"\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00223ac07cddbc4d47afac5ec9d285ea99b5\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2021\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022dec7d934d515481a97af0b891500b93d\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2021\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000002\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002247e6cebd8c50427d80d900ea4a5d50b7\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022144112450208494dae2a403b260f2d19\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u002282bb9aeeaecc437f9e7fd929989ef985\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002282bb9aeeaecc437f9e7fd929989ef985\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: \u0100 k\u0101ti r\u0101 kia tau an\u014D te rangim\u0101rie ki a t\u0101tou, kia inoi t\u0101tou. E te Atua kaha rawa, ka tuku whakamoemiti atu m\u0101tou, m\u014D ng\u0101 karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a m\u0101tou. Ka waiho i \u014D m\u0101tou p\u0101nga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi m\u0101tou ki te Ku\u012Bni, me te inoi atu m\u014D te \u0101rahitanga i roto i \u014D m\u0101tou whakaaroarohanga, kia m\u014Dhio ai, kia whakaiti ai t\u0101 m\u0101tou whakahaere i ng\u0101 take o te Whare nei, m\u014D te oranga, te maung\u0101rongo, me te aroha o Aotearoa. Amene.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E[Well then, allow peace to prevail over us once again. Let us pray. Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the Queen, and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility, for the welfare, peace, and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224056b498972e485ebd1576e8f62dea4f\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002213ccd23aa6684a06a2bf4bc133982edf\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=\u00222a00882e3727411c9ad6272d6cbcfad6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222a00882e3727411c9ad6272d6cbcfad6\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Next week the House will consider the remaining stages of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Bill, the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill, and the Water Services Bill, and the first readings of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, the Civil Aviation Bill, the COVID-19 Public Health Response Amendment Bill (No 2), and the Electricity Industry Amendment Bill. A motion to confirm COVID-19 orders will be debated. As advised to the Business Committee, there\u2019ll be an extended sitting of the House on the morning of Thursday, 30 September.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u00220202709efc7448349ed3e1fe79b61de9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220202709efc7448349ed3e1fe79b61de9\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National):\u003C/span\u003E I thank the Leader of the House for that update and ask him, given we\u2019re just over six months away from the stated time for the Government to pass significant amendments to the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act, whether we can expect to see a bill introduced in the next week or so, or does the Government intend to introduce it later and have a shorter consideration period?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u00221fabd7f552be4d3396297eca05bdf257\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221fabd7f552be4d3396297eca05bdf257\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E In terms of the timing of the introduction of health-related legislation, that is a matter for the Minister of Health.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e35000c116c34f27a6425284b92a11aa\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229029d9826eac41a29c4ebe1e3b5cb951\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=\u0022bf0cb759bd7d415d870d798f9b3993b5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bf0cb759bd7d415d870d798f9b3993b5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No papers have been presented. A petition has 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=\u00229da60ffa60de4a18b09bfcc0410c51b5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229da60ffa60de4a18b09bfcc0410c51b5\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: Petition of Suzi Taylor, requesting that the House of Representatives urge the Government to make mental health support services free and ensure appointments are available when needed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002291ad6535f37846fa80f7edfd60d66adb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002291ad6535f37846fa80f7edfd60d66adb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000018\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=\u0022370628716ec74da6bafc5f35d2e39c74\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022370628716ec74da6bafc5f35d2e39c74\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EReport of the Education and Workforce Committee on the Petition of Camila Vicente\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee on the Interim report on the Briefing on the Government\u2019s response to recent events in Afghanistan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022f18b24d0134a45aa9e8cb398e9912a57\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f18b24d0134a45aa9e8cb398e9912a57\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of bills.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022f5ad2c657a044184b4cc8081bffdd8be\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f5ad2c657a044184b4cc8081bffdd8be\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EProtection of Journalists\u2019 Sources Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EPlain Language Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EPublic Finance (Prohibition on Providing Public Funds to Gangs) Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EImproving Arrangements for Surrogacy Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ECriminal Proceeds (Recovery) (Definition of Significant Criminal Activity) Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ETe Ture Whenua Maori Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ECompanies (Directors Duties) Amendment Bill, introduction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022fe9d5e2933804602be899876d3f62005\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fe9d5e2933804602be899876d3f62005\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Those bills are set down for first reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002297eb979f18554f03a1ddde98d52908e7\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002260e82a7b31d84fa3bab1e45705265dda\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022736dd220200d482c8168422e3b62b53a\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022efb0f27d53b64d2ebb1d4f1a63817379\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022efb0f27d53b64d2ebb1d4f1a63817379\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: How many people have been deported by Immigration New Zealand since the beginning of March 2020 and, of these, how many have been deported to Pacific Island nations?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u002294f60307a12c498aa4d3978ef811a518\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002294f60307a12c498aa4d3978ef811a518\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Attorney-General)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Immigration: I\u2019m advised that the total number of people liable for deportation who were deported by Immigration New Zealand from March 2020, including those who self-deported or in other words, departed voluntarily following compliance action, is 1,088. Of this group of 1,088, 119 people were returned to the Pacific. Deportations to the Pacific are fewer when compared with pre-COVID because of both border restrictions and limitations on available flights. The deportees this year included people who had completed prison sentences for convictions of violence such as assault, serious assaults, threats, and intimidation. Where deportations occur, Immigration New Zealand works closely with Pacific Governments on management of that process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e14c02184ad43948e7fe9e6d68b909f\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Does he share the concerns of the Pacific Leadership Forum that fear and anxiety about deportations is a barrier for Pasifika overstayers being tested and vaccinated, and that this could undermine the Government\u2019s COIVD response?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d16a8e0f06a24bdfb73667152cd78427\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Look, I think the Government\u2019s been absolutely clear that we\u2019re not approaching deportations in that manner and that we\u2019re doing our utmost to include everyone in the vaccinations that we need every New Zealander to take. These deportations are of a different category. I would also note that in respect of Fiji, which, of course, has had COVID problems develop this year, there has been no deportations at all since 22 April this year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b302f866c5564e13bbfa0c688050877c\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think that deporting overstayers in the middle of a pandemic sends a message of fear to a community that is being encouraged to come forward to get tested or vaccinated? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe4ca4f12a4c4702a950be9b5a2ed5bb\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, as I said in response to an earlier question, I think we\u2019ve made it abundantly clear that vaccinations are not being used to identify overstayers and that the deportations that we have seen earlier in the pandemic were of a different nature. As I also said in another answer, for example, in Fiji, there has not been one deportation, even for released criminals, since 22 April this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b81c34682a6f4d1994ce72251d58ab98\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister confident that people being deported have been tested for COVID-19 to minimise the risk of unknowingly spreading COVID to Pacific countries?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d09990c70d73460dabac7a0bd818956f\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: I can\u2019t answer for every person, partly because a lot of the deportations that there have been are voluntary departures by people whose visas have expired. In respect of people who have come from the corrections system, you will have heard from answers that the Minister of Corrections has given to this House that there are considerable steps undertaken within the corrections system to ensure that everyone is safe and free of COVID. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eac47dc333954e3d9b6785aa557e630a\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Does he consider that a decision on an amnesty for overstayers, as a part of a public health response, should be made now rather than at the end of the year through the immigration review? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4b655eba3bb4b8fb23206f887c9292f\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: No.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022229911eaa75e4e7da35a1ea82c7cbf37\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister confident that Immigration New Zealand conducts investigations into potential migrant exploitation before deporting overstayers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f796bd68d49d41e2bb11ca9207139e24\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Could I ask the member to repeat that question? I\u2019m not sure I caught the import of it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f052334d973347b982b322edb9d137d5\u0022\u003ETeanau Tuiono\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister confident that Immigration New Zealand conducts investigations into potential migrant exploitation before deporting overstayers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227a080e6ff3cb4e1baab4c2d7ea6a429f\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t have detailed information on that. I do have confidence in the department, but if the member wants to put down a question in writing to the Minister of Immigration, I\u2019m sure he would be happy to reply. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022240c35ffddf14fb4b5054ad66641c748\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014COVID-19 Response\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022 data-id=\u0022207b32187a7e4398903108a2b417867c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022207b32187a7e4398903108a2b417867c\u0022\u003EANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What recent progress has been made on New Zealand\u2019s COVID-19 vaccine programme?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u002283d72ec933634c11994d3e1c3707f888\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002283d72ec933634c11994d3e1c3707f888\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response):\u003C/span\u003E New Zealand is successfully rolling out at pace the largest immunisation programme the country has ever seen. Nationwide, three-quarters of the eligible population aged 12-plus have now received their first dose and 40 percent have received their second dose, meaning that they are fully vaccinated. Fifty-three percent of M\u0101ori have had their first dose, with 26 percent getting their second. For Pasifika, the vaccination rates are 68 percent for the first dose and 36 percent for the second. In terms of our over-65 population, 91 percent have received at least their first dose and 80 percent their second. For those aged between 40 and 64, 80 percent have had their first dose and 44 percent their second. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022278549fbe4ed4cf695261469abee7e29\u0022\u003EAngie Warren-Clark\u003C/span\u003E: How is the vaccine programme specifically progressing in Auckland? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fd21706661a24c2d877b070e25e9946a\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: A phenomenal effort has been undertaken by the people of Auckland over the last six weeks, seeing them leap to the front of the pack with the highest vaccination rates of any region in the country. To date, 1,740,608 doses have been administered in Auckland; 1,134,586 people have had their first dose, allowing them to hit the 80 percent mark in terms of first doses; and 606,000 of them have received both doses and are, therefore, fully vaccinated. I want to pass on my thanks to all those who have been involved in this effort and all those who have already been vaccinated. This is a mammoth operation and they deserve full credit. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e60c1237-5e2d-4d0a-9678-ab10db67d1b7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002274a2f0fc8500426f801a60502e41f1aa\u0022\u003EAngie Warren-Clark\u003C/span\u003E: What innovative steps are being taken to help increase vaccine numbers in Auckland? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022353c16e5fab14df68261ad8e3a2bf60f\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Just this morning I met with vaccination providers and the DHBs in Auckland to discuss the ongoing roll-out of the campaign. Auckland have introduced, of course, the now famous Shot Bro buses, which are being targeted specifically to locations where people are currently gathered under level 3 restrictions. The buses are focused on reaching communities less inclined to be actively engaged with the health system. It is a really good example of taking the vaccine directly to the people, and today these buses are out back on the roads in south, west, and east Auckland. I was able to speak with a number of people involved in that earlier today. They are considering other similar and novel approaches to increase vaccine uptake, and I\u2019ll be having similar conversations with other DHBs and providers throughout the rest of this week. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022acbdfe066f664ce4928fa98e8b5d3e62\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022 data-id=\u00229488a4c4eb8446f685e0ab81e2e7d3ac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229488a4c4eb8446f685e0ab81e2e7d3ac\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS (Leader of the Opposition)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by all of her Government\u2019s statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022 data-id=\u00228256e6929a4d4e4e9a5cd5976e988f1a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228256e6929a4d4e4e9a5cd5976e988f1a\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. In particular, I stand by the Government\u2019s decision to increase funding to M\u0101ori health providers to provide ongoing support to M\u0101ori communities while responding to COVID-19. We know we all need to do all we can to ensure no one is left behind in our response to COVID-19, and that includes in our vaccination programme. Working with M\u0101ori and Pacific providers on our COVID response is part of that strategy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202e52a1fe46b4c3f8edf264f5b8748ec\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Why were protocols not in place to prevent a COVID-positive gang member being remanded to an address outside of Auckland, despite the Government having 18 months to plan for regional lockdowns?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb13cdeb22f8452f8cfd6da5db12c2c2\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I refute the premise of that member\u2019s question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002229508024f1274833bd6946472eaf2bed\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Why are New Zealanders still not able to show digital proof that they have been vaccinated, when most other countries have had this system in place for months?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d42a0374f1134ff49c0b00a3323688e1\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019d point the member to the fact that most of those countries who have those digital tools have also been using them as certificates for entry to different sites and so on. Of course, we are not in that position currently. We do have an ability for people to access a demonstration, a certificate of sorts, that they have been vaccinated. People have been doing that through the Ministry of Health and, as I\u2019ve said in this House before, we are currently working on a digital model that will allow people to be able to carry that information certification with them, and we expect that to be completed shortly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f3e908af591343ffb92c4908ef3218c4\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: So did the Prime Minister say just recently, just today, that she refutes the allegation that a COVID-positive gang member was remanded to an address outside of Auckland; in which case, how does she refute that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5c211b4a6d7485d82417ef9aa019777\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I refute that there weren\u2019t protocols in place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c4faca25cd8e4e48a1e47b7607a47f61\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Then why weren\u2019t they followed?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d43593ff67543eb9d80988b2b9b29f1\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: An individual is able to be bailed to an address outside a level 4, as it were, environment. The issue was around the way that person was potentially transported or came into contact with COVID in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfbd04e0c72b4c56b4876b199435c8c6\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: Has she received a report that an additional eight Middlemore staff have been stood down after gang members connected to the Mongrel Mob cluster, who should have been self-isolating, visited an associate on Tuesday evening in the hospital?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227a0252520b9a45dcb5b27106562192b5\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: Whilst I don\u2019t have the individual affiliation of individual contacts, the member will be aware that there was an individual who was a close contact who did seek to visit another contact. That individual, yes, was meant to be self-isolating. I am advised that that individual has tested negative, but of course is still obliged to continue to follow the public health rules, as we do for all contacts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002239b6df83f75048be917b76fbd530aae2\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: What processes are in place to protect the staff of Middlemore Hospital from situations like this continuing to occur?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022040226bce29d4052b0535b7ab9b607c4\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: I think it\u2019s unfair to state \u201Ccontinuing to occur\u201D as if somehow all 30,000 individuals who have been covered by requirements under our COVID response have somehow acted in this way\u2014they have not. We have here an incident that has occurred where security personnel were involved because they are close contacts\u2014they\u2019ve been treated as contacts as a result of this incident. Of course we want to maintain security to keep our professionals safe, and in this scenario some of those individuals who have come in contact, there are protocols being followed to ensure their ongoing safety from COVID-19.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022adfd86cc0a8747c08bd900c52cecf2fa\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: So why are gang members being allowed to break lockdown rules, breach their isolation orders, and spread COVID; and what action does she intend to take to stop this continuing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022aa2209f1-1889-4c24-b51d-cb2aedc7aa93\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223529e7ec4f214be39b5715edfb2b9e29\u0022\u003ERt Hon JACINDA ARDERN\u003C/span\u003E: It is simply wrong to imply that we have an environment where everyone is just able to do whatever they want. Of course they haven\u2019t. Broadly speaking, we have had excellent compliance. We unfortunately have had some examples where there have been issues with compliance, but I would put the emphasis on \u201Csome examples\u201D. The member has relayed one; we\u2019ve had others that relate to our border breaches that we\u2019ve seen that have cut across all walks of life. COVID affects everybody. Our job, collectively, is to make sure that we have rules in place to keep people safe, to do what we can to enforce those rules, and to act when those rules are broken. But the member making assertions as if somehow every single contact has behaved in this way is just wrong.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022654d750554e04a5f89c4d111195b1596\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Local Government\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022 data-id=\u0022914e5542fa594ba1bbaf105c005ed0c6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022914e5542fa594ba1bbaf105c005ed0c6\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE (Labour\u2014Palmerston North)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Local Government: What steps has the Government taken to ensure that the Three Waters Reform proposals are well understood by councils?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00222ce3576b897a4d3884cdc03b3837c425\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222ce3576b897a4d3884cdc03b3837c425\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Right from the beginning, I\u2019ve worked closely with local government. We\u2019ve established a steering group with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Taituar\u0101 , and the subsequent technical working group to address specific areas of the work programme. Prior to the local government conference, the Government released detailed information on the case for change, the reform objectives, and proposed design features. The Government and LGNZ technical advisers have provided councils with a variety of tools to help them understand their individual positions with and without reform. Officials from the Department of Internal Affairs and members from LGNZ and Taituar\u0101 have undertaken an extensive period of engagement with local government during August and September to ensure the reform proposals and the impact on councils and ratepayers are well understood. LGNZ and officials are continuing to hold one-on-one discussions with councils at their request, as we would expect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221147c5aa39074227a5eb6f1103ed28f0\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: What feedback has she received from councils in relation to the proposed changes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231a8bb54df154e14ad42e21808aa7f71\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: At the request of LGNZ, the Government entered into an eight-week period over August and September to enable councils time to consider the reform proposals, understand the implications for their communities, and provide feedback on those proposals. I thank councils who have engaged and provided feedback. I\u2019m hearing some clear themes that include consideration of how the entity governance, planning interface, and iwi and community input will be achieved in the new system, and how they might be strengthened according to local preferences. I\u2019m committed to working in partnership with local government, iwi, and M\u0101ori throughout the reform journey, and I have indicated that right from the beginning. I\u2019m also aware that there\u2019s some public discussion about the Government\u2019s modelling, in particular, that undertaken by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, using data provided by each council. This Government has confidence in the modelling undertaken for us by a reputable international expert organisation. It\u2019s been independently assessed and proven to be robust.