconvinced by the need or the desire for why this Government would want to treat them so harshly, so poorly, and so insultingly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EActually, no argument has been put forward by the Minister, by the Labour Government backbenchers who sat on the select committee, mostly mute, during the submissions, unable to address the concerns and issues raised by the leaseholders in any sensible way as to what was the motivation for this piece of legislation, other than one of envy and one of despising their way of life, their way of history, and their contribution to conservation and the environment in the high country. Frankly, it was an embarrassing and appalling display of mute silence from Government members who sat on the select committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EWe operate in this little democracy of ours here in New Zealand a unicameral system. We don\u2019t have a federal system, we don\u2019t have an Upper House, we don\u2019t have a Senate. We, in our own little way, have developed what we would hope would be a select committee process that provides the scrutiny and the analysis and the detailed, careful scrutiny of legislation. Well, submitter after submitter came and presented to the select committee, and none of their points that they raised in trying to convince the Government that they were farming well, that they were conserving land that would otherwise be the victim of uncontrolled pests, weeds, and wilding pines and the like\u2014none of those arguments seemed to be in any way resonating with Government members.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003ESo I come back to my original point: this seems to be a bill that is a solution to a problem that doesn\u2019t exist. High country farmers, the leaseholders, can feel rightly upset and angry with the moves that this Government is making, because, at the heart of this piece of legislation, it undermines the generations of goodwill that have been established between the Crown and the leaseholders. It undermines the good work and the faith that they have invested, not only in terms of their emotion, their hard work, their blood, sweat, and toil but also millions, tens of millions, of dollars of improvement, enhancement, and careful, prudent management of the high country leases. I felt very, very sorry for those submitters who came and, in many cases, were emotional, understandably emotional, about the way that they were going to be treated under this piece of legislation, because at its core, it changes the relationship that they have entered into.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EAs one submitter said, it is, effectively, a treaty. These are people that entered into a treaty with the Crown. Does it sound familiar? They entered into a treaty with the Crown, and now the Crown is arbitrarily taking away those treaty rights that they entered into in good faith and changing them, changing them to be put in the place of quasi-criminals. An infringement regime will be put in place that means that someone will drive up the driveway or wherever it is to the high country pastoral lease homestead and issue them with a legal document telling them that they have been bad and evil and wrong in some way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EWhat used to happen was that there used to be a relationship of trust, good faith, and understanding between LINZ and the leaseholders. That\u2019s all gone, and that\u2019s, I think, a great sadness and a great pity. I think it\u2019s a shame that something akin to 1.2 million hectares of our national landscape, something close to 5 percent of New Zealand\u2019s total land area, that has been administered, managed, and carefully, prudently cared for by the 170-something high country leaseholders\u2014that that undermining of those relationships, going back several generations in some cases, should be cast asunder so lightly and so carefree-ly by this Labour Government on the basis of ideology, nothing else; on the basis of ideology and envy. Well, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s good enough. I think it\u2019s very sad. I think it\u2019s a real shame, and I think that in future, a re-elected National-led Government is going to have to put to rights this piece of legislation. It\u2019s just another piece of legislation of what is becoming a very long list of pieces of legislation that are going to have to be put to rights, but this is one that will need to be addressed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EThe infringement regime is particularly offensive\u2014particularly offensive\u2014to the leaseholders. It\u2019s a regime that is utterly and totally unnecessary and hasn\u2019t been proven. It erodes at its very core the element of trust, respect, and goodwill that has existed to date and now that\u2019s gone\u2014cast aside, cast asunder, all for the benefit of an ideological, philosophical approach that simply doesn\u2019t like the fact that there are pastoral leases in the high country and that, actually, they have been doing a very good job.