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225ecf677c4e4b43708cd867bb411cb5cc\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: What does she say in response to suggestions that pausing the reform will help the challenges faced by councils?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227aace898527e4590ad6b7727d0cd3c74\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: Pausing the reform discussion will not help to respond to the significant challenges facing councils. Many of New Zealand\u2019s communities are dealing with rising costs and unacceptable outcomes from their three waters services; that\u2019s not good for the health of people or the environment. The case for change is strong, well canvassed, and generally accepted by most. These challenges have been discussed for more than two decades and it\u2019s time to do something about them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e92c737da2044805a63e6d8f2fee5f47\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: With regards to the issues raised by councils, is there room to consider their concerns within the context of the proposed reforms?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d63d854b7a154a1e8d1e11265c2ab9dc\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019ve given councils eight weeks\u2014until 1 October\u2014to provide feedback on the water reform proposals. As I\u2019ve already noted, prior work and feedback through this period has identified potential refinements to the current policy design. I\u2019m willing to work in partnership with local government and iwi to ensure the reforms meet the needs of communities; that\u2019s very important. We\u2019ve already considered and ruled out alternatives to reform such as regulation-only models and further central government funding of local government infrastructure for an inefficient network. There are inherent challenges that create a cost burden either way on ratepayers or taxpayers. Our reforms\u2014the ones that I\u2019m proposing\u2014are designed to improve public health and environmental outcomes, improve efficiency of service delivery, support a financially sustainable system, improve infrastructure delivery and decision making while upholding the rights and interests of iwi through Te Mana o Te Wai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a989d2bc2e3345dbb28b5320f06c4ed4\u0022\u003EHon Eugenie Sage\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister still actively considering making it mandatory for councils to become part of the four regional water entities if too many councils decide to opt out; if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002297214a4f8d4d4075837a22687d0e2899\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you for the question. As I\u2019ve said, the case for change is compelling, well understood, and needs to be addressed. We\u2019ve undertaken about 30 different sets of modelling to see whether or not there is any significant alternative that would enable a financially sustainable model to invest in the significant costs facing councils. The issue is now for councils to consider the proposal in a way that they will continue to own the assets\u2014albeit within the reform that\u2019s being proposed\u2014and have greater oversight in the way in which efficient governance of those assets can deliver community benefits; that is the proposal in front of councils. We\u2019ve shifted significantly the discussion into a space where, I believe, even councils cannot ignore the opportunity they have ahead of them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002263cb975bcac74a449fa6321a584331ff\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Broadcasting and Media\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022 data-id=\u00228877471da1fc435fb1eab21a3ca33f41\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228877471da1fc435fb1eab21a3ca33f41\u0022\u003EBROOKE VAN VELDEN (Deputy Leader\u2014ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Broadcasting and Media: Does he stand by his statement, \u201Cwe are constantly reviewing our safeguards to ensure we have the right tools to respond to potential issues of foreign interference\u201D in relation to reports over Skykiwi\u2019s terms of service?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022fc4c05ac0d38406ba0f0b3aa806928a7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fc4c05ac0d38406ba0f0b3aa806928a7\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister for Broadcasting and Media: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222552c4ff0ecb4cdf9545d0a98ec5e6c5\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: When was he first made aware that a leading New Zealand news outlet, Skykiwi, warned its users their information could be shared with relevant State agencies if they violate Chinese law, and does he believe Skykiwi\u2019s terms of service are an infringement of standards expected by media?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022deb57b64f281443a8aab5732196ee318\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I became aware of the situation the member describes in an online article in the last two weeks, and I simply point out to that member that the law in New Zealand covering New Zealand citizens and residents is the law of New Zealand, and laws from other sovereign countries are not enforceable in New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d378a8dc95c495a84b5ed516212b2be\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Does he believe that New Zealanders of Chinese origin are exposed to Chinese State surveillance and censorship by Skykiwi; and, if so, what is he doing to protect freedom of speech on media platforms?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c49c21b0b234461197734f92a7046da5\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I think it is a stretch to say that purported conditions of use or participation on an online platform constitutes external surveillance by a different sovereign State. New Zealanders participating in any form of media in New Zealand have the benefit of our laws, including our New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and the confirmed freedoms of speech and expression, and for news media outlets who are covered by, for example, the Media Council, which Skykiwi is, they have the benefit of the principles and values and rules of that organisation, and methods of recourse if a user considers those rules have been breached. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223078f9cdcb354b25b7cdbc0d9200be8f\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Will his inquiry ensure that we can stop Chinese Communist Party interference of New Zealand media to the extent where media outlets feel obliged to share New Zealanders\u2019 data with the Chinese Communist Party?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d64b026606545b9bd503911c0eff9f7\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not quite sure what inquiry the member is referring to, but what I can say is that there is a review of media content or regulation under way that will also include what the likes of the Media Council and the Broadcasting Standards Authority do to ensure that the organisations under their remit comply with the standards that those organisations stand for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224110a9a8ea8944149d6c8fe4037f5be8\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Does he believe New Zealanders of Chinese origin have the same rights to be free from foreign interference and freedom of association as all New Zealanders?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fed27376012840129af1005d7b27da0c\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the people who that member refers to, whilst in New Zealand, are covered by New Zealand laws and rules and norms, and that includes our New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, which confirms and upholds the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00221cb9dd1054074232a15ce907be14c1cf\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022 data-id=\u002290a28c7614f64cb89a95d8c6f72adb15\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002290a28c7614f64cb89a95d8c6f72adb15\u0022\u003EHon TODD McCLAY (National\u2014Rotorua)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: Is he concerned with a report from the Restaurant Association who have said 1,000 of their members are on the brink of closure without additional support; if so, what additional targeted action will his Government take to save these businesses in the hospitality, retail and event sectors?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u002202ccc0c563124ba389b0c697deb06434\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202ccc0c563124ba389b0c697deb06434\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E The loss of businesses and jobs anywhere in the economy amid the uncertainty created by COVID-19 is concerning. That\u2019s why the Government has responded quickly and decisively to put in place support such as the wage subsidy scheme to help firms keep operating and help keep people connected to their jobs. In answer to the second part of the question, as we have done continually through this pandemic, we will update and expand our support to businesses and workers to ensure it is adequate. During this latest outbreak, we\u2019ve expanded the coverage of the Resurgence Support Payment to include new businesses, as well as modified it into a three-weekly payment to recognise the extended period of alert level restrictions. The way that these supports are structured, including criteria around revenue drops, act as a de facto targeting to sectors such as those mentioned in the member\u2019s question, in terms of the support that they have received.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022af3c052b5ada4e64b756adf7b6c00c90\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you. Why has a wage subsidy not been paid to 37,000 businesses who have waited five weeks, and is he aware of the significant financial and mental distress this is causing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f7ba8e9ec965412ca271b460024c424d\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not 100 percent sure how that relates to the primary question that the member\u2019s asked, but as the member is well aware, we\u2019ve traversed this matter in the House before. In large part, this is a data-matching exercise between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development, in particular for those who are sole traders whose tax code with Inland Revenue does not indicate that they are sole traders. The member and his party have been very keen to make sure that the wage subsidy scheme has integrity measures built into it. This is one of those integrity measures. I have been raising consistently with the Ministry of Social Development and Inland Revenue my desire to see these resolved quickly. I would note that 91 percent of applications are being processed within the three-day period indicated.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227ee82941eda34808aed705240818437e\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Is it correct that the Government was asked on 9 June by the events sector for assistance with an insurance scheme that would\u2019ve paid $20 million to its members if New Zealand was placed into COVID level 4 and that his Government has said no to this help?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a354a61598843aab8d495ad39a9ead6\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, again asking, really, whether or not that is relevant to the primary question. But we\u2019ve had ongoing discussions with the events sector going back all the way through to last year. There have been calls for a number of different types of underwriting schemes. At this stage, the Government has decided not to go down that path because, clearly, it would be an enormous precedent setting exercise. I do know that some local councils have taken that on. I would also note that the Government has provided significant assistance to the events sector via, for example, the $50 million fund that\u2019s gone to regional tourism operations to put on events, and we continue to work with the sector to see how else we can support them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5d6d6b7390947ed8c502b1a23d27b8a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just before I ask Mr McClay to ask his next supplementary, I want to make it clear to the Minister of Finance that judgments as to relevance of questions are mine and not his, and his asides are not helpful. In the latest case, he is plainly wrong.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a512eab18cf94a61844356a87bdec392\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Is it fair that businesses currently in level 2 can still apply for the wage subsidy but that Auckland businesses will not be eligible when they go to level 2, even though their need is perhaps greater, and will he change this policy setting for Auckland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db570c03b91640848006006e207fbc69\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: The wage subsidy scheme has always been related to levels 3 and 4, where there are a significant number of businesses who either cannot trade or trade significantly below where they would normally want to do. The Government has put in place the Resurgence Support Payment that is available at level 2 or above to support businesses with fixed costs that are more in line with what the restrictions are at alert level 2, and, as we have said, that Resurgence Support Payment is now available on a three-weekly basis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f655483f5744ea5b02f1615c53f9a6d\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: Can he please advise if the Small Business Cashflow (Loan) Scheme, which is interest free for two years, is available to businesses in the hospitality sector?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002296af0af9359a43ada03ccf34e25ea087\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I can confirm that the small business cashflow scheme is open. It is also open to anybody who has already drawn down the funding and paid it back or to those who haven\u2019t drawn down the full amount of funding, and they can top up to that. It is a scheme that is still attracting a number of applications every week.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d5e3fc9cbbe14a76971ec342e285e7b0\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: What does he say to the owners of the 1,000 restaurants that are reportedly about to close after doing everything that his Government has asked of them, and does he think this sacrifice could be avoided with additional targeted support, not just more debt?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022895324bb349d49b88fd89f97439eef93\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What I say to those businesses is that, as the Government has done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to work with them. One of the things I do know is that, when we saw similar predictions during the first lockdown, the actual result was that those businesses ended up busier than ever when New Zealand was at alert level 1, to the point that the same organisation mentioned in the member\u2019s primary question was approaching us about the fact that they didn\u2019t have enough staff to meet the demand that was happening during alert level 1. What the answer here is to make sure we continue to take the same response that the Government has taken throughout the pandemic, which is that a strong public health response is the best one for the economy overall. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EPoint of order, Mr Speaker. Can I ask you to reflect in terms of the earlier exchange that we had around the question and perhaps come back to me, or to the House more broadly? You\u2019ve previously ruled around the relationship between two parts of a question, and obviously the second part of this question is much wider than the first part of the question, and so I just ask you to reflect on what it might mean in terms of questions and supplementaries.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227234fba6af28486aa40971c32d0ce5dd\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order, just in your considerations of that, I think the second part of that question is based on a belief honestly held that the restaurant industry is directly affected by what goes on in the event industry. For example, a sold-out test at Eden Park would indeed fill the cafes and restaurants in Mount Eden. It is, I think, a direct nexus to the first part of the primary question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228359fe122df34242ba74c01148483ee3\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking further to the point of order, I would note for the member that that organisation is called the Restaurant Association, and my understanding about that organisation is that it represents restaurants as opposed to the retail and event sectors.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266f80edca90448929792b718a9dcaebc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I think the Minister of Finance is dancing on the head of a pin, and I feel no need to\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c798e63e898d4cf6b8278536266d64b7\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Must be a bloody big pin!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022badb0a39-849c-462a-b32f-77fc017c9fc2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022646ad74c8baa476db619cd67b8776739\u0022\u003EHon Simon Bridges\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it is about restaurants!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022faf67a0d30754ba3be1197cc70204ef8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, Thursday afternoon, Mr Bridges and Mr Brownlee. I understand your wish to get early planes, but we\u2019ll just leave it for now, shall we? I shall punish you by making you stay here. I\u2019ll go back to the Minister of Finance and tell him that I don\u2019t need any more time to reflect. My ruling stands.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222e0256be3cee4074bdd1628e1c28a467\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Agriculture\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022 data-id=\u0022bddc5adaea6a47ae92c68e0d20bde77c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bddc5adaea6a47ae92c68e0d20bde77c\u0022\u003EANNA LORCK (Labour\u2014Tukituki)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Agriculture: What recent support has the Government provided for the agricultural sector?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u00224adfb3da03934bcebda5570de0bced7d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224adfb3da03934bcebda5570de0bced7d\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Minister of Agriculture):\u003C/span\u003E The Government continues to support the engine room of our economy as we build our recovery from COVID-19 and seek to position ourselves in high-value markets. I\u2019d like to take the opportunity to thank those people through the farming sectors who have worked right to keep our export revenue coming into this country. I recently announced further investments to support them through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. To date the Government has co-invested more than $150 million into 157 projects worth almost $299 million in total. It\u2019s a key part of the Government\u2019s Fit for a Better World, accelerating our economic potential road map. We\u2019ve also announced funding of catchment groups, with 171 now supported across New Zealand by the Government, and we are supporting a total investment of almost $29 million.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002230c15f5cd5974b6d8d5f00d2c97531ed\u0022\u003EAnna Lorck\u003C/span\u003E: What are some of the recent projects being funded through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f22b8c4e68e6457f9c4831bce04e6c05\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re investing $6.68 million, for example, into a seven-year partnership with Beef \u002B Lamb New Zealand, which is targeting a 10 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of product produced. It\u2019s also expected to result in more efficient cows within the next 25 years through the use of artificial insemination and genomic selection to identify the bulls with the best genetic markers earlier in their life, and with greater accuracy. We\u2019re also contributing $2.6 million to a $5 million project to develop a commercial-scale autonomous robotic asparagus harvester to help address the ongoing labour shortages in the asparagus industry and to support New Zealand asparagus growers to tap into high-value export markets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe6a80709ba84f1b84256b8e821c4d98\u0022\u003EAnna Lorck\u003C/span\u003E: How is the Government engaging with the farming sector in practical ways to help it restore waterways?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266784c40ad214b729a9af249b575680d\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: We have said that we want waterways restored within a generation, and, to that end, last week I also announced the $2.1 million funding for 31 farmer-led catchment groups in the lower North Island\u2014in the Rangit\u012Bkei, Manawat\u016B, and Wairarapa. This enables growers\u2019 groups and farmers to employ catchment coordinators and farmers to develop farm environment plans to understand the environmental challenges and opportunities on their property, as well as helping farmers to produce nutrient budgets, calculate their agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and understand changing environmental regulations. It\u2019s through farmers working together in catchment groups and integrating the practical insights from them into their farm plans that we\u2019ll be able to shift the dial.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00228ab3f5bbf6044019ab8a372fc97b583c\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\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=\u0022aa9061322bc44ee6a61cc5e134719dad\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aa9061322bc44ee6a61cc5e134719dad\u0022\u003ECHRIS BISHOP (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What specific progress has been made with negotiations with Pfizer for COVID-19 booster shots, which the Director-General of Health said over a month ago were \u201Cat sort of a fairly crucial stage\u201D, and is New Zealand intending on ordering booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine programme?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u00220b59b0792e454226a4f8525425ecd2f3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220b59b0792e454226a4f8525425ecd2f3\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response):\u003C/span\u003E To date, the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for two doses and Medsafe awaits data from Pfizer clinical trials before approving its use for additional doses. The Ministry of Health is in continual discussion with Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies about New Zealand\u2019s future vaccine needs and it continues to review all of the latest scientific evidence. Commercial conversations with the suppliers remain sensitive and I won\u2019t be disclosing specific details.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220161029d625549d9a30b18c3721b9c85\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Why were negotiations with Pfizer for booster shots at a critical stage over a month ago; why have they not yet concluded?