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the very good work of the member the Hon Jacqui Dean, the member for Waitaki, who has been a strident, passionate advocate for the leaseholders. She has done an outstanding job, in my view, representing them not only in this Parliament, on the select committee, but actually collecting their views, their opinions, and their heartfelt messages of concern and frustration with this current Labour Government. I think that she\u2019s done a very good job, and so has Nicola Grigg. These are hard-working, local, rural MPs with the interests of their constituents and the environment at their heart, and they can be proud of the work that they\u2019ve done on behalf of the high country pastoral leaseholders. They have advocated strongly and will continue to do so through the course of this bill as it goes eventually to the committee of the whole House, where I\u2019m interested to know that the Minister is going to introduce at least one Supplementary Order Paper, and maybe that\u2019s good. So we\u2019ll wait with semi-bated breath to see what that might be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EMaybe there is a glimmer of hope. Maybe there is a small glimmer of hope that some tiny resonance of common sense and logic has found its way through to the Beehive office of the Minister, and maybe we can hold out just a small glimmer of hope that a degree of logic and common sense will be applied, even if it is at the eleventh hour. We oppose this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022 data-id=\u0022b6295e9bc75f4516b4b77c0967121864\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b6295e9bc75f4516b4b77c0967121864\u0022\u003ERACHEL BROOKING (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill. It\u2019s a great pleasure to rise to speak on this bill that both updates the legislation to allow for a new and improved consenting regime and gets rid of tenure review. I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful Dunedin and spend a lot of my time in Otago and Central Otago, as do my children, so this environment is a place where I\u2019ve grown up and studied in and where my children spend a lot of time as well. So it\u2019s a very important place and it\u2019s good to be standing here in this House and talking about the South Island. Five percent of the country is high country land so that means it\u2019s about 10 percent of the South Island. In any comments of the iconic nature of this, I\u2019m going to be thinking of Otago but I acknowledge other members here will be thinking about their parts of Te Wai Pounamu.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003ENow, we had a lot of submissions from people about that iconic environment. So we heard from the Merino Company about the importance of being able to market to the world our sustainable farming practices in this area and how important that is to a lot of our iconic merino products. We heard from Ng\u0101i Tahu about how important those land forms are to them. I note that the current legislation that we have that we are going to be replacing\u2014or amending, rather\u2014doesn\u2019t deal with any Treaty issues, any mana whenua issues, so the bill updates that, and the changes that we made in select committee improved upon what was introduced.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EOf course, the farmers who submitted, obviously they also care a great deal about this magnificent environment, as do other people who submitted: different environmental groups, different recreational groups\u2014widespread acknowledgment of the beauty and importance of these places. As the Minister mentioned, we were lucky as a select committee to go and visit two of those farms. So we went to Branch Creek Station, just next to Cardrona ski field and Minaret Station on Lake W\u0101naka\u2014both very beautiful places, and thank you to the leaseholders of those stations for enabling the select committee to come and ask some very detailed questions and to see how those places operated. I think that really helped inform our decision making, particularly in regard to new Schedule 1AB. We also travelled around the South Island, as the Hon Scott Simpson just mentioned. We went to both Queenstown and Christchurch to hear submissions. And, as he also mentioned, Eugenie Sage was not in the chair for hearing the submissions and I was privileged to be in that position where my recollection is that I heard from all members of the committee, and everyone from both sides was very engaged. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003ESo what does this Act do? It starts now with outcomes in its purpose and a key mechanism of the Act is the idea of inherent values. So in the purpose section, new section 1A set out in clause 5, now we are to maintain or enhance inherent values and they are defined\u2014and we spent a lot of time in select committee working on that provision. There were many submissions on it and there\u2019s been some amendments from the select committee. We were also working on the consenting regime. We\u2019ve heard from the Minister that there are now permitted, discretionary, and prohibited activities and where you find the detail of what these activities are is in new Schedule 1AB. It might not be the first place you would look if you\u2019re looking at this bill, but that\u2019s where they are and you\u2019ll see, if you look at that, that there were a lot of changes made by the select committee. And a lot of that I would attribute to the time spent on those farms and engaging with all the different farmers that we spoke to in the submission process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EAnother change that the select committee made was around the provision for farm plans and regulations for those. Farm plans are a hot topic at the moment. They are a reasonably new thing and people have different ideas of what farm plans might be at the moment. We heard that Beef \u002B Lamb have some farm plans, but those aren\u2019t always going to be appropriate for the high country. We know, of course, with changes in the Resource Management Act that there\u2019s a need for farm plans to do with water. Because this is something that\u2019s not quite settled at the moment, the changes to the bill are that there\u2019s some time for regulations to be made about what will be in those farm plans and that they\u2019re optional. There was very good support for this by the farming submitters in terms of that it should enable farmers, when they have got a range of activities that they need to consent for, that they can bundle them together and work through the issues with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) all at once and in an efficient and useful way. We also heard about the importance of LINZ and leaseholders working together, and we\u2019ve just heard the Minister say how important that is. And I note just last week at the Environmental Defence Society conference that two high country farmers both called Kate were there and with LINZ as well, speaking about the importance of this legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EThe other thing that bill does is to get rid of tenure review. And, again, for people who are new to the bill, it\u2019s good to then just look at clause 9, which says, \u201CPart 2 repealed\u2014Repeal Part 2.\u201D It\u2019s quite simple. That part commences the day after the bill gets Royal assent, whereas the provisions relating to things like the regulations, they commence in six months\u2019 time. I\u2019m interested, as the Hon Scott Simpson said, in the Supplementary Order Paper that the Minister has said he\u2019ll bring to the next stage in the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003ESo, as we\u2019ve heard already, we had a lot of really impassioned submissions from people who very much care about the environment. And I\u2019d like to pause for a second to recall Jess, who, as I remember, was aged nine, and gave a very powerful submission to us about the importance of her home farm environment, where she is home schooled, and how much she cares about the environment generally. Unlike the previous speaker, I think that the select committee members all were very interested in this and made very good contributions and I\u2019d like to think the clerks for their really constructive process in particularly organising those field trips. It\u2019s an unusual thing for a select committee to do. So, on that note, and accepting that there are different views, I thank the House for its time and commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022 data-id=\u0022db179f2e5e1d4b5eb4deb7758a917a72\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022db179f2e5e1d4b5eb4deb7758a917a72\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH (National\u2014Kaik\u014Dura):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is\u2014I wouldn\u2019t say a pleasure, but I am speaking on the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill. I\u2019d like to begin by actually acknowledging the people in my electorate who are on Crown pastoral lease properties who, at the moment, up in the Awatere, are actually stuck. So the road to the Awatere from the heavy rain has been closed from slips, and those slips may take weeks or longer to clear, and with the snow that we\u2019ve had recently, they can no longer get out via Hanmer Springs. They\u2019re stuck in there at the moment, but they will be watching, perhaps not live, but they will either be recording it, because they\u2019ll probably be out in the snow raking and doing things like that, or they\u2019ll watch it online later. So they will be watching. They have a pretty good idea where this has gone and is going, but they\u2019re very interested in it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003ELike the previous speakers, and, in fact, the previous speaker Rachel Brooking, I would like to acknowledge the effort that the clerk of the committee went to to arrange that trip. It was quite a lot of work to do. Rebecca, who\u2019s now left the committee, did a fantastic job, and I think it was pretty frustrating, not that she ever let us know that, but she had one go at it, and then it all fell through and she had to go back and do it all again. So I\u2019d like to acknowledge that. The select committee\u2019s loss, I think, is the Cabinet Office\u2019s gain.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EBut that said, the bill itself\u2014I don\u2019t agree with it. I don\u2019t like it. I think it\u2019s been very well explored by my colleague the Hon Scott Simpson, but I\u2019d like to put my personal view on it from the experience of going to Branch Creek Station, as we did as a committee down at Cardrona in the Cardrona Valley, and, I\u2019m sorry, the lady\u2019s name and their daughters that we met, their names escape me at the moment, but what an impassioned presentation we got from those two ladies. We were right adjacent to the Cardrona ski field, where we were looking at that property, and what, I think, members of the public and the other members of the House have to understand is the differences we had starkly pointed out to us and observed. At Branch Creek Station, if they stop farming it, it reverts to bracken and will become a fire risk, a massive\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e60850b782e44639a95c67227047cd7\u0022\u003ENicola Grigg\u003C/span\u003E: Wilding pines, rabbits, deer. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e80f7bf66e1f414babd0de589e67b3c3\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, wilding pines, all of those things. In contrast Minaret Station, which we went to later in the day, if they stop farming that, it reverts to fern\u2014goes straight back to native. So I think there\u2019s a view, particularly from some of the submitters, against the bill that the farming practices are adversely affecting iconic high country. I would argue, actually, the reverse\u2014they are preserving it\u2014and in Branch Creep Station, it was very evident from their management how they were controlling that bracken. That family are putting a heck of a lot of work into that. It\u2019s a tough grind. They\u2019re up for it, they\u2019re not looking for sympathy, but they put their heart and soul into that property, and you can see, and it was really something to behold the passion from both of those ladies about the land itself, not just the farm and not their personal financial reward they get out of the property. That wasn\u2019t it; it was their connection to the land, their connection to that environment, and how they were working as hard as they could to preserve that and, what\u2019s more, to preserve that way of life. That I think speaks volumes to the passion of those people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EAs I said, we then drove up to \u201CThe Neck\u201D, which is between Lake H\u0101wea and Lake W\u0101naka, and we were met by Jonathan Wallis from Minaret Station, who transported us across the lake to Minaret. Minaret is completely cut off\u2014it\u2019s landlocked. There is a road there and there are vehicles, but they only operate on the property. The only way in or out is by boat or by air. So we saw a completely different environment: higher rainfall and an almost 100 percent deer farm, and large parts of the higher part of the property shut off. But the lower part\u2014and some of it irrigated\u2014where the fawns are weened, those paddocks start to get fern coming up through the grass, the sown pastures, just before they start to graze it off, because that\u2019s what happens. It would completely be overtaken by fern if they stop farming it\u2014so, completely different from the other property. It will revert to native if they stop farming, and I thought that was a very stark\u2014and I know all of the members of the committee were quite taken by that day and the contrast between the two properties. Jonathan and his passion for rural New Zealand, the land, and they were also raising their lamb, feeding them on chicory and so on\u2014Headwaters is the brand that they\u2019re selling it under. I thought that was very interesting for us all, because, of course, you were there, Madam Speaker, but it was a fascinating day. And I thought, when we all got off and we had a long boat trip back into W\u0101naka and then a drive back to Queenstown, I don\u2019t think I struck anyone. Everyone was very taken by it. We all had a very similar experience. It\u2019s just a pity we see the bill in a quite different light. But I\u2019ll leave that there and you can work that out yourself.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EFurther to that, I took a drive up through the Awatere Valley after that to go and have another look at something completely different, which is in the Awatere Valley pastoral leases and how they are going to be impacted by this bill, and I was told I wasn\u2019t allowed to take my four-wheel drive car, I had to take a ute, and I took a four-wheel drive ute for a legitimate use. We drove up the valley and what really became obvious in the Molesworth property next door to Muller Station and the way that they are being managed is the wilding pine issue, and this is where we have a problem. So the Department Of Conservation manages a large part of that upper valley, and we\u2019ve got a significant wilding pine issue. Grazing merino wethers on those blocks that are exposed to the wilding pines\u2014when those small little seedlings coming through, the merino wethers will eat that\u2014they\u2019ll eat that; cattle won\u2019t. So they\u2019ll eat that, they control them, and any that get away, that are missed by the stock\u2014because once they get a little bit too big, they won\u2019t eat it\u2014they come in with a helicopter and spot-spray them. It\u2019s such a vast area to cover; it\u2019s the only way they can deal with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003ESo we saw private enterprise pastoral lease farmers managing and doing a fantastic job of managing noxious weeds, and that\u2019s what a wilding pine is, it\u2019s a noxious weed. I can tell you, Madam Speaker\u2014I know you\u2019ve seen it for yourself\u2014I could not believe, once we got close to Hanmer Springs, the absolute area overtaken by wilding pines was unbelievable, and it is on its way. It\u2019s heading up\u2014we could see on the next ridge over, trees just getting to the top of it. Once they get to the top, that seed rain will go a long way in the wind. They\u2019re not quite there yet; they will get there in the next year or so, and they won\u2019t stop till they get to Kaik\u014Dura. It is an environmental disaster. That is why I think this bill is so short-sighted. Leave the farmers to continue to do it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EWhat we\u2019re imposing on them with this regime of rules is pernicious. If central planning worked, the Soviet empire would not have had a massive drop in agricultural production when the communists took over, and that\u2019s exactly what happened. I\u2019m not saying this is communist, but I\u2019m drawing a parallel. It\u2019s very close to it. Central planning does not work, and it\u2019s absolutely the case, and that is what will happen. We\u2019ll have all this rules regime, there\u2019ll be reporting to some bureaucrat somewhere in Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) about how you\u2019re going to be farming your property, and they\u2019ll say, \u201COh, no, no, no, you can\u2019t do that.