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235306e61285e4847bc845ed0784fab19\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: In the context of commercial negotiations, you often reach particularly important points in the negotiations and I\u2019ll imagine the director-general felt at that point that we were at a particularly important point in the discussions with Pfizer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221987abfbb7094c4aa7e40900ab239ecb\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Right. Why has New Zealand not taken a no-regrets approach to ordering boosters\u2014in other words, ordering as many as we possibly can as quickly as we can to give ourselves options in the event that we need them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a6626655e1341059b92c68c7053dbbf\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: That is exactly what the New Zealand Government has been doing around vaccines. That is why we continue to adopt a portfolio approach to vaccines, so that we have options based on what our future needs may be, so that we\u2019re not narrowing down too much and making decisions too prematurely about what might be best for New Zealand\u2019s needs in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287a45765f22440d288b05c2d540e280b\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Will New Zealanders be at the front of the queue for booster shots if they are needed?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a9e61fc531c645998aab29df34d57579\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: It will depend on the nature of the booster shots needed when they might be needed. I can say that from the conversations we\u2019ve been having with Pfizer, I am confident that in the event that the evidence stacks up, supporting the need for a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine, we will be able to get access to that in a timely manner. But I also want to reiterate that we are not banking on that being the only option that New Zealand needs to have access to. We are in discussions with other pharmaceutical companies. Where agreements have been signed and it\u2019s appropriate to announce them, that\u2019s what we do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283720daff95b47d8b69a786655496191\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Government in discussions with companies other than those that we have advance purchase agreements with for the four vaccines at the moment, and, if so, what are those companies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222ba1ac19592641b5aa66331393a4608c\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: In answer to the first part of the question, yes. In answer to the second part of the question, those are commercial negotiations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022faf4dc6aa65045b480eee0ca1b324b7f\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Internal Affairs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022 data-id=\u0022ce58204d0fe148d7a53d1cb89fb4ec98\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ce58204d0fe148d7a53d1cb89fb4ec98\u0022\u003EJAMIE STRANGE (Labour\u2014Hamilton East)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How is the Government encouraging young New Zealanders to make informed decisions online?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022 data-id=\u00225f7ed7f61f9247debc7cb60cfc450717\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225f7ed7f61f9247debc7cb60cfc450717\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI (Minister of Internal Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I am pleased to inform the House that the Government\u2019s innovative and successful \u201CKeep It Real Online\u201D campaign is back, with the latest episode of the Eggplant series now available on TVNZ Ondemand and YouTube. This latest episode is focused on tackling misinformation. Misinformation is often camouflaged to make it hard to tell what\u2019s real and what\u2019s not. It\u2019s a big issue for our young people, particularly at the moment, when getting and sharing accurate information about COVID-19 vaccinations is so important. Equipping young people with the tools to determine fact from fiction has never been more critical. And can I also recommend that to the members in this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ddc9c5df6d28463eb57a1887573ef4ef\u0022\u003EJamie Strange\u003C/span\u003E: Why was the theme of misinformation and disinformation chosen?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002241c5a642ec5d42a7b59b810284d69326\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI\u003C/span\u003E: We know from the last nationwide lockdown that young Kiwis are spending more time online than ever. We also know from a report released by the Classification Office that 75 percent of New Zealanders surveyed thought false information about COVID-19 is an urgent and serious threat to New Zealand society. So it\u2019s really important that young people are getting and sharing reliable information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, so they can make well-informed decisions. This latest episode is targeted to 13- to 18-year-olds, and explores how easy it can be to take information at face value without checking the facts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c94f18160724881aa214ef1018ddb34\u0022\u003EJamie Strange\u003C/span\u003E: Why was the miniseries chosen as the format for the educational campaign?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229eef65cd-ce82-441c-af1b-954ea0782a04\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f205c316654640a4bc533065774b8ada\u0022\u003EHon JAN TINETTI\u003C/span\u003E: The Government recognises that traditional forms of public health and safety messages are not always the best way to reach our young people, and that we need to evolve with the times. The whole purpose of the \u201CKeep It Real Online\u201D campaign is to explore complex and sensitive issues in a way that young people find engaging and relatable. The focus on identifying false information in the latest episode takes a light-hearted approach to this serious subject and encourages young people to engage their critical thinking. Students from Rangitoto College and Manurewa High School were involved in the creation of this episode, to ensure that the messages are understood and that the storyline is engaging.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226e946308a71f470a86b65e383aac1ee6\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022 data-id=\u0022b8dbd3b0b4d641f8a41056b306fbdcd2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b8dbd3b0b4d641f8a41056b306fbdcd2\u0022\u003EHon DAVID BENNETT (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: Does he agree with the Motor Industry Association that \u201CWhen combining fees under the clean car discount with penalties under the clean car standard, the price for light vehicles will need to increase on average by about 15 to 20 percent to offset the penalties\u201D, and what advice has he received on any likely increase in the price of light vehicles as a result of his policies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u0022e693097751984c0dbd1d33f16319d013\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e693097751984c0dbd1d33f16319d013\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Transport: To the first part of the question, no. The fees and rebates under the clean-car discount are applied at the point of registration of the vehicle, so do not apply to importers and sellers. As the standard is based on the fleet of vehicles imported by importers, they can use a range of vehicles to achieve an average emission that meets the target\u2014for example, this allows importers to sell electric and hybrid cars to offset higher-emitting vehicles and achieve compliance. In those instances, importers would not be subject to any penalty and, therefore, it should not affect buyers. To the second part of the question, as I said to the previous transport spokesperson on 29 June on this very matter, I have received a range of advice on that matter, including \u201Ca meta-analysis of CO2 standards in OECD and non-OECD countries suggest they do not necessarily lead to noticeable price increases.\u201D The ministry\u2019s projections expect the price of electric vehicles and petrol hybrids to fall over the period. The risk of supply constraints and price rises is also mitigated by the design of the standard. Its design has been substantially modified from the standard that was consulted upon. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb8fba5396d549af9c911b3f0347431c\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Does he stand by Annex 1 of his Cabinet paper \u201CClean car discount finalising our standing decisions\u201D, which details that the car fees will be progressively phased in so that in 2028 even a small car like a Suzuki Swift will be taxed? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eeb3524a135c430c92947c8b93f3ed44\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m going to ask the member to rephrase his question so it relates to either of the parts of the primary question or the answer that was given. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202eb6cefec9c4d58a95699e43ff746f8\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: When the Minister said that he has received advice on the price impact on new cars that buyers will have when they purchase under these new rules, then does he stand by his Cabinet paper which details that car fees will be progressively phased in so that in 2028 even a small car like a Suzuki Swift will be taxed? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6107b30853c4bd9b7255881a1af7c98\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. No, advice given to a Minister and Ministers\u2019 Cabinet papers are quite different things. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f10ec84922b49a3ac2ea3d5f203d17f\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019ll try again, then. Supplementary question\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226dc9fb88b7f2410fb6ce62794e8e32c7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s fine, but this is your next supplementary. You had one extra go at it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002286cd2efea78245198c00d7ce84b6e3a5\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, that\u2019s a bit unfair. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e7cd542142b4725b7065d594b471564\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, it\u2019s not unfair if the member can\u2019t get it right. He\u2019s been a Minister. He knows the difference between advice and Cabinet papers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ddda6e471aa4409c8d5de5ad878c8b9d\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223204d719f5924d168bc9f76dfd26f2a9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A point of order, the Hon Michael Woodhouse\u2014[Interruption]\u2014and people over there will be quiet. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1f0a7a6791040158d9c78b8d0c551be\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Well, if that\u2019s the case, we could help you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d89acc1730734bb2b2426084896adfea\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Mr Brownlee, they made their comments before I called Mr Woodhouse. You made them afterwards. Your breach is, if possible, worse than theirs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002210e33f0a8870443faf31ca22672c6b65\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, it\u2019s very clear to anybody reading Cabinet papers that the recommendations are the Minister\u2019s, but the information that is contained in an annex that supports it is the advice that the Minister receives. I think we\u2019re dancing on the head of a definitional pin to say that that supplementary question is out of order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f86350406e9b47d085b9648a57fe2983\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, my view is that if the member was right, it would be the end of ministerial responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279609f45188941f18c08f39314126e09\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Well, speaking to that point, the\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b44464a3c7ab4a96850783e245a8fb58\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, I\u2019m not going to have a debate. I\u2019m going back to David Bennett. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002201b4af2e6ae4437bbc6ba1c2c589ac15\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Can he confirm that if taxes are phased in on light vehicles, the Ministry of Transport modelling shows only a 0.2 percent reduction in New Zealand\u2019s emissions in 2030? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c92f9a95e467402cbb0695cfb4a181e8\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW\u003C/span\u003E: The combination of policies here are projected to reduce New Zealand\u2019s projected greenhouse gas emissions by over 5 million tonnes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002212c29c7d7e0740f79d15d6a040acdc71\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Why won\u2019t he release a finalised fees schedule before the submissions begin on the clean vehicles bill so that people know what vehicles will be taxed and when? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e2fcef21c75842b09c8aa1471246d2cf\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I understand that the submissions are important. We actually want to hear from the industry and other people who are involved. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228638d57a1d014d23925ddc25c99d940e\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. He didn\u2019t answer the question. He said that submissions were important. I said why wouldn\u2019t he release\u2014he should surely answer that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022971c316d08ab423a94248a4dccb4dd80\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I will ask the Minister to be more\u2014to have an answer which relates more to the question about the release. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f484c8575d93440f969b3b9ecc8b7514\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW\u003C/span\u003E: Well, on behalf of the Minister: I\u2019m actually unable to discuss the release without talking to the Minister, but the Government does want to hear from the industry. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve got a full select committee hearing, and those issues will be canvassed at the select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d379a74661b44e8d9d67d8f3f9702a4b\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Customs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022 data-id=\u00229a8a112c39414a2289c87be15e0755e3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229a8a112c39414a2289c87be15e0755e3\u0022\u003EGLEN BENNETT (Labour\u2014New Plymouth)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Customs: What is Customs doing to facilitate trade and support New Zealand\u2019s economic recovery from COVID-19?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u00226732ff9fae904c78869699e65fc50ca8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226732ff9fae904c78869699e65fc50ca8\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs):\u003C/span\u003E Customs is increasing trade opportunities and helping goods to flow more efficiently across the border, contributing to the economic recovery of New Zealand\u2019s economy from the impacts of COVID-19. Internationally, Customs is advancing work to upgrade the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and is contributing to new free-trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. In June, a work plan towards a mutual recognition agreement with Thailand and the United Kingdom was agreed to, while work on a secure trade lane with Australia continues to progress. Customs has expanded its Authorised Economic Operator programme, the Secure Exports Scheme, and made it easier for businesses to join\u2014in particular, M\u0101ori exporters. It has marketed the service so approved traders can benefit from certainty of supply chain and delivery time frames. Customs continues to engage with small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through its work on APEC 2021 to learn more about some of the challenges and opportunities these enterprises face as they navigate the COVID-19 environment and ways in which Customs administration can support the economic growth of SMEs in the region. Supporting small to medium sized enterprises is a valuable way of increasing the diversity of New Zealand\u2019s export base and encouraging economic growth in the regions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022193d9a0fa7de4e57a488bb73520aba56\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Can I just say to the Minister that that answer was far too long.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f1c5c190eeb344d7a41e6fd6c1f43e42\u0022\u003EGlen Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: How is Customs supporting the import of critical supplies here in Aotearoa as well as overseas?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022191853b46c9748fa8ac6c636c045fccc\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI\u003C/span\u003E: Customs is working closely with industry groups and other Government agencies to ensure there are no delays in clearing critical supply chain goods, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Customs recently led work to deliver a set of best-practice guidelines for Customs administration to support the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in the APEC region. This was a great win not just for New Zealand but also the 21 member economies to ensure that COVID-19 vaccine and related goods flowed across borders as quickly and as efficiently as possible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222b4dfc20778e444d96adc02e53132a77\u0022\u003EGlen Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: How is Customs supporting New Zealand traders to navigate the impacts of COVID-19?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002286fa297e91b64b44a44f20a4db1022f1\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI\u003C/span\u003E: Since the onset of COVID-19, Customs has negotiated repayment plans with 350 businesses on around $130 million worth of debt. Of that amount, only $30,000 remains outstanding. Customs has also lessened the load by allowing refunds of interest and penalties on repayment plans. Measures like these provide much-needed breathing space, allowing affected businesses to pivot if needed and, ultimately, build back better.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c52227ff4e6e4df4a27cac587d81b94c\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Local Government\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u002240619c1888514bb1b20762444745026b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002240619c1888514bb1b20762444745026b\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Local Government: 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=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00222ada78054165499d93ea8c4f9929b058\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222ada78054165499d93ea8c4f9929b058\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, in particular when I thank the Federated Farmers and Irrigation New Zealand for their involvement to ensure the workability of the Water Services Bill and to confirm that Taumata Arowai will work according to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of drinking-water suppliers so that there are more appropriate responses for small and rural communities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222aec35a074a645989ed181a16134c98d\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: What is her response to Local Government New Zealand president Stuart Crosby\u2019s request to her and the Prime Minister, with respect to three waters, \u201CThere needs to be more time to work through the key outstanding issues beyond the current eight weeks.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d6feac4cd1a437a9df3d00d1c58b8f9\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: My response to Stuart Crosby has been what it has always been: we will continue to work with local government to ensure that the water reform proposals that are being forwarded are done in partnership with the sector.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002277769a2cf6b54ae5a59be2e3d6f1c153\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Will she pause or halt the three waters reforms given Local Government New Zealand and numerous mayors, councils, and communities across the country have called for her to do so, and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c4aed25910d24b3e806fd0ff3ddacb3a\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: No. Pausing the conversation around the reform agenda will not change the scale, size, or complexity of the challenge confronting councils. We\u2019ve provided evidence and research that shows that the looming costs facing councils will be unbearable by ratepayers. We\u2019ve also highlighted the need for councils to consider this seriously, because once Taumata Arowai is stood up, higher drinking-water standards and environmental standards are enforced, the several councils that are operating their waste-water treatment plants on expired consents will significantly bear the load of infrastructure investment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002230b57be99f754bc3971ae2271b3142c3\u0022\u003EBarbara Kuriger\u003C/span\u003E: Will she take to Cabinet any changes to the water entity model; if so, what will they be, and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224b17f5416dc844c0b130a7bf8e46b682\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve given an undertaking to Local Government New Zealand that we will work with them and councils to understand the information. They will have up until 1 October. At that point, I will present information to Cabinet and identify the range of issues that we can work on with the sector to address many of the challenges that they\u2019ve identified during that period. I\u2019ve given an indication in an earlier question of what those challenges are: governance arrangements, the way in which councils will work with iwi and their communities around the benefits of reform, and also the way in which economic regulation will help deliver those benefits.\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227ea6ccadeb3f4d3c918f82074f88f540\u0022\u003ETaxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22, GST, and Remedial Matters) Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022874e038bde6b48b6b3a137ece6f827f0\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000186\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 21 September.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022098ba1eb6c3d4513bbafc9d91d6937b4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022098ba1eb6c3d4513bbafc9d91d6937b4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to. Those of that opinion will say Aye; to the contrary will say No. The Ayes have it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002297f1fb4060f542f89aa4c1cf93b9d3bb\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022272f4c1026f844f6bcadb5faf15260c0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022272f4c1026f844f6bcadb5faf15260c0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I call on\u2014sorry. The question is, That the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22, GST, and Remedial Matters) Bill be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000190\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u0022d861dab439c9406d82d6599f55ad171e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d861dab439c9406d82d6599f55ad171e\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave for there to be a party vote on the first reading, in order that the National Party can record its 33 votes in opposition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002230c84122246a4426839ade249f1c2232\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002230c84122246a4426839ade249f1c2232\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is there any\u2014I see no objection to that. We will have a party vote on the second to last question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022a0a664a9b5664ad8a316212ab8b10eac\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 Taxation (Annual Rates for 2021-22, GST, and Remedial Matters) 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 43\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAbstentions 10\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EGreen Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000194\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00229dfc588ad6c14eafaad075f0a0359120\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229dfc588ad6c14eafaad075f0a0359120\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I declare the House in committee for the Water Services Bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d5fba93184dc41fda1ce8c0ba67c98fb\u0022\u003EWater Services Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002252280cb5a94a4e118d71fffc635b8436\u0022\u003EIn Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002201bd73b434df4150ba0ca83576814192\u0022\u003EPart 1  Preliminary provisions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022f4c51502ba434d6a9402ab7aa1baae7f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f4c51502ba434d6a9402ab7aa1baae7f\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, the House is in committee on the Water Services Bill. Part 1: this is the debate on clauses 3 to 20, and Schedule 1. The question is that Part 1 stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022370b20cd5acd47f4b7dac3a673202506\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022370b20cd5acd47f4b7dac3a673202506\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I wanted to speak, in Part 1, to clause 8 of the bill, and I wanted to speak to the Supplementary Order Paper in the name of Christopher Luxon. And, clause 8, the request is that we insert a new clause 8(f), for which the wording is \u201Cdoes not include a supplier who supplies drinking water to fewer than 30 end point users.\u201D And the reason I wish to speak to that, and perhaps ask some questions to the Minister around that, is that we see that this clause is going to be quite an administrative burden not just for the farmers, for the bach owners, for the marae but also for the people in Taumata Arowai who have to go through the process of setting up the administration functions for this particular piece of legislation. And, while we accept that the Minister has her own Supplementary Order Paper which proposes to extend the time, we still feel that to go to this level and have water sources under 30 end point users will create a lot of angst amongst smaller suppliers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EAnd a second question for the Minister is: firstly, is she confident that the administration will be able to be set up around it? Secondly: is she confident that a lot of water suppliers who currently supply a neighbour or somebody else are not going to simply disconnect those water pipes and expect those neighbouring houses to supply their own water?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022ddccce1790b049b995bf2f5aba946ced\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ddccce1790b049b995bf2f5aba946ced\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Firstly, can I thank the member for speaking to the Supplementary Order Paper introduced by her colleague Chris Luxon, who was a member of the Health Committee. Our first premise around the approach to small suppliers is to ensure that every small and rural water supply is brought into a higher-standards framework. We don\u2019t want to abandon any community. We want the assurance of every drinking-water supplier to be included. I think, helpfully, and the select committee will be aware of this through the consideration of this particular issue, it\u2019s simply not true that drinking-water contamination is only experienced through metro suppliers; it is also experienced in smaller suppliers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe Ministry of Health\u2019s annual report on drinking-water quality gave some information that, between the period 2019 to 2020, it reported that suppliers serving 501 to 5,000 consumers were 43.8 in compliance and those suppliers serving 100 to 500 consumers were at a compliance rate of 31.3 percent. And, again, it was very unknown as to what the level of compliance was for those water suppliers, drinking suppliers, serving 100 customers or less. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EBut, practically, the benefit of including small suppliers into the regime that we are proposing, that is overseen by Taumata Arowai, is that Taumata Arowai will be responsible for working with small suppliers towards practical solutions, and \u201Cpractical\u201D is the operative word, because we want to ensure that small suppliers and the nature and profile of how they supply water according to the scale, size, and complexity, as we\u2019ve said in this House, is taken into account as we come up with solutions that work for small suppliers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022b149e1f7f3e644df939ea02013b578d6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b149e1f7f3e644df939ea02013b578d6\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Just a further question to follow up on that one, we know that there are options around water filters and UV filters and things like that. Were there any other options that were discussed that would have perhaps suited the purposes of the small water suppliers, other than a registration process?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022149b25531ca94ed8a33e46ee3ebe66f7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022149b25531ca94ed8a33e46ee3ebe66f7\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E There may well be other options, but the point that we were trying to get to\u2014and there\u2019s some experience of Taumata Arowai as the bill was being considered because they were working with small suppliers and rural communities around practical considerations. So there may well be in the future. That\u2019s probably the best answer. But as it stands now, the opportunity to make provisions for UV devices at the point of\u2014like, at the house, will enable small suppliers to ensure that they can provide the household safe drinking water. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ENow, I have some experience of this to the extent that part of my electorate has large rural areas. You only need to visit the rural parts of your communities to know that there could be some 5 kilometres between where water is sourced, to stock being fed, and then the house falls after that particular set of challenges around water supply. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ESo Taumata Arowai, according, again, to the scale and profile of what they\u2019re dealing with in small rural supplies, will take all of this practically into account. There is no sense whatsoever in our conversations with rural advocates that they have misunderstood the intention of the legislation. I think there is a fair reflection back from them, as we want to be assured, that when Taumata Arowai is working with them to seek out practical solutions those solutions are practical. And that is the intention.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u002264b1e3b1691c4a02911a68e4816abe69\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002264b1e3b1691c4a02911a68e4816abe69\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Minister. As you\u2019d be acutely aware, I live in a rural community. Seventy-five percent of the Kaipara is on self-served water. You know, this, to rural people, is actually a real concern. You\u2019ve used the word \u201Cabandoned\u201D\u2014\u201CWe\u2019re not going to abandon anyone\u201D. Well, a lot of rural communities actually feel abandoned by this legislation in so much as what it proposes to do is, firstly, and I think the National member Barbara Kuriger alluded to the fact, it doesn\u2019t give a carve-out for people in small rural communities or irrigation schemes which often have\u2014like, for example, under 30 homes, six homes, seven homes, and this is going to put huge amounts of fiscal onus on them, which they don\u2019t actually need. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003ECan the Minister speak to what financial penalties they might be facing if they get encapsulated by this scheme, and who is that legal onus on? We\u2019ve got irrigation schemes, farm water schemes, all over New Zealand, that this piece of legislation takes the rights of ownership away from.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00222f8bd269b55c419abfd67eafc1d7e109\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222f8bd269b55c419abfd67eafc1d7e109\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E At the fear of going right down the tunnel hole in the wrong direction in terms of the intent of this legislation, can I say that the solution that we came up with, in consultation with rural advocates who wanted to ensure a practical solution, is something that goes along these lines. Firstly, a supplier that chooses to comply with an acceptable solution doesn\u2019t need to have a drinking-water safety plan or a source water risk management plan. So the compliance issues that you\u2019re talking about largely relate to, kind of, some of those perceived challenges.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EIn addition to that, consumer complaints will not apply to very small suppliers, only public suppliers. The registration process is intended to be simplified, especially for small suppliers, and made free. And there will be tailored online templates and guidance for small suppliers, because we\u2019ve heard the concerns from rural communities that if there is too much red tape around the way in which we\u2019re expected to engage with the legislation, that would be problematic.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe other area is that, as I said, Taumata Arowai, by and large, will work with the Ministry for Primary Industries, especially in rural communities such as the member\u2019s, to simplify any compliance issues that are unnecessary and not in keeping with the intent of the legislation again. The clear intention from the outset with the Water Services Bill is to tailor solutions for rural and small suppliers in a very practical way, to ensure workability.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u0022a6dfccb71b9b4bc8ae6a570105d901bf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a6dfccb71b9b4bc8ae6a570105d901bf\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Minister, just if I may, just to get some clarity here, can she give the rural community some certainty that those that are offering the service of supplying safe drinking water to half a dozen homes won\u2019t opt out of this piece of legislation, and, by virtue of doing so, affect the wellbeing of half a dozen houses that are now, effectively, cut off because of this piece of legislation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022657998d7edde4e33ab1113ccceee7d09\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022657998d7edde4e33ab1113ccceee7d09\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I think the way that the question is framed is difficult, because it\u2019s not an opt-out scenario. This is an opportunity where the Health Committee has argued and brought forward, and I have accepted, that the period of times for rural suppliers to be included into this regime should be extended. We have pushed that time frame out to around about seven years, and we\u2019ve ensured that Taumata Arowai will have some working examples of how to accommodate some of the challenges in the rural profile and the nature of how water is supplied to their communities so that practical solutions are achieved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u00229bffa14f060648148f7e91872a014af8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229bffa14f060648148f7e91872a014af8\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Could the Minister explain to us what she said, earlier in the day in the House, that she was very pleased with the consultative work that had gone on with Federated Farmers, and how that aligns with the comments from Federated Farmers\u2014under the headline, \u201CFeds\u2019 worst fears realised on drinking water reforms\u2014that said, \u201CWe wanted the government to recognise the folly of trying to track down every single little supplier. We asked for anyone supplying less than fifty people be exempted, but in the end were not heard.\u201D? And does the Minister agree that, in fact, this could put people in a worse position\u2014if suppliers opt out of continuing to supply and people are forced into collecting rain water for their drinking water, they would actually be in a much worse situation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00227737a49a9c214f8db83ccd0b967cb318\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227737a49a9c214f8db83ccd0b967cb318\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I want to take from a letter that I received on 21 September, from Andrew Hoggard, national president of Federated Farmers, the following quote\u2014and I apologise for the length of time taken to extract this quote, for the committee\u2019s benefit. He has said, \u201CIt is encouraging that compliance with acceptable solutions, including end point treatment, will remove the need for drinking water safety plans and source water risk management plans, and that consumer complaints processes will not apply to very small suppliers. We support more time being provided in the legislation for registration of water suppliers, and we welcome your assurance that registration processes will be simple and free with templates and guidance available. Much will depend on the detail of acceptable solutions for small rural water supplies. Federated Farmers is committed to engaging with Taumata Arowai to ensure that acceptable solutions are fit for purpose and provide for safe drinking water at a reasonable cost, with as little compliance hassle as possible. However, at this stage at least, there are still many uncertainties.\u201D In saying that, they\u2019ve indicated at the end of the letter: \u201CThank you again for hearing our concerns and responding to them.\u201D and they would welcome maintaining a dialogue with myself and officials to develop win-win solutions. I seek to table the letter in the Chamber today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022b9145657e24b45f7bf8c7bdbe9395618\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b9145657e24b45f7bf8c7bdbe9395618\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is not. It may be tabled.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\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=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u0022dda8b82ded6644b88e7e6f0f76fae8e5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dda8b82ded6644b88e7e6f0f76fae8e5\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill): Thank you, Mr Chair.\u003C/span\u003E Could the Minister, then, please, guarantee and have those comments put into the legislation, that with smaller rural water schemes, they will not be required to have all the compliance matters that she just listed from that letter from Andrew Hoggard?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00223ab82adc85f4402180a41f58ee8b8497\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223ab82adc85f4402180a41f58ee8b8497\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E At this juncture let me speak to the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) that I\u2019ve tabled on this bill. I\u2019ve been listening to submissions made to the Health Committee, the concerns raised by committee members, and I thank them for their diligence, because they responded to my request to ensure that we had workable solutions, and the subsequent public discussion following the bill\u2019s report back to Parliament. My SOP responds to concerns that have been raised. I want to speak about the measures in it so that other parliamentarians who were not a part of the select committee may understand it in a fulsome way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EFirstly, the SOP extends the time in which unregistered drinking-water suppliers will come into the new regime. Unregistered suppliers will have four years to register with Taumata Arowai, and seven years to comply with the new requirements. This responds to concerns raised by small suppliers about compliance with the new regime, including those in the rural sector. The extension will give time for small suppliers to understand the new requirements and give Taumata Arowai time to work with them, fully tailor the system to them, and provide support to small suppliers. It also aligns with the time frames in which the new water service entities will be established. This was important to the Health Committee\u2014again, I acknowledge them\u2014which had already extended time frames for registration based on submissions on the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI know that National MP Chris Luxon has tabled an SOP proposing that the bill does not apply to suppliers serving fewer than 30 consumers. The Government cannot support this. It abandons small communities, as I\u2019ve said, and gives them no clear way forward to have safe drinking water. The better approach, I would\u2019ve thought, is to tailor the new regime to the needs of small suppliers and give them treatment options\u2014like, for example, UV filter devices that are simple and cost-effective. This is what the bill does, and the legacy of this approach, I believe, will be safe drinking water throughout New Zealand irrespective of where people live.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ESecondly, my SOP extends waste-water powers and functions for Taumata Arowai. This is important as many submissions to the Health Committee said that the sewage that is discharging into our rivers and beaches is simply not acceptable. I agree with those submissions and want to ensure that Taumata Arowai has much stronger powers in this area. Taumata Arowai will have the power to make environmental performance standards for publicly owned waste-water networks. These are minimum standards which must be included in the new resource consent, or if they relate to trade waste in bylaws. This power brings New Zealand into line with other countries, including member States of the European Union, the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and South Africa, which all impose some form of minimum standards on publicly owned waste-water networks.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EEvery publicly owned waste-water network will be required to have a risk management plan. These plans are subject to oversight by Taumata Arowai and will considerably improve planning and safety for waste-water networks. The SOP clarifies that all of Taumata Arowai\u2019s oversight powers for waste-water networks extend to trade waste. This was always the intention of the bill, but some organisations\u2014Forest \u0026amp; Bird\u2014questioned whether this is the case. It will mean that Taumata Arowai will provide much-needed oversight to trade waste. Taumata Arowai will be able to set targets for publicly owned three waters infrastructure which network operators will have to report against.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThirdly, the SOP extends Taumata Arowai\u2019s environmental performance powers in the bill to drinking-water network infrastructure. This means that Taumata Arowai will have the ability to shine a light on the impact of drinking-water networks on the environment and report, for example, on rates of leakage of drinking water. Its powers here will be analogous to those that already exist in the bill for waste- and stormwater networks and their operators.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EFinally, the SOP will also make refinements and technical amendments across a range of clauses. I do want to acknowledge and thank the Hon Eugenie Sage for some of her technical amendments. This follows detailed ongoing review of the provisions by officials to make sure the legislation is as good as it can be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u002244f1ef32263d4d6ea264f042d7e2dd09\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002244f1ef32263d4d6ea264f042d7e2dd09\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Chair, thank you. It\u2019s on a different topic, but in Part 1\u2014because I\u2019ll have some questions when we get to Part 3 on waste water\u2014clause 14 is about giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai for anyone performing a function, power, or duty under the Act. This is something new that is in this legislation. Taumata Arowai has recourse to a M\u0101ori advisory committee. But just to ask the Minister: what progress has Taumata Arowai made in providing or developing some guidance on how Te Mana o te Wai is given effect to, and what does she see as the major benefit of having this in the legislation? Because there were a lot of submissions on it. Kia ora. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022afeddc69b4104d3f8323f2594bdefa3e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022afeddc69b4104d3f8323f2594bdefa3e\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you for the question. It would be fair to say that Taumata Arowai\u2014the board, alongside the M\u0101ori advisory council\u2014is still working through the matter in which the M\u0101ori advisory council can offer up advice to give recognition for Te Mana o te Wai obligations. They have some time to be able to do that. I expect, in my next report, to be able to receive some detail of how those conversations have progressed, but they\u2019re still very much at the early stages of (1) identifying their role and responsibility, and then assessing the nature of the opportunity in so far as contributing to Te Mana o te Wai considerations within a dedicated water regulator. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022813724b7781148f9bf8b5227e9242595\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022813724b7781148f9bf8b5227e9242595\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Look, to the Minister, I really understand your concern for clean water, as we all have, but just speaking to Christopher Luxon\u2019s Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) again, I understand that the Minister very kindly has agreed to extend the time frame\u2014and I\u2019m looking for a way forward here. I wonder if there was a possibility that the Minister could perhaps see her way clear to accept Christopher Luxon\u2019s SOP to the point where those things that were just discussed in a previous speech of hers related to Federated Farmers and Andrew Hoggard and the simplified answers that we\u2019re looking for, or the simple ways of doing this. Could we actually exempt those small water providers, within that time frame that the Minister has provided, until we can have a look at those simplified regulations and have another chance to have a look through? So build Christopher\u2019s SOP into her time frames. Would that be a possibility?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022ba7637eb1c994cd4a75a74e0bbb6887f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ba7637eb1c994cd4a75a74e0bbb6887f\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E The greatest possibility that those small suppliers will have under the proposed approach is to work with Taumata Arowai to understand the scale and complexity of the challenges that might be more perceptual than real. So we have made all the changes that have been offered up by rural communities to reduce the complexity and compliance challenges that they foreshadow could be impacting on them, and also the cost; then, in a very practical way, opened up the opportunity for Taumata Arowai to work according to local variances and characteristics. I think that\u2019s a really positive way forward, because it then means that the challenge of achieving safe drinking water for every community and every household, no matter whether they\u2019re in a rural, metro, or provincial part of the country, can be achieved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022feaf5c94e1364cc7a660ac89a7a832f4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022feaf5c94e1364cc7a660ac89a7a832f4\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Minister, earlier this year, the Minister fast-tracked the passage of the Local Government (Rating of Whenua M\u0101ori) Amendment Bill to reduce the financial burden on marae. What would the Minister say to marae about the cost and obligations that this bill will impose on marae to meet the requisite infrastructure and resources necessary to meet the duties imposed in the regime? A corollary to that, the explanatory note to the bill states that the bill provides mechanisms that enable many aspects of drinking-water regulation to be proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of a supply. However, the relevant clauses that refer to that are 3, 31, and 32. I note that those are simply a restatement of the explanatory note, and I\u2019d ask how that provides certainty to anyone, in respect of how that is going to be assessed and determined for both suppliers and the regulatory authority?