\u201D It may well be the best practice for that particular property, and each one is different, like Branch Creek Station and like Minaret Station. Trying to impose what Minaret do on Branch Creek would not work, just as it wouldn\u2019t the other way around. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EWe also went to the Lakes Station in Canterbury and Lake Taylor\u2014quite different again. More akin to, I think, Branch Creek than the other properties that we went to, but, again, a different form of management is needed on that property, and I just don\u2019t think LINZ will get that. I do not think they will get the nuances in between managing those different environments. It is a beautiful part of New Zealand, it is something that is engrained in our culture, and we all identify with it. Some of us have never been there; many of us have. I condemn this to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022 data-id=\u00223be4e8edb0564f1690e6ffb11ed64f2c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223be4e8edb0564f1690e6ffb11ed64f2c\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE (Labour\u2014Palmerston North):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to speak in support of the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill, and, in doing so, I\u2019ll just make the point that the Environment Committee, which I am a member of, decided at the start of this new term of the Parliament to reinstate this particular bill. It has been interesting, as a new member of this House, to be part of a process where submissions were still called for through to the hearings and through to second reading. So I just thought I\u2019d indicate that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003ELike the speakers that have spoken before me, I also want to acknowledge the submitters that took the time to submit and those, also, that took the extra effort to speak to the select committee. We did hear from submitters in person here in Wellington but also in Christchurch and in Queenstown. I agree with Stuart Smith, the previous speaker, in that, yes, we had an opportunity as a select committee to visit the high country\u2014parts, actually, Madam Speaker, of your own electorate in Queenstown\u2014and, yes, Mr Smith and I, along with another colleague, shared a vehicle in terms of the trip, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand a wonderful part of the country. However, all things considered, where we\u2019ve landed is that this bill is the way forward. It is a stunning part of the country that, actually, all New Zealanders should be able to have access to experience.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the hospitality from the High Country Accord and also the people from Land Information New Zealand, their advisers, and the committee staff, who made sure that, logistically, things were able to move smoothly. Can I also acknowledge the deputy chair, Rachel Brooking, who chaired those hearings, and also the chair, the Hon Eugenie Sage, who, actually, I think, is able to contribute to the work of the Environment Committee, and I want to acknowledge the role that she\u2019s continued to play there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EThere are a few things that I do want to just cover in my contribution to the House this afternoon. I was going to talk a little bit about public access considerations. And it was one thing, when we were on site in the high country, talking about the opportunity for members of the public, recreational users, to have free access to that part of Aotearoa New Zealand; however, I note that the Minister has indicated that he has asked officials, as part of the committee of the whole House process, to come back with some options around that. So I\u2019ll wait until that particular point.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EBut I do want to just indicate that what we did hear, as a committee, from interested parties was the importance of iwi representation and involvement in the process. I mean, there are a number of additions to sections in the bill, largely in new sections 22B and 22D that will allow for continued opportunities for iwi representation alongside lessee and leaseholder representatives, as well, to participate in the consultation process around the framework in the former new section and the strategic intentions document in the latter. So that\u2019s good. But there is also an opportunity\u2014an obligation, I guess\u2014for those documents to be published, and that aligns itself with, in the committee report, on the second page there, the bill seeking to \u201Cprovide stronger and clearer accountability and transparency in the department\u2019s administration of Crown pastoral land, with more public involvement.\u201D So that is a fantastic step\u2014this bill\u2014and a change that has been introduced, and that flows through to new sections 100N and 100O. I do think it is part of the Crown\u2019s responsibility to give effect to the principle of Te Tiriti, and so, in the bill, you will see that that has been captured as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EThere is, no doubt, a desire for transparency. Additions that have been made through the select committee process also ensure that that transparency by way of the commissioner and the decisions that he or she may make is publicly available as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EMy colleague Rachel Brooking has already touched on farm plans, and I know that, through the select committee, we did hear about farm plans and we heard about the journeys, I guess, that some submitters had embarked upon, that they continue to be a work in progress, that they are a tool, I guess, that is accepted by submitters and those within the industry. But the suggestion that they would form part of the primary legislation is actually not ideally placed; the better place for them is in the regulation so that there is some flux and flow and that they continue to be part of that wider tool kit within the legislative framework.