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022621798b8fabf4fe29f58f1b83edea266\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022621798b8fabf4fe29f58f1b83edea266\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I thank the member for the question. Many of the issues facing marae communities are facing small rural suppliers. So, much in the same way that I\u2019ve responded in so far as Taumata Arowai, working with small rural suppliers, the same approach will apply to M\u0101ori suppliers in the nature of their scheme. Several marae throughout the country are not connected to the core of the public infrastructure; they do have to find on-site solutions. They do periodically hold significant hui. So Taumata Arowai, just as it\u2019s been working with small rural suppliers has also been working alongside a cluster of marae that have very different ways of sourcing and providing water within their community\u2014but that\u2019s, again, to find practical solutions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u00229a85acf6e79a41ce99d1ee55de97daed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229a85acf6e79a41ce99d1ee55de97daed\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. Minister, just quickly, if you could clarify\u2014and I think this is quite a salient point. Does the Minister realistically accept that small suppliers who are not corporate bodies and who are not commercial users, to sign up to a penalty regime, which in many instances, if there\u2019s a compliance failure, could cost them several hundred thousand dollars\u2014and how could she speak to that, when we\u2019re talking about often rural schemes with under 30 houses or dwellings?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022b804af85945c40d681fd6702532e4dac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b804af85945c40d681fd6702532e4dac\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E I just go further on my colleague Mark Cameron\u2019s point. I have spoken to people who do manage rural water suppliers now, and they say that the penalty regime will, basically, mean for them that they cannot continue in their role. These are people who are very experienced in the provision of water. They\u2019ve done a very good job over many, many years ensuring water is supplied to their rural communities. So I would ask the Minister to explain to them whether it is worth them continuing in the role providing water to their communities with a punitive penalty regime that exposes them to a very high level of risk.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u00225c933e54f77c4d45851eace11bce1a3a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225c933e54f77c4d45851eace11bce1a3a\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Just following on again from both of those questions. The Minister has said that Taumata Arowai would work through acceptable solutions that simplify and reduce compliance, and perhaps address the sort of questions that have just been asked in terms of the noncompliance penalties. But the problem is that once this bill is passed and they are in this legislation, they have no power for that discussion around those simplified, acceptable solutions or that reduced compliance or those reduced penalties. So is the Minister able to either do as my colleague Barbara Kuriger has said, carve those small water schemes of under 30 out until those simplified, reduced compliance standards have been made clear, so that there is this level of uncertainty taken away from those small, rural water suppliers, and not only the level of uncertainty but the fear that, indeed, they may not be able to reach an acceptable solution that does reduce that compliance acceptably. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022d80727f5ad4647cbb018331a8693cd38\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d80727f5ad4647cbb018331a8693cd38\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, I seek some guidance. I\u2019m happy to vote on Part 1 and Part 2 and jump straight to Part 3, where there are compliance issues being raised.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022341d5378d949466e826e94c2edb582b8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022341d5378d949466e826e94c2edb582b8\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Someone in the committee would need to move that we take this as one debate and one vote. I\u2019ll just comment on it. I have been generous in allowing people to speak on not only Part 1 but people have drifted out on to other parts\u2014might I say, including the Minister; however, that was in response to those. So I thank her. So, if the committee is of a mind to do that, I\u2019ll gladly have that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022537179b9c546485d931f7cff670c1640\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022537179b9c546485d931f7cff670c1640\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip\u2014Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave for all parts to be taken as one question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022085d269a2b064fb091af587dfe455484\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022085d269a2b064fb091af587dfe455484\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none. I\u2019ll just get the correct wording. Thank you very much. The question now is that Parts 1 to 5, Schedules 1 and 2, and clauses 1 and 2 stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002201927a24cde246e68db878b5a58688b2\u0022\u003EParts 1 to 5, Schedules 1 and 2, and clauses 1 and 2\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u00225114cb11123c4cd3b1f43bd37b2bb392\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225114cb11123c4cd3b1f43bd37b2bb392\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I would ask the Minister, just regarding the potential carve-out\u2014I just go back to the question about the commentary, which says that the bill would provide \u201Cthe mechanisms that would enable the regulation of drinking water to be proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of each drinking water supply.\u201D However, it does not, in my reading of this, have any more clarity or clarification for Taumata Arowai or for water suppliers on what the level of scale, the level of complexity, and the risk profile will be, beyond a reiteration of that wording in clauses 3, 31, and 32.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ESo I would ask whether the Minister would consider this carve-out of a relatively small number\u2014we\u2019re proposing 30 end point users\u2014to ensure that there is some clarity for both Taumata Arowai and for those end point small-scheme users, given that there is a lack of definition or clarity around what the scale, complexity, and risk profile of each drinking-water supply is or is not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022a77b36b4fcb7434aa74231ed91485867\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a77b36b4fcb7434aa74231ed91485867\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I think it is very difficult to kind of give the responses in relation to the issues, because we\u2019ve had such a general conversation. But if I think about the range of exclusions that apply to small suppliers, which, effectively, have responded to the majority of the issues that have been raised with us by rural advocates, the only outstanding issue is whether or not there will be an exemption regime for a small number of users. And I\u2019ve said, time and time again in the House, no, because we want to make sure that all users are going to be included in that. Will that lead to a cost burden on that small number of users? No, because we\u2019ve tried to ensure that we\u2019ve eliminated the issues that have been of most concern to them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EAlso, what we have tried to ensure, on an even-handed basis, is that when we\u2019re thinking about small suppliers in rural communities, which may range from farmers to marae communities, we have been even-handed in the way that we\u2019ve tried to respond to the concerns that don\u2019t create additional complexities that are unnecessary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u0022ade71805d8ac4ee388c6f13ecea9584e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ade71805d8ac4ee388c6f13ecea9584e\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Minister, could you just clarify\u2014you just made a statement then that you said it wouldn\u2019t add any additional fiscal burden on rural small communities. Can you clarify how that could be so, and what would be the annual cost of compliance to rural small communities with under 30 or less dwellings?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022307c188164d54b07952847ecaa79c552\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022307c188164d54b07952847ecaa79c552\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Minister, I would ask if there will be a consideration of the percentage of water used for household use and the percentage of water used for stock use, which, as the Minister will, no doubt, be aware, is very common in water schemes around rural New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022249acf46e5c54fcba73229d69fcaab75\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022249acf46e5c54fcba73229d69fcaab75\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E In terms of the compliance costs on\u2014and I just want to be really clear which users I\u2019m referring to, as you\u2019re quoting the statements that I\u2019m making in relation to these compliance issues. So I am referring solely to small suppliers, often rural. So the costs that have been identified that might be a cost burden we\u2019ve tried to alleviate\u2014so, for example, having an approved device such as the UV filter at entry point is a way in which to give confidence to users about what Taumata Arowai will accept in terms of assurance of drinking water at the house, in terms of a device.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe other things that we\u2019ve done is how we accredit and approve, for example, plumbers to be able to install the device, again, lessening some of the cost burden. I think that some of the administrative costs that were perceived we\u2019ve simplified that by having templates. That will make it easier to engage with if they have to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003ESo those are the various aspects of costs that we\u2019ve made very simple, and then, obviously, the registration process\u2014we\u2019ve simplified the process and it will be free. Again, another area that can be seen to be a cost benefit, because we\u2019ve responded to the concerns that rural communities have raised.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022003d68d6818a48f3ba88fe08b6a0f153\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022003d68d6818a48f3ba88fe08b6a0f153\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE (National\u2014Rangit\u012Bkei):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I\u2019ve listened with interest to the Minister for the last little while, and I just want to take us back in history a bit, because, if you think about three other pieces of legislation that have gone through this House in my time\u2014the workplace safety Act, the anti-money laundering Act, and the food safety Act\u2014they all had the same span or range of business scale, I guess, that this has, from very big business to very small business. So the Minister has talked about small rural water supplies. I\u2019d like her to, I guess, tell us what a small rural water supply is, for one. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EBut the second thing, I guess, that concerns me is that, if you think about registering a drinking-water supply or even providing a source water risk management plan, it\u2019s going to cost the same amount to supply that plan for a water supplier supplying 10,000 end-users, for example, as it is for 10 end-users. And I\u2019m interested to know what a small rural water supply\u2014or a small water supply, actually; it doesn\u2019t have to be rural\u2014is, effectively, going to be, and how are we going to guarantee that the Minister\u2019s descriptions to us are going to apply to the Act, because it\u2019s not apparent in the Act. So those are basically my questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u00227f3111a2910e4dc4b1473838c859b56c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227f3111a2910e4dc4b1473838c859b56c\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E I would like to ask the Minister\u2014there are a lot of water sources around where areas have been subdivided off farms into lifestyle blocks. You\u2019ve got sections being subdivided where people are supplying water to other people. How much litigation\u2014or has the Minister looked into the clarity of who, in many, many, many of these situations, is actually supplying the water, because there\u2019s going to be a lot schemes where that\u2019s very unclear, and I just wonder how much court litigation will actually go on around who actually is supplying the water. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u0022480cfffb79624112b77dae0fab1d60db\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022480cfffb79624112b77dae0fab1d60db\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I\u2019m intrigued by the Minister saying that there would be no cost to these smaller rural schemes. Even if there are templates, I would have imagined that there would be a cost to preparing a safety plan, a risk management plan, a complaints process, an annual audit, reports on the audit, and end point UV filters are around $4,000 each. So could the Minister explain how there would be no cost?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022a9dcf22ef0c44f0faae61461a53d13c5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a9dcf22ef0c44f0faae61461a53d13c5\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E A couple of things. Firstly, to member McKelvie\u2019s point, the changes that I foreshadowed in the Supplementary Order Paper are the changes that significantly improve the bill, based on reflection from what the Health Committee had suggested and the submission process. Much of those changes cover off rural small suppliers as well as the areas of trade waste. But part of the conversation around small suppliers is not the conversation that we would have as legislators. So can I draw the member\u2019s attention, in the bill, to clause 10, which gives the interpretation of the \u201CMeaning of domestic self-supply and domestic dwelling\u201D. For the most part, I think the nature of the changes that, certainly, Opposition members have raised with me, are in that particular area. So I didn\u2019t want to rehash the legislation, the Health Committee has made some changes to the way in which clause 10 is to be read and understood, I accept that. But, again, that is the reference.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe other point in relation to other bits of legislation that member McKelvie raised, can I just say that the Water Services Bill is based on a risk management regime. It\u2019s the same approach if we consider the Health and Safety Act and the Food Act, and both of those Acts, as the member will know, deal with small businesses and those interests, much in the way that we\u2019re trying to deal with small rural suppliers and self-supply for drinking water.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u0022a537e784602243c19acf7898e16d3db1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a537e784602243c19acf7898e16d3db1\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Just clarity, if I may, Minister. In the section you just mentioned\u2014\u201CMeaning of domestic self-supply and domestic dwelling\u201D\u2014I see in the examples offered: a multiple-dwelling building, for example, it says, are \u201Cmultiple separate apartments contained in a single building\u201D. Well, does that encapsulate a farmhouse, a worker\u2019s house which is off the same scheme, and a woolshed, and would they be liable for any penalties therein should they not be compliant?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u0022008c451920714cf9b80cb9710d769405\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022008c451920714cf9b80cb9710d769405\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E I feel we haven\u2019t had an answer around the Minister of Local Government \u2019s assertion that there would be no additional costs. Given the acceptable solutions haven\u2019t been devised yet, so we don\u2019t know how simplified and how much the reduced compliance would be, even though there are going to be templates, surely there would be a cost to those schemes, even with a template of having to prepare a safety plan, a risk management plan, a complaints process, annual audits, reports on audits\u2014and UV filters cost around $4,000 each for each end user. Could the Minister clarify how there would be no additional costs, please?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00226baddfa4efd641009f5cf7c984c254cf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226baddfa4efd641009f5cf7c984c254cf\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E In relation to the UV filter, costs would be significantly minimised because they would be part of an acceptable solution that Taumata Arowai will have approved. So that gives some guidance.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThe other area of cost benefit\u2014and I know that the member received this information at the Health Committee\u2014is that these small suppliers will not be audited; again, another cost benefit, back to that nature and profile of user.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u00222b64945a9cce4a1498a26a94145bf4ab\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222b64945a9cce4a1498a26a94145bf4ab\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Minister, can you just explain\u2014for example, I\u2019ve been on a farm with mountains immediately behind it, and the water comes straight off the mountain and goes straight to the house, and it also goes to another house but it\u2019s coming from one set of pipes. Could the Minister explain: is this caught by the meaning of \u201Ca supply\u201D? And would the operator of that therefore be liable under clause 162, potentially, to a fine not exceeding $600,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years if they are found guilty of recklessness in supply of unsafe drinking water.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022132e781de5014ac3953c53dfacfb396c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022132e781de5014ac3953c53dfacfb396c\u0022\u003EBARBARA KURIGER (National\u2014Taranaki - King Country):\u003C/span\u003E Yeah, just to the Minister in the chair, the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, I really want to say, on this side of the House, the National caucus supports the intent of this bill and really does support Taumata Arowai, but the questions around the simplicity of those small suppliers\u2014in not wanting to repeat myself, I would just ask one more time, really our issue is around the small suppliers, to see if we could have some leeway in the Minister supporting Christopher Luxon\u2019s Supplementary Order Paper to the point where her time frames kick in and we could have some certainty around what the regulation looks like. The reason I\u2019m labouring that point is: often in the House when we do legislation and then it goes off to become regulation, people get really concerned because they don\u2019t know what that looks like. Some of the things that Mr McKelvie referred to before around the Food Act and things like that\u2014you know, it\u2019s always the biggest fear of what happens next. I genuinely would like the Minister to reconsider with a time frame that meets the time frame that she has put for those small suppliers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022258993d621024e8bb5a39b7a0501d8c7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022258993d621024e8bb5a39b7a0501d8c7\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I genuinely want to acknowledge the advocacy of the member in relation to the concerns she\u2019s presenting. However, the longer lead-in time for Taumata Arowai to mature its regulatory system while it\u2019s working with rural suppliers of drinking water, in effect, provides an exemption\u2014well, I wouldn\u2019t say an exemption, but a lead-in time to be able to come up with a practical solution. Now, that\u2019s got to be a good thing, because Taumata Arowai has expressed, certainly to me\u2014and certainly that is the intent of the changes in the bill\u2014that they\u2019re going to need about that much time because of the differing profile of New Zealand\u2019s rural water supply arrangements. So I think that that\u2019s actually going to have the effect that the member might be seeking in a very practical way while working towards one system that will be fairly applied to all small supply users. Again, we could probably contest this space for a period of time, but the simple response to the member, in relation to an exemption, is that we certainly don\u2019t see any need for that type of an exemption based on a working approach that Taumata Arowai must observe in the way that it seeks out practical, workable solutions for rural small suppliers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u00228f0820a6dc844802b40f4a7c7dbb5e91\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228f0820a6dc844802b40f4a7c7dbb5e91\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE (National\u2014Rangit\u012Bkei):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Just with respect to the answer to the last question, and some of the answers that we\u2019ve had earlier, with respect to the exemption process, there is an exemption process proposed in the bill, and I wonder if it\u2019s possible that that exemption process might, in the course of further work done by Taumata Arowai, eventually lead to exemption, or it is possible that it might eventually lead to exemption on some of those schemes if they\u2019re not considered to be, I guess\u2014well, there\u2019s a whole lot of exemption clauses in the bill that provide potential for exemption. I wonder if it\u2019s possible that that would happen to those schemes that we\u2019re talking about now, and that it\u2019s a possibility that some of those schemes could in the future be exempted, although included in the bill initially. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022c245a17abf96470ba5fe1942d983e8b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c245a17abf96470ba5fe1942d983e8b0\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Can I come back to the basic premise of the bill, and it is very much targeted at public supplies. Then there\u2019s a mechanism by which Taumata Arowai will work through some of the complexities around self-supplies, private supplies, of drinking water, and while much of the debate is very much focused in that area, the majority of the emphasis of the bill\u2019s workings is very much geared towards council\u2014public\u2014supplies of drinking water. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EThen, what we\u2019ve tried to do is ensure that there are workable, practical solutions based on the nature and profile of the geography of how drinking water is supplied to rural and small suppliers, and that we\u2019re giving it a longer lead-in time to be able to work through the issues. And it\u2019s not as simple as saying that there\u2019s going to be a one-size-fits-all approach. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003EI think, the way in which Taumata Arowai have been offering advice and insight into the nature of the challenge but the opportunity to work with the rural sector certainly gives me confidence as Minister that they are sensitive to the challenges and opportunities in this space. That is why, on the back of the Health Committee, again, signalling it needed a longer lead-in time, I encouraged and supported a further additional bit of time so that we enable the system to mature and enable Taumata Arowai to gather good information to be able to work with the rural sector to be able to enable better solutions for them, and that\u2019s been the intention. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022 data-id=\u00226229ad792b3742a781cd53902015a4a1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d2995873-613f-4202-a773-5ea2d57cc953\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226229ad792b3742a781cd53902015a4a1\u0022\u003EPENNY SIMMONDS (National\u2014Invercargill):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Thank you, Minister, and we do acknowledge that the bulk of this bill is around council and public supplies, which is why we support it so fulsomely in those areas. And, in many ways, this is just a distraction from that, because the concern is that, while the assurances are given that workable and practical solutions will be found for those smaller rural schemes, it\u2019s that lack of clarity and that lack of certainty and that lack of understanding of what the costs might be that is causing the anxiety around having these included in the legislation. So, in many ways, some sort of compromise where they could be kept out until there is surety around those issues would perhaps take away the anxiety that our small rural schemes have.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022e3e8d98bfa484d0693aadc761ccc6054\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e3e8d98bfa484d0693aadc761ccc6054\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip\u2014Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u002270e1ca24ff014741adf71cf8d154eb9e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002270e1ca24ff014741adf71cf8d154eb9e\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Turning to the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP), Minister. Thank you for the explanation you gave before, but when the Health Committee considered the whole issue of the performance standards, we had a letter from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, who raised some quite significant concerns about the risk of having Taumata Arowai being established as a regulator when it is the Minister for the Environment under the Resource Management Act and regional councils which have those major regulation functions. So the parliamentary commissioner was particularly concerned about the wording around waste water and stormwater in Subpart 7 of the bill, especially the references to environmental performance measures in clauses 136 and 140, because that created the impression of Taumata Arowai being a regulator. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo, in response to those concerns, the select committee recommended some changes, including the use of the words \u201Cinfrastructure performance measures\u201D, and so the focus of Taumata Arowai would be on the performance of the waste-water, stormwater, and drinking-water infrastructure. No one wants sewerage discharges that don\u2019t comply with resource consent conditions that lead to polluted waterways. No one wants those sorts of spills. But the parliamentary commissioner, having done a very thorough report on the state of the environment reporting in New Zealand, and environmental research in New Zealand, was sufficiently concerned to raise these issues with the select committee. But I noticed in the Supplementary Order Paper that it goes back to referring to \u201Cenvironmental performance standards\u201D, and I just ask the Minister to expand on how to avoid the risk of our environmental regulation system becoming quite confused if we\u2019ve got Taumata Arowai setting these standards as well as regional councils setting the standards. I think the Minister referred to some standards being included in resource consents. So, my concern there is that there is the potential that if two agencies\u2014regional councils and Taumata Arowai\u2014had this responsibility, it potentially could fall between the cracks or it results in a regulatory system that is not integrated. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe Minister will be well aware that the Environment Committee\u2019s had a number of hearings on the inquiry on the Natural and Built Environments Bill, and the proposal for a national planning framework where you have consistent standards set now through the national policy statements, and national environmental standards under the Resource Management Act (RMA) going on to be set under a new national planning framework. But how will Taumata Arowai fit with the existing regime under the RMA and with the\u2014I may be looking a bit too far into the future, so I\u2019ll stick with: how will Taumata Arowai\u2019s responsibilities in relation to environmental performance of waste water, in particular, fit with regional councils responsibilities under the RMA? And there were submissions from some regional councils expressing some concern about having to provide information\u2014because of the cost of that. So it\u2019s just that the SOP goes quite a lot further than what the select committee did, and changes the language. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe question also is: what engagement has there been with the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, who raised these significant issues and brought them to the attention of the select committee? Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022 data-id=\u0022baddcc19c3214c029bcc1658b7e30150\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022baddcc19c3214c029bcc1658b7e30150\u0022\u003EGINNY ANDERSEN (Labour\u2014Hutt South):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022e74f2b5c2c7a46e09b3f05ea7725df5e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e74f2b5c2c7a46e09b3f05ea7725df5e\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Minister, I\u2019d just note that 15,000 people have signed a petition by the National Party asking for an exemption for small suppliers. One of the questions that would be on the mind of some of those would be an example I\u2019ve seen of a group of properties that have a bore on one of the properties and the water scheme is, effectively, owned by all the properties that come off it\u2014so about 15 households, in effect. So my question is around clause 13, \u201CMeaning of point of supply\u201D, and is each property who is connected to that bore responsible for the end point installation and maintenance schedule or is the property owner who has the bore on their property responsible for not only the bore or the source but also the network right up to the end point treatment device?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u0022692b59a805e14a2dbb968a90ef557400\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022692b59a805e14a2dbb968a90ef557400\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Yeah, I\u2019ll just add to that if I can, and I\u2019ll probably truncate it a little bit more, Minister. A single property with multiple farm buildings on it\u2014and quite often we\u2019ve seen rather large dairy farms, especially down in the South Island, with several properties on it; they\u2019re reticulated together from a single source. Would the owner of that property therefore be considered a provider and be subject to any punitive legislation therein because of it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u002279a156eb9d664cf7a7a35ce6be6bc153\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002279a156eb9d664cf7a7a35ce6be6bc153\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Can I just come to the Hon Eugenie Sage\u2019s question around the role of regional councils in relation to Taumata Arowai. We\u2019ve been very clear from the outset that the regulatory function of regional councils will remain, in relation to environmental standards. However, one of the reasons why we ensured that Taumata Arowai could play a role to ensure greater coherence in reporting oversight of storm- and waste-water systems is because there was a variable way in which reporting occurred in this area. So the member is right to highlight that we did amend the Supplementary Order Paper to ensure that there was a greater emphasis on environmental performance, because we are not, effectively, talking about infrastructure. And within the scheme of the approach for Taumata Arowai, we needed to ensure that if there was going to be a higher obligation on compliance monitoring and enforcement, we needed a more coherent picture to understand what was happening. That does not impact on the regulatory role of regional councils, and we have stressed this in the way that we\u2019ve designed Taumata Arowai\u2019s responsibilities, and we\u2019ve tried to ensure that that is at the heart of the oversight and reporting role that Taumata Arowai will have.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u002211680ec638fe4cf8b9fa73fc7e690165\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002211680ec638fe4cf8b9fa73fc7e690165\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022ba4577d45aef456d9633b7be6d4c8cd1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ba4577d45aef456d9633b7be6d4c8cd1\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Before I give the call to Joseph Mooney, I will say that we have had nearly an hour of this debate\u2014most of it has been on Part 1. Members can address, therefore, other parts as well. The Government side has moved closure motions, and I\u2019d just encourage members to use the time wisely.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u00227c7b3487b4884fea9895e8534f03fed4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227c7b3487b4884fea9895e8534f03fed4\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Minister, I\u2019m just having a look at the meaning of \u201Cdrinking-water supplier\u201D, and my understanding is that, if there is a bore where the water is sourced and it goes to more than one household, then the person who is responsible for that bore is a drinking-water supplier. I\u2019ll point to an example\u2014actually, I\u2019ll come to that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll just move again to offences, which I raised earlier, and I note that, in clause 162, a water supplier who is responsible for the supply of unsafe drinking water is subject to a maximum penalty of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding $600,000. I have an example in my electorate where a farmer who has four households taking water from his bore has disconnected those in anticipation that this would pass, given the Government\u2019s majority, and concern about the offence provisions and that it would place too onerous a burden on him, and that those households will now be reliant on rainwater if and when they can get it, which is not always a guarantee in parts of my region. So I would ask, Minister, if it is appropriate for persons in that small water scheme to be subject to an offence of such magnitude\u2014whether that is proportionate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u0022363173b5dd1d44f4982a7254afd6b4ac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022363173b5dd1d44f4982a7254afd6b4ac\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: I call Joseph Mooney.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u00221520fbc193b6471e8b1f393a0defcabb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221520fbc193b6471e8b1f393a0defcabb\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Maybe I\u2019ll let the Minister\u2014the Minister is conferring. I\u2019ll wait for the Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022134e80d191f840aea30b273a3cfc56df\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Well, you need to speak.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f89e79b3b17c4cb0943ed3ea993fedbb\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY\u003C/span\u003E: OK, very well; I\u2019ll speak in the meantime. There was a question I had earlier that I would be interested in\u2014and I know that many people in rural New Zealand would be interested in\u2014and that is whether there is intention for Taumata Arowai to take into account the percentage of water that is used for stock and the percentage of water that is used for households, because it\u2019s very difficult\u2014well, in fact, impossible\u2014to distinguish between the uses of the two in many rural water schemes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022bdd8d631906844e2be1b3ffa1e404f50\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bdd8d631906844e2be1b3ffa1e404f50\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E My apologies, in responding to the member, but just to get clarity of my own in terms of the way that the legislation is intended to apply. The whole reason why we want to ensure that drinking-water suppliers of a small category such as that that you\u2019ve explained, and other members in the Chamber, is that if they go through the process that is outlined in the bill, which is to apply for an acceptable solution in the provision of drinking water, therein is the regime by which they will be regulated by, if you like, or managed by. If they do not provide safe drinking water, then there is a level of liability that will fall to them, to the drinking-water supplier.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022117a707d07914ba3bc0f887cc139aaf8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022117a707d07914ba3bc0f887cc139aaf8\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE (National\u2014Rangit\u012Bkei):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I just wanted to get on to one or two other issues. I think that one of the challenges that we have in our communities at the moment is that this bill is very much confused and, I guess, mixed up with, effectively, what is the three waters proposal. So a lot of the challenges that we have, as MPs and people explaining this in our regions, and, in fact, councils have got the same issue, is that a lot of the issues that arise in this bill are actually issues that could be compromised\u2014or not compromised so much, as could change as a result of the three waters bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EI want to go to a couple of things where, effectively, we\u2019re merging\u2014and the Supplementary Order Paper, to some extent, merges\u2014the link between drinking water, stormwater, and waste water. In my history in local government, we\u2019ve often talked about water metering and how you might utilise that. And one of the things that occurs to me is that this bill, and the regulator, could eventually\u2014not this bill but the regulator could then start to impose conditions on whatever arises from the three waters proposals, that adds significant costs that may not have been foreseen in the process of the three waters work being done, or, in fact, in the cost relating to the smaller water supplies involved in this. If, for example, you put water meters into a system like this\u2014I\u2019m not going to argue the value of them, because, actually, I think they\u2019re quite valuable; the problem is they\u2019re hugely expensive. So you could add a massive amount of cost because of the actions of the regulator. They might end up adding a massive amount of cost to a process that we don\u2019t fully understand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003ESo, I guess, that\u2019s another fear that I think\u2019s been raised in our community, not only around water meters but also around how you might link the water-in, water-out process, effectively, because a lot of talk has happened in my lifetime, or in my experience in local and central government, around how if you put the water into something, you\u2019ve got to take the water out again. So I think there\u2019s some fear in the community, particularly the smaller communities and particularly the small rural towns, around the implementation of cost in those instances that might then add significantly to the cost of those small water supplies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EI know I\u2019m taking the Minister down a bit of a path into the three waters stuff, but I don\u2019t really want to go there. I think the question relates to what the water regulator will have the power to do and what they\u2019re likely to do. I know that\u2019s a bit of a difficult question too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022e0a29e8ddd954e56a5e71b4bbca2a643\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e0a29e8ddd954e56a5e71b4bbca2a643\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY (Labour\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E To the Minister the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, if a water supplier stops providing water to households that were drawing from their source, what happens?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00223748e88ac7e04bc6a614a66b96eae19a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223748e88ac7e04bc6a614a66b96eae19a\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Actually, that\u2019s a really good, practical question, because if that did happen, then it would be beholden on the council to provide drinking water. Those provisions are within the Act. I would have hoped that where those arrangements are currently in place, those drinking-water suppliers would see the benefit of looking at the acceptable solution process to give assurances as to what their responsibilities are, let\u2019s say, because they could be providing drinking water to the local farmhand living on their property before they just cut the lines. But if they cut the lines, then the obligation will fall to the councils.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u002253627fa363f64d5191f49d44ceb1be1f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002253627fa363f64d5191f49d44ceb1be1f\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY (Chief Whip\u2014Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u002284c775cb6f9644208e709fa1d82f281f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002284c775cb6f9644208e709fa1d82f281f\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Mr McAnulty\u2019s very keen! Has the Minister received any advice on the anticipated number of small water-suppliers who will disconnect their schemes, given this, and, therefore, the number which will fall on local councils to supply an alternative solution?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u00226d383da2a11e4d7c9a55cd56f69602b5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226d383da2a11e4d7c9a55cd56f69602b5\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E Only from members of the Opposition, speculative though it is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u00220be96bdab97b49a4b24477f5fc04ae84\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220be96bdab97b49a4b24477f5fc04ae84\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Very quickly, Minister\u2014just Part 2, clause 47. It talks about the aesthetic values of the drinking water. Notwithstanding we\u2019re, obviously, now encapsulating properties with 30 or less dwellings in this, is the Minister concerned that that is potentially purely subjective when it talks of what is deemed to be aesthetic values without limitation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022 data-id=\u0022f62793f465d74445bdec943615a97480\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220e7e8da2-a6a1-41bb-aeb0-a49be255a293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f62793f465d74445bdec943615a97480\u0022\u003EHon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E I thank the member for the question. The reference to clause 47 was, in fact, a provision that\u2019s been carried over from the Health Act into this legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00228ffe1f6883254732b0b85da42058dc45\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228ffe1f6883254732b0b85da42058dc45\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022 data-id=\u00228a766fad0f01419e841b4d3d0aeebaea\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224d83c8a5-2f48-4991-9c45-b1a6060daedd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228a766fad0f01419e841b4d3d0aeebaea\u0022\u003EMAUREEN PUGH (Junior Whip\u2014National):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order, Mr Chairman. I couldn\u2019t find the Standing Order, but I understand that a member can only move a closure motion once.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u00227131b1b2e3654664a92b69d459651513\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227131b1b2e3654664a92b69d459651513\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: No, that is not correct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00220ebb91810b9b4f38ae92a88df2f97a20\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 question be now put.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 75\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 45\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati M\u0101ori 2.\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\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u002292914f41ebcf42c7bb15a766d7b66d70\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002292914f41ebcf42c7bb15a766d7b66d70\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the Minister\u2019s amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 62 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003EAmendments agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u002215051fba2f7e4d94a4f8946d775c8d87\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002215051fba2f7e4d94a4f8946d775c8d87\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that Christopher Luxon\u2019s amendment to clause 8 set out on Supplementary Order Paper 61 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002221e14197b1654240a1fb99c3bedc2134\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the amendment be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 43\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 75\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAmendment not agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022f822a742286843fdac37a0b89e43a45f\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 Parts 1 to 5, Schedules 1 and 2, and clauses 1 and 2, as amended, be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 75\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 10.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 45\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 33; ACT New Zealand 10; Te Paati M\u0101ori 2.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EParts 1 to 5, Schedules 1 and 2, and clauses 1 and 2, as amended, agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000304\u0022\u003EHouse resumed.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022 data-id=\u00227267d01134724fc784d5a4d2a273af3a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a434482b-7ac1-4862-9ce7-13e63289dee3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227267d01134724fc784d5a4d2a273af3a\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Adrian Rurawhe)\u003C/span\u003E: Madam Speaker, the committee has considered the Water Services Bill and reports it with amendment. I move, That the report be adopted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022aee0e03c667d48d8ae7478d2e59b8708\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 report be adopted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 85\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; 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\u003ENoes 35\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 33; Te Paati M\u0101ori 2.\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000306\u0022\u003EReport adopted.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00221b8876c89972487fa3fc6c8538772207\u0022\u003EFinancial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229406029a2e8c4c38a169eccde9a30fc0\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u002202ec88328a254d46995505da0a7e8300\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202ec88328a254d46995505da0a7e8300\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Minister of Climate Change) \u003C/span\u003Eon behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: I present a legislative statement on the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c34ddd5f4fda4112a4e8e3e0d27a1d48\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\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=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d91f2c2b5e74e78803da8d27c683fc7\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill be now read a second time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThis bill forms a key part of our Government\u2019s response to the climate emergency. I\u2019d like to thank the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee for its consideration of the bill. I\u2019d also like to acknowledge those who have made written and oral submissions, and I also want to thank the Hon Dr David Clark for his work on this bill. The committee considered 55 submission from industry groups and individuals, covering a range of matters. All submitters supported the policy intent of the bill. The committee has reported that key substantive decisions be retained, but have recommended some changes which will refine the policy intent of the bill. These changes will assist in bringing climate risks and resilience into the heart of financial and business decision-making.