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EI want to just also touch on the new emergency provisions, because this was something that the select committee turned its mind to. In situations where a lessee or leaseholder, an occupier, may be required to undertake some emergency works in terms of clearing vegetation by a way of burning or, perhaps, disturbance of soil, that instead of requiring them to go and obtain a consent through the commissioner, that they could simply get on and do that work but not abrogate the responsibility to still achieve consent to do that, albeit retrospectively. I think that is actually a fair balance between allowing this work to be undertaken and also the responsibility on occupiers or lessees to none the less ensure that there is consent achieved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EThe final point that I want to touch on is around the infringement process, because we had a lot of discussion around this. Sure, the Commissioner of Crown Lands still has an opportunity to take any alleged breaches by occupiers or lessees through to the District Court, but this new introduction of an infringement process, I think, actually is a sensible way forward because it introduces a new section 100GA, and I note from the National Party view in the select committee report that there was a suggestion that, actually, there should be a conversation first and that perhaps other options should be identified before an infringement is issued. What is proposed in the bill as it currently stands is no different to how other infringements would actually be issued. I don\u2019t see the distinction between the two. So I am supportive of the new reference to the infringement process, noting that the commissioner still has an opportunity to directly go to the District Court if he or she chooses.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the work of the select committee, and I am delighted to commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u002284e3597e75a24f278f472312776d8e33\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002284e3597e75a24f278f472312776d8e33\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Madam Speaker. Thank you. I\u2019m very pleased to stand and speak in support of the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill. It was indeed a privilege to introduce this bill as Minister for Land Information last term and then to serve on the select committee while it considered the submissions on the bill. The fact that there is a 15-page, quite detailed report explaining the differences between the bill as introduced and the bill as being reported back to the House, I think, highlights the huge work of submitters in providing the committee with some very substantial submissions, the work of Land Information New Zealand officials, the select committee secretariat, and also Parliamentary Counsel. So, like others, I would like to acknowledge all of that and also repeat the thanks that colleagues have given to the High Country Accord for organising the visit with the secretariat on Branch Creek Station and Minaret. And, I think, Stuart Smith\u2019s comments at some length on that visit highlight the benefits when select committees actually get out into the field and hear from submitters in their own place on their own ground, and just the real practical insights that that gave us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EI would also like to acknowledge all of the leaseholders who made submissions and described their leases, their history on them, whether they\u2019d been in the family, just some of the issues that they deal with, and the challenges that they deal with day to day. That gave us a really good background context for considering the legislation. But I do reject the statements by the Hon Scott Simpson that there was an ideological basis for this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ENational\u2019s concern is with the protection of property rights. One of the reasons for the bill was the quite significant public concern that the Crown interest, because the Crown is the owner of these 2.5 million hectares of South Island high country, the lack of protection of the Crown interest in the high country, and the quite extensive regulatory review that Land Information New Zealand did, highlighting problems with the existing statutory regime, the fact that it was perceived as largely process driven, that it didn\u2019t have clear outcomes, the major concerns about tenure review, and the fact that the Crown interest was not being protected there\u2014were part of the reasons for the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EWe heard from Dr Bill Lee of Manaaki Whenua in support of Forest \u0026amp; Bird, and it was just he highlighted particularly that wider public interest in high country lands on pastoral leases; the mosaic of vegetation; the significance of the species, because they\u2019re often quite distinctive species like the Brachaspis robustus, the grasshopper; the huge ecosystem-services values that the high country provides to downstream users in terms of harvesting water, for example; and the use that folk downstream make of that. So protecting these upper catchment areas, ensuring that inherent values are sustained, benefits all of us, both in terms of carbon capture, source stability, and that harvesting of water. So the discretionary consent regime, which the bill significantly changes and which the select committee is suggesting be improved further, is a critical part of safeguarding inherent values, the Crown\u2019s interest, and the public interest in the sustainable management of this land while providing for a secure long-term future for pastoral farming. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThere were some submitters and some in this House who have argued that we just leave it all to the leaseholders, that there hasn\u2019t been any evidence of degradation in the high country, and, I think, Federated Farmers argued that. I would remind members of the evidence that was presented by Dr Lee and others that even in the Mackenzie Basin alone, 68,000 hectares of indigenous vegetation, over 22 percent of the floor of the basin, was completely changed, destroying the indigenous character of that, between 1990 and 2017. Dr Lee had some very compelling maps just showing the major change with very bright-green areas that had highlighted that conversion. So, again, some clarity around inherent values, how they are to be managed, how the discretionary consent process is to be managed are at the heart of this bill in order to ensure that those values are sustained long term. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe bill also ends tenure review. And the public concern about that was that large areas of land which had been free-holded through tenure review were being intensively developed, and the loss, again, of that landscape, character and indigenous vegetation. Dr Ann Brower in her submission highlighted that, in net terms, the Crown had paid across some $57 million as at 2017, while disposing of more land, some 436,000 hectares being free-holded with 371,842 hectares becoming conservation land. So more land being free-holded, yet, in net terms, the Crown paid out net $57 million to leaseholders. That inequity and the fact that the Crown was not getting a good outcome through the tenure review process is again another reason for ending it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EAs one former pastoral lessee who had been through tenure review\u2014Dr Gerry McSweeney\u2014noted leaseholders had had 20 years to decide whether they wanted to go through tenure review. It is now time that it ends. And as Dr McSweeney also highlighted, just the increasing diversification in the high country now earning more from m\u0101nuka honey on that property near Arthur\u2019s Pass than from annual calf sales. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ENatural landscapes and nature are really the defining feature of the high country and how those lands are managed. So, with the changes in this bill, I think it will significantly improve that, along with the fact that Land Information New Zealand is no longer working through third-party organisations, consultants; it is much more actively involved in working with leaseholders. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ENow, Stuart Smith talked about the wilding conifer problem. That cannot just be left to leaseholders. Certainly, in their leases they have a responsibility to keep leases free of pests and weeds. But it has been the Crown in a partnership which has invested over $100 million over four years in tackling the weed tree, the wilding conifer threat. Some of that money, quite a chunk of it, is being invested on pastoral lease land, and that is supported by leaseholders. So that is what this bill is also about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EPoints made by others that I\u2019d just also like to underline: a much better commitment to the Treaty partnership and giving effect to Treaty principles in the bill, and the select committee strengthened that; the infringement offences, which did cause some concern amongst the leaseholding community, are a standard feature of most legislation. It is an ability to go in\u2014rather than with a neutron bomb of going to the High Court implementing proceedings\u2014with a fines procedure where there may have been an activity like burning, cultivation undertaken without the requisite discretionary consent under the Act. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESimilarly, just with concerns around things like offsetting, some submitters wanted this. This is not part of this bill because of that overall concern to actually ensure that we sustain the inherent values of pastoral lease lands and we have a better regime which ensures that pastoral farming can continue, but that those inherent values are much more to the fore in decisions about what sort of activities should take place, given that the pastoral lease provides for a right of pasturage and quiet enjoyment, but not of cultivation, burning, and destruction of biodiversity. Thank you, Madam Speaker, I support the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022970b5bef8c4a48ef8dd342fbcce411a0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022970b5bef8c4a48ef8dd342fbcce411a0\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: With apologies to the member, this debate is interrupted and set down for resumption next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 August.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202108123291f594fd7848b28efb6a5f4568e9fd000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 4.55 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"