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EAotearoa New Zealand is the first country in the world to introduce legislation to require all large listed companies and large financial institutions to report on their climate-related risks in accordance with standards. This bill will make a significant contribution to the transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050. While we all have a part to play in reaching that goal, the financial sector is in a position to generate real and significant momentum towards that goal. This legislation ensures that financial organisations disclose and ultimately take action to mitigate climate-related risks, and take advantage of opportunities. It will do this by requiring the largest and most important businesses participating in New Zealand financial markets to disclose clear, comparable, and consistent information about the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. The current lack of reliable information about the impact of climate change on businesses is serious, because it can lead to the mispricing of assets, and the misallocation of capital. Investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters cannot make informed decisions if information about material risks is unavailable. The asset mispricing and capital misallocation risks also raise financial stability concerns, because markets can be vulnerable to abrupt corrections.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThis bill has already caught the attention of Governments and people around the world because it provides accountability for the actions of large listed businesses and financial institutions in relation to climate change. This will help the sector to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem in the face of the climate change challenge. Trillions of dollars will need to be invested globally by 2050 to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of keeping the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. New Zealand businesses are well-placed to seize emissions-reducing opportunities in such areas as energy production, food production, and pollution reduction. The disclosure regime will contribute to this because it will provide a sound framework for identifying business opportunities. This bill helps investors to redirect capital to cleaner ways of doing business.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to turn to changes from select committee. There are three key issues included in the report, which balance the key areas of, first, not expanding the definition of climate reporting entities; second, allowing an exemption for growth markets and small listed issuers; and third, removing the disclose-or-explain provisions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESo, first, the definition of a climate reporting entity is unchanged in the bill. The committee received a significant number of submissions proposing that the definition of climate reporting entities should include public entities, and a range of private sector entities including large private companies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe original scope of climate reporting entities has been retained, because focusing on the financial sector provides the most effective impact within the time frame needed to urgently respond to the climate emergency.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe financial sector influences every part of the economy. As banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers, and scheme managers assess their own climate risks and opportunities, they can demand climate information as a condition of doing business or investing in business. The financial sector was chosen, as widening the scope of the disclosures would have caused a delay in introducing this bill. The Government will look at widening a scope after the legislation has been enacted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EAnd when it comes to public entities, they are covered by the reporting requirements of the Carbon Neutral Government Programme. Those reporting requirements will have some parallels to those in this bill, but, of course, public entities access capital differently from private companies, and so the parallels can only go so far.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EWhen it comes to small listed issuers with a market capitalisation below $60 million, and entities listed on growth markets such as those of Catalist, they will be exempted from the mandatory climate disclosure regime. However, such entities may still choose to make climate-related disclosures. Catalist is a new public market licensed under the Financial Markets Conduct Act, and is targeted as a stepping-stone market for small issuers to access growth capital. Growth markets and small issuers will be exempted from the regime due to the risk that requiring all listed issuers to be climate-reporting entities will put up barriers to entry for such entities to access capital. We want entities to still be able to access capital, without disproportionate compliance cost barriers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESmall issuers contribute less than 1 percent of the total NZX market capitalisation. The NZX has 54 issuers, with a market capitalisation of less than $60 million, representing only 0.7 percent of the NZX\u2019s total market capitalisation. The exemption of small issuers in growth markets still means that the majority of the financial sector are captured by the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe bill originally provided a disclose-or-explain exception if a climate reporting entity reasonably determined that it is not materially affected by climate change. However, this still created a reporting requirement for such entities. The disclose-or-explain provisions have been removed from the bill, to remove a two-tier reporting system. All climate reporting entities will prepare climate statements using the same climate standards. Any need for differential reporting could be achieved through the application of climate standards. This ensures that users are able to compare reports and that all climate reporting entities are analysing their climate risks and opportunities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ETo address the concerns of a few key stakeholders following the select committee process, the Hon David Clark will be tabling some amendments in a Supplementary Order Paper prior to the committee of the whole House stage of the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ENow, in closing, these refinements and changes the select committee have made have assisted the bill to achieve its aims of supporting intergenerational equity through informed investment decision-making. The Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will provide investors with the information that they need to make informed investment decisions. The bill will encourage disclosing entities to become more sustainable, by factoring the short-, medium-, and long-term effects of climate change into their business decisions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EFinally, I\u2019d like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank the Hon David Clark, as well as the members of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, for their work in considering the bill, and all those who have participated in consultation during the development of this bill for their contributions. Now, on behalf of the Hon Dr David Clark, I am proud to commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002216bcd0ce88a849b3a800bbd402602412\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=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022 data-id=\u00226e50fd15de354a25a258a5fd551eee6e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226e50fd15de354a25a258a5fd551eee6e\u0022\u003EHon TODD McCLAY (National\u2014Rotorua):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. National is supporting this legislation, the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, at second reading but we will be seeking Supplementary Order Papers to clarify the effect and lessen cost but at the same time ensure that the legislation will meet its intent. However, therein lies the challenge, because the intent of the bill is not actually to directly have any effect upon a company and climate change, or that company\u2019s part in climate change; it\u2019s merely to have them report upon how climate change might affect their business in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWhen I listened to the Minister James Shaw\u2019s speech just a moment ago, I think he oversells the benefit and the likelihood that this bill will achieve the things the Government says they want to, albeit their intention is well meaning, because it\u2019s not about the carbon footprint of a company or a business covered by the legislation; it\u2019s how climate change might affect that business now or some time in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThe purpose of the bill is very clearly set out: \u201Censure that the effects of climate change are routinely considered in business, investment, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions\u201D. Well, risk already is by these companies. These are large entities that are, more often, listed on stock exchanges in New Zealand, or can be overseas, and they already have significant obligations to report risk, to consider risk. In the case of this, therefore, when it comes to climate change, where it doesn\u2019t move them directly, or actually indirectly, to do anything about their own activity when it comes to their carbon footprint, then it is well meaning but actually won\u2019t make the changes that the Minister has just spoken about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EFor instance, they need to prepare an annual climate statement that discloses information about the effects of climate change on their business or any fund they manage. Well, they get to say, \u201CHere is the effect\u201D, but they don\u2019t actually have to do anything about it. Now, a debate as to whether they should is secondary, because, actually, they already report, they already consider these things, and I fear that the New Zealand public that believe that climate change is an important issue, and listening to the Minister\u2019s speech, or, secondly, in considering what the Government has said this will achieve, will end up being disappointed, because I\u2019m not sure it will achieve that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EOnce they produce this report, they have to obtain independent assurance about the part of the climate change statement that relates to the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions. So the Government is saying, \u201CWe need you; you\u2019re a large entity that is on the stock exchange, that has absolute scrutiny as to your activities, that takes other people\u2019s funds and lends them or invests them and must report through the stock exchange, through the media, to those shareholders or those investors, but actually we need you to go out and get this independently verified\u2014this piece of work that you have done under this bill\u2014to talk about what effect climate change might have on those investments some time in the future, at a cost, because we don\u2019t trust you.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThere are two examples of this I want to make that I think don\u2019t make a lot of sense. The first is a bank that lends predominantly in the housing sector, and perhaps they have portfolios that look to lend to build houses, beachfront sea resorts, or hotels for the tourism sector. Well, they\u2019re going to have to go out and have an assessment done as to whether or not climate change will have an impact upon those assessments based on sea-level rise or, more than that, Government policy that makes it more expensive, more difficult to build at some point close to the sea, because of the Government\u2019s view or a council\u2019s decision as to whether or not, with sea-level rise, that is something that is acceptable\u2014putting aside that, actually, the banks themselves already have to consider risk.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWell, they\u2019ll come out and they\u2019ll give the report that says, \u201CActually, we believe we have covered this risk off for our investors. There isn\u2019t a great risk to us, except if the Government keeps changing the rules every time they come to Parliament, because they have a piece of legislation like this that is well intentioned and wants to suggest to the public that they are taking the issues seriously and actually doing something but they\u2019re not. Costs will go up and, therefore, actually there could be a risk.\u201D And so the Government already plays quite a significant role, when it comes to risk, that these businesses need to consider, but it not saying to them, if you find there is a risk, you must change your behaviour and not lend in that case to build the houses that we need, it\u2019s saying you just need to report on it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThere is a second example here when it comes to the assurances around greenhouse gases, and it\u2019s the agricultural sector, because, actually, banks in New Zealand lend to the agricultural sector across the board, including when it comes to animal farming\u2014dairy. Well, the banks that are lending already have to factor in climate change requirements now and perhaps in the future when it comes to Government requirements on land. So a bank in New Zealand will have to go out and have an assessment done as to the risk of climate change to their investments\u2014them lending to people in New Zealand to buy farms and to farm, to produce the food that we need to sell overseas for our economy. And it might come back and say, \u201CActually, we don\u2019t believe there is a significant risk here, except when it comes to Government policy.\u201D because if the Greens got their way and there were no more cows in New Zealand, actually, there would be a great risk to lending because of the uncertainty that creates. Now, that\u2019s not the intention of this bill, because it doesn\u2019t make them change, it makes the Green Party and the Government feel good, and perhaps some New Zealanders, but it isn\u2019t having the effect that the Minister said that it would, other than reporting and cost and change. And I would say the Government has a very large role to play in this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThe National Party is very proud of its record when it comes to climate change and activity that is taken and things that actually will make a difference. We recognise that New Zealand must play its part on climate change issues in New Zealand and internationally. That\u2019s why our climate change spokesman will Zoom into the other side of the world\u2014he won\u2019t get on a plane with nine or 10 other people and fly all the way over there to a climate change conference, as James Shaw as Minister will, with a lot of people at a time when, actually, most things in the world are being done by Zoom, and Mr Shaw and members opposite wanted Parliament to be done by Zoom, but he\u2019ll jump on a plane and go off over there. The point of this is we think we need to play our part, and actions are louder than words. This piece of legislation is words, albeit well-meaning. James Shaw jumping on an airplane with 10 others and flying to the other side of the world, and then having to come back and take spaces that are desperately needed in MIQ is action, not words\u2014action that actually probably makes climate change worse, not better.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWe will be seeking change in three areas when we come to the committee of the whole House stage, and the Minister\u2019s mentioned this. The first is around time frames. The time frames were changed in committee, and I hear from the Minister that the Minister responsible will bring forward Supplementary Order Papers (SOPs). It\u2019s disappointing that, actually, through his MPs and the officials that wasn\u2019t presented in the committee for us to consider them if they are that important. It\u2019s almost as if he\u2019s realised afterwards he\u2019s made a mistake and wants to change it. But we think the time frame of the current legislation\u2014it will enter into force within 12 months after Royal assent\u2014is too soon because the standards that these businesses will need to report to are not set yet, and actually they are significant companies and large companies that take their responsibility seriously. They will want to meet this requirement. We think it should be longer and will bring forward an SOP to make that time frame longer\u2014not so long they don\u2019t have to report, even though it won\u2019t make a change to climate change, but a reasonable period of time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWe also think that the public sector and the private sector should be treated the same. So what the Government has said is this will be an obligation on the private sector, but Crown entities actually will have to meet a different requirement based on a letter from a Minister. They are giving themselves an exemption and an opt-out and they shouldn\u2019t. If it\u2019s good enough for the private sector, it\u2019s got to be good enough for the entities that the Government controls\u2014the standards should be the same, because it sets a very, very bad precedent: \u201CDo not what we do, just do as we say.\u201D, and the private sector is sick of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThe final one is the comply-or-explain approach. The comply-or-explain approach was taken out in committee, and the Minister mentioned that\u2019s to level the playing field. Well, it actually doesn\u2019t, because if there is a business that goes to an extent to find that climate change has no direct, meaningful impact upon their business, they should be able to say that. If it does have an impact upon their business and they don\u2019t report it, they fall foul of the legislation, they have broken the law, and they will be held to account, but, again, what the Government is saying is \u201CWe don\u2019t trust you, so we are going to make you go to the extent of reporting on something you have nothing to report on.\u201D And I think that comply-or-explain is a better approach; it wouldn\u2019t be used by many businesses, but it could be by some\u2014it should be there. They are not allowed to break the law. They must still report if it has an impact upon them, but if it doesn\u2019t, they shouldn\u2019t have to go to the expense or the extent of meeting a requirement that doesn\u2019t have an impact upon them and for them then to report, \u201CWe have nothing to show here\u201D, they should be able to see it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EIn those three areas, we will be tabling SOPs and hope the Government will work with us to make sure the legislation is not onerous upon these businesses but actually at least is around the intent of what the Government wants to do, which is send a signal, not actually have any impact upon climate change. The best way Mr Shaw can have an impact upon climate change is to Zoom to that conference over in Glasgow, not get on a plane with 10 other people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022 data-id=\u0022b7ae90a6c44b4c2f983825f497ea5906\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b7ae90a6c44b4c2f983825f497ea5906\u0022\u003EJAMIE STRANGE (Labour\u2014Hamilton East):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to take a call on this bill as the chair of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee. As the Minister outlined in his opening speech\u2014the Minister on behalf of the Minister\u2014we had 55 submissions to this committee, and I\u2019d also like, on behalf of the committee, to thank all of those submitters who spent an incredible amount of time on those submissions. They\u2019re quite detailed submissions that we received, and a number presented oral submissions as well, so we\u2019d like to thank them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EThere were some common themes that came out. Overall, most of the submitters were supportive of the intent of the bill. They recognise the need for New Zealand to do our bit on climate change. We have signed up to the Paris Accord, and it is important that we do our bit. The reality is that this legislation is actually world-leading, and that was commented on by quite a few of the submitters around the aspect that no other country has legislation like this. So we\u2019re the first country to bring this legislation into law. I expect other countries will be following suit when this passes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EThere was another theme which was around widening the scope, and that came from quite a few submitters, and we heard in the first speech, in this debate on the second reading, from the Minister the reasons why the scope was retained. But I was pleased to hear and I\u2019m sure the submitters will be pleased to hear from the Minister that there is an intention to look at widening the scope to include other entities, potentially including Government agencies and other businesses who are not associated with the financial markets. That will certainly be looked at at a later date, after this legislation is passed into law. So I think that\u2019s something positive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EWe heard from the previous speaker, the member from the National Party, Todd McClay, that businesses have to report but don\u2019t have to actually do anything about it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca607c60ca484864aa2e05171a4e133c\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: That is not what he said. That is not what he said, Mr Strange.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d1f6beafd7b4b2d839804cf4a0e567d\u0022\u003EJAMIE STRANGE\u003C/span\u003E: Well, he said that Ministers need to report but there is no enforcement for them to actually change their practices. That\u2019s what he was saying and he did raise it during the committee a number of times, and, look, that is a fair point. But I believe that the market will force change from businesses. I believe that the market will force and, at the very least, encourage businesses to become more climate friendly. Investors are becoming more savvy. Investors are certainly very much switched on to climate-related aspects and they\u2019re starting to look quite closely at the investment portfolios of businesses. They\u2019re starting to look quite closely at the actions of businesses and how they affect climate change. I believe that investors, as the reporting increases, will make decisions on where they invest accordingly. So, yes, there is no regulation around businesses being forced to change their environmental practices but the market will, I believe, cause that to happen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EI\u2019d just like to highlight a couple of submissions. One in particular which was quite interesting was from Business and Professional Women (BPW). They\u2019re an international agency, and they highlighted the aspect that New Zealand will become the first country to introduce such legislation, and they hope that BPW International will support the introduction of this type of reporting globally, across other countries. So we\u2019re already starting to see groups here in New Zealand who see this world-leading legislation come in, starting to talk to their groups in other countries, saying, \u201CStart lobbying your Governments in order to bring some similar legislation.\u201D They also highlighted the fact that climate change will affect women and girls disproportionately as they are more vulnerable to its effects, constituting the majority of the world\u2019s poor and being more likely to rely on natural resources for their livelihood. They spoke very strongly in support of this legislation in terms of the aspect around climate change and the importance of climate change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll just touch on one final submission, which was the submission from 350 Aotearoa. In their submission they said that they recognise the climate change risk data in accounting is lacking, and that many industries and investors need more information to make prudent decisions. And that\u2019s what this is about. This is about giving information to investors to inform their decisions, and I believe that those investment decisions will then cause businesses to become more environmentally friendly. The reality is that most businesses are doing a fairly good job in this area, but we can always do better, and the investors will make their decisions accordingly once the reporting increases.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c2e823af-22b7-4411-8b12-14d7b43680ea\u0022\u003EI commend this bill to the House and look forward to hearing the rest of the debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u00227b9ca38f7f774007b5da830af7075b7e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227b9ca38f7f774007b5da830af7075b7e\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to firstly join with the chair of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee in thanking the submitters on this bill, and the officials for the good work that they have done. As my colleague Mr McClay has pointed out, National will continue to support this, but with some caveats. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003ENow, I wasn\u2019t on the committee that considered the bill, but I did speak on this bill in the first reading and I\u2019m pleased to do so again in the second reading, having watched progress from the bleachers. I heard Mr Shaw, who was introducing the bill, make what I believe was a Nostradamus-like faux pas in leaving out the word \u201Clarge\u201D from his description of the list of companies that are going to be affected by that. It is true that at the moment, the requirements are going to be for all large listed companies, but he did show an indication and stated an indication that the Government\u2019s intention would be, once the regime is in place, to widen the scope of the reporting requirements to a larger number of listed companies, then large private companies, and then probably small private companies, and then it becomes part of the international sort of financial reporting requirements that companies need to go through. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EWhat was interesting was that he was very clear that public entities would be excluded from that on the basis that there are already expectations on them for similar reporting, and I want to remind the House of the comment I made in the first reading. MPs who have been here for a few years have heard successive reports from the Office of the Auditor-General about the relatively poor quality of the non-financial performance reporting of public entities, and it\u2019s something that\u2019s been a bit of an irritant to me that when we look at the audit reports and we hear from the auditors for annual review that we get the same kind of \u201Cshould do better\u201D reports that I\u2019ve been hearing since about 2013. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a source of frustration for the auditors, as well. They would like to be able to see improvements in the quality of non-financial information, and I\u2019m not saying it\u2019s easy. It is actually quite difficult, but it shouldn\u2019t be as difficult as it has transpired. I think there needs to be a much more common taxonomy for statements of service performance and non-financial information from public entities more generally, and if that\u2019s the track record of our public entities, I think it would behove the Government to consider a much higher standard for environmental reporting on them, rather than just leaving it to them to deal with. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EThis is a fascinating description, actually, of what we\u2019re talking in respect of. I think what most people thought about when this bill came in was the impact of business on climate, but, actually, it\u2019s very clear that this is about the impact of climate change on business, and that changes and makes much more complicated the regime for reporting. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EI had expressed a hope at first reading that through the committee process we would get some sort of sense of what the reporting regime would look like, but not only did that not happen; we\u2019ve actually kicked the can down the road a little bit by the extension of time for the requirements to come in, in order that the Financial Markets Authority and the External Reporting Board can actually devise those standards. I do have a bit of a problem with that on a couple of fronts. One is the provision of information comes at a cost. These are not costless reports. There\u2019s quite an investment that needs to be made in them, and the cost of providing that information needs to be exceeded by the benefits to the users, and those users are going to be a number of stakeholders\u2014banks, shareholders, regulators, customers, and so on\u2014and we\u2019re actually none the wiser. It\u2019s only a minor irritant, but I do think we should have a bit better clarity about what the costs and benefits of these reporting regimes will be before we start to put them in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EI also want to just come back to this issue about sort of the impact that that kind of reverse thing of the impact of climate change on business and not the other way round, and also, as Mr McClay mentioned\u2014and I want to elaborate on this\u2014there\u2019s actually not only the direct impact of climate change on business but the equally direct impact of Government responses to climate change through the regulatory process on business. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EI want to use an example of that and try and, sort of, imagine how a reporting regime might, for example, cope with the oil and gas ban that has been imposed, or as it\u2019s euphemistically known, by this Government in the previous Parliament, because regardless of the platitudes of the Minister of Energy and Resources about how much time we have to adjust and what little difference that\u2019s going to make to organisations in the oil and gas industry, the province of Taranaki has a quite different view. The stakeholders have a different view. And a report on the impact of climate change on business is going to have some interesting things to say about the reality rather than the rhetoric of the impact of Government policies on business as they relate to climate change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EI think we can also use another example of, for example, the Overseas Investment Act changes enabling farm to forestry conversions, which is a direct climate change response but it could have negative impacts on large businesses who are not in that field, particularly, for example, Fonterra\u2014it may have an impact on their ability to be able to source milkfat, for example. I mean, the impact of Government regulation on this is real. There are a plethora of examples I could use, and how that\u2019s going to be folded into a reporting regime I think is going to be very, very important.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EThe last thing I would say about this is that most reporting requirements are ex post\u2014what we call ex post. They are reports of what has happened in the past. The easiest ones to look at are financial reports because they are, firstly, a balance sheet, a snapshot of the statements of assets and liabilities of the company, as well as the statements of income and expenditure. So readers\u2014banks and shareholders\u2014can get a pretty good assessment of the past activity, compare it against the budgeted reports, and then look at, for example, if there\u2019s a prospectus in capital raising, statements of projected financial performance, and so on. These are about predictions of the future, and that\u2019s going to make these much more nebulous, potentially quite subjective. That\u2019s where their value is going to be really, really interesting.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003ENow, I\u2019m a strong supporter of this, and I talked about in my first reading the research from Professor David Lont at the University of Otago, where he had looked at greenhouse gas emissions reporting and the immediacy of the effect on the share price, not only of the organisations that reported on it but other organisations in the same industry that did not\u2014had an effect on both of those groups of companies. But this is much more difficult to look at because we are looking at, sometimes, decades into the future of the impact of climate change on business, and the predictability and certainty of that will become less and less and less the further out we are looking. So, you know, we have the sense that climate change is certain, we don\u2019t know the quantum or the timing of it, and so we\u2019re going to have similar subjectivity and variability in these sorts of reports. So it\u2019s going to be very difficult, I think, for the Financial Markets Authority to try and come up with a reporting framework that accommodates all of those variables.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EI just want to finish by agreeing with Mr McClay on the need for an exemption framework and our opposition to the removal of that from the bill\u2014and we will put it back in by an amendment at the committee of the whole House. The risk we run is that we have reporting for its own sake. I think entities should be able to make statements about the lack of any impact of climate change on them and leave it for the readers to determine whether or not that is accurate, and for regulators to decide whether that\u2019s appropriate. But to force people into a reporting regime that they don\u2019t believe applies to them I think is wrong. There are examples of this in New Zealand\u2019s financial reporting standards, with differential reporting requirements for smaller companies or with different ownership models. So it\u2019s not unusual to have variations from a default reporting position. So I think we need to think more carefully about whether or not that change should be made.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003EBut with those caveats, and with a sense that it\u2019s probably not going to set the world on fire\u2014that\u2019s not a pun on climate change\u2014it is a move in the right direction, albeit slowly and subjectively.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022 data-id=\u002238d455b2f7c14d619dee3a46430e7921\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002238d455b2f7c14d619dee3a46430e7921\u0022\u003EGLEN BENNETT (Labour\u2014New Plymouth):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Madam Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this piece of legislation, the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. I\u2019m a member of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, so was a part of the select committee process and hearing the 55 submissions\u2014again, as was spoken earlier about\u2014all supporting the intent of this piece of legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003ENow, just listening to our previous speaker, Michael Woodhouse, who\u2019s just resumed his seat, I think this is a really timely piece of legislation and a piece of legislation that people are actually wanting. I did some research. I was looking around particularly in terms of people wanting to invest in companies, people wanting to actually invest, obviously, for their own families, for their own interests. And there was a US study back in 2019 that indicated that 85 percent of investors\u201485 percent of investors\u2014expressed an interest in climate-related matters when it came to their investment portfolios, what they looked at.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003ENow, here in New Zealand, we have a high level of interest and most investors are still getting their climate information around companies they\u2019re looking at through the news, at 49 percent; through companies\u2019 websites, at 41 percent\u2014rather than through a company\u2019s annual report, which was around 36 percent, or if a company had a sustainability report that was only 32 percent. So we can see that local investors here in New Zealand are still getting their information through news sources and websites rather than actually through the companies that they\u2019re looking at investing in. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003ENow, my colleague and chair of the select committee, Jamie Strange, commented\u2014and then earlier we had the Hon Todd McClay, who\u2019s also a member of our select committee, who was obviously talking around the fact this piece of legislation is around disclosure, but this piece of legislation wasn\u2019t necessarily about any actions or companies having to do anything. Now, when I heard that comment, it got me thinking that back in\u2014I think it was the early 1990s when the fair trade brand, the fair trade empire, came into existence, and suddenly it changed the way that people shopped. Suddenly it changed the way people purchased and went about their very lives, not because a company had to tell anyone what they were doing but because people then sought out, wanted to obviously support fair trade initiatives. So that\u2019s become a global brand where people are making decisions because they are informed, and this piece of legislation is around informing people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003EThe other one, and for me personally, as a member of KiwiSaver, is that when I was for many years just passive on that service, to suddenly realise I can actually look at where my investments are going\u2014so I was able to look at ethical investments. And again, I could have invested in whatever company I wanted, but I could then look and see, and I had opportunities. And again, with this piece of legislation, it allows people to look, to see, because it\u2019s around the future, as the Hon James Shaw said. It\u2019s around looking at the generations coming through. This is around intergenerational equity. And so having this piece of legislation in place, I think, is really important for the future of New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003EI\u2019m really proud, as a member of Parliament, that we\u2019re the first country in the world to be initiating this. I look forward to the continuing conversation as we move on to our third reading and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022 data-id=\u0022aa0178a2d0384c399ca0709e98eaca0d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aa0178a2d0384c399ca0709e98eaca0d\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Madam Speaker. I\u2019m very pleased to take a call on the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. I wasn\u2019t on the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, but, like others, really thank the submitters on it. Just looking through some of the submissions, there was a lot of support for this and also suggestions around making some changes, which the work of the select committee has picked up, in terms of a lot of the amendments that have been recommended.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe climate crisis is the biggest challenge facing us. All organisations and institutions have got a responsibility to reduce emissions. So this bill is really important, not just because it is world-leading but because of the transparency that it will provide with our large financial institutions, the big insurance companies, the large registered banks, the registered managers of investment schemes all being required to disclose and, ultimately, take action against climate-related risks.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo this bill is really consistent with Green Party policy. We like regulatory tools that encourage businesses to reduce their emissions, and this disclosure, and, as other speakers have noted, the transparency that it provides to markets, to potential investors, about what those risks are.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe National Party has talked quite a bit about the legislation being applied to the public sector, but I would remind members that the public sector legislation that was passed last year, the Public Service Act\u2014has a new requirement in it on Government agencies to publish long-term insight briefings at least once every three years, about medium- and long-term risks, trends, and opportunities. They\u2019re think pieces for the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EIt would be almost unthinkable that those briefings do not deal with a changing climate. So the public sector already has that responsibility, and there\u2019s been an increasing amount of guidance being provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on how these long-term insight briefings are to be developed, the process for them, some of the criteria, and I really look forward in select committee to receiving those and considering them. So, this bill, in applying to some of our 200 biggest financial institutions\u2014the large ones\u2014is providing a similar requirement on the private sector.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThe bill has got three main goals. It will, I think, really help ensure that the effects of climate change are routinely considered in business, investment, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions. It will help those entities demonstrate their responsibilities and their foresight in looking at how climate issues are considered in relation to their businesses, and it should lead to the better allocation of capital and help really smooth that transition to a sustainable, low-emissions economy. It should also make our financial system more resilient, which was what the national climate change risk assessment highlighted needed to be done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo the 200 large businesses comprise more than 90 percent of New Zealand\u2019s financial assets\u2014it\u2019s 200, so it is the major part of the financial market participants. As Minister Shaw mentioned, it is being looked at by actors overseas. Because our finance sector is so connected with other international markets and with players that have interests here and overseas, this bill is likely to impact on what those companies do overseas, as well. So we have got that major responsibility for doing something about climate change, and this bill is one of the steps towards that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EJust one other thing. One of the things that the National Party has commented on was the removal of the disclose-or-explain provision, which was recommended by our select committee. The removal of this exemption means that disclosures for all entities will be on a common basis. The disclose-or-explain provision would have potentially led to a two-tier differential system, and this recommendation of the select committee actually makes the bill simpler. So I commend the bill to the House and look forward to further readings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022 data-id=\u0022532479dee6a241f4a67c96850a60fd16\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022532479dee6a241f4a67c96850a60fd16\u0022\u003EDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of ACT to take a short call on this bill. The objective of this bill is to ensure that the effects of climate change are routinely considered in business, investment, lending, and insurance underwriting decisions. However, these effects are already routinely considered by business. We have sensible, incentive-based mechanisms in place, and, furthermore, successful businesses are those that are responsive to changing consumer demands. There is little doubt that the companies covered by this bill respond to those demands and publish information about their sustainability initiatives, including around climate change. Just look at any annual report over the last 10 years at the very least, and I don\u2019t think we need to mandate greenwashing. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EThe people who work in these companies are everyday New Zealanders who deliver products and services to us, provide employment, and for the most part, work to make New Zealand a better place. The good news for the Government is that even if they don\u2019t want to trust businesses, there is already a system in place to account for climate change: that is the emissions trading scheme (ETS). It puts a price on carbon under a national cap. This imposes costs, and businesses will respond by innovating and adjusting their operations. So we don\u2019t believe this bill is needed. It also adds unnecessary reporting regulation, and frankly, the idea of forcing companies to better demonstrate responsibility is cynical because it assumes a lack of foresight. However, under the ETS, carbon prices are known to businesses. They can see longer-term price signals and respond and account for them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EIf the Government really wants to look for entities that need better foresight, perhaps they should reflect on their woeful uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleets, or maybe they\u2019ve just been waiting a little bit of time to give themselves a discount. Record coal imports and an increase in carbon emissions under their watch. At least businesses operate under a carbon cap. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EThis bill will have little to no impact on reducing emissions or meeting our international climate change commitments, but it will increase costs to businesses. We sometimes hear that convoluted tax bills are a tax lawyer\u2019s best friend. Well, I think this bill is a marketer\u2019s best friend, and with fines going up to $2.5 million, maybe the title of this bill should be changed to \u201CGo Woke or Go Broke\u201D. Thank you, Madam Speaker. We oppose this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bbb008fcae043e9a8cb68746cee686a\u0022\u003ET\u0101mati Coffey\u003C/span\u003E: Madam Speaker?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u002252b0fead80b44b3586859389b04e9054\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002252b0fead80b44b3586859389b04e9054\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: Oh! I call T\u0101mati Coffey\u2014just in time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022 data-id=\u002278d3352cf6a4416abe500fd9ee2ca126\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002278d3352cf6a4416abe500fd9ee2ca126\u0022\u003ET\u0100MATI COFFEY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E There\u2019s a little process that needs to be gone through now, a little system, and I get that and I embrace it wholeheartedly. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will take a short call on this. I don\u2019t sit on the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, but I understand the work that\u2019s gone into this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI want to, first of all, start by thanking, as we do, the many submitters who have come before the committee and put forward their thoughts. I also want to just acknowledge that this is a ground-breaking piece of legislation here. This is a first-in-the-world piece of legislation: the ability to be able to require financial institutions to be able to disclose the impacts of climate change on their business and explain how they\u2019re going to manage that. The previous speakers said it; there are some businesses that are already doing that and I congratulate them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI sit on a philanthropic trust. And actually one of the key measures that we talk about is how we\u2019re going to respond to the impacts of climate change. There are businesses all around the country that are really taking this into consideration. This is becoming a common conversation around the water cooler these days, the effect of climate change, the protests that are happening out in the streets with our kids are striking because they think that this is important enough to actually take the issue out on to the streets and make sure that we, that all of us, from the business sector to us here in Parliament, to the education system, are actually recognising the impact that climate change is having on our environment and making sure that we respond to it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve declared a climate emergency and plenty of councils around the country have followed suit. So what this is is actually part of that journey. As we work to negate the effects of climate change, which is just the position that we\u2019ve ended up with, then we have to acknowledge that actually there\u2019s going to be many steps on that journey and this piece of legislation is just one of them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EAgain, thank you to all of the submitters that put in their submission. We\u2019ve traversed a couple of the tension points from previous speeches that were raised in committee and some of the ways that they\u2019ve been dealt with. I won\u2019t go back over that again\u2014just to say that it\u2019s nice to see that there is cross-party support for this with the big parties in the House. And I too commend this 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=\u0022184a87b373a340af99487ad3b4e482fb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022184a87b373a340af99487ad3b4e482fb\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: This debate is interrupted and set down for resumption next sitting day. The House stands adjourned until 2.00 p.m. Tuesday, 28 September. Good afternoon.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 4.58 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202109237d824bfed1b24a9daece68663d84d9a0000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"