"\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00221d8c86da5cbe493c8ac8df6042931308\u0022\u003EWEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH 2022\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d5aefb5888d0453f8203443312bde073\u0022\u003EWEDNESDAY, 30 MARCH 2022\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000002\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220c3f14a152ec4824a3374d66c1a168f9\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002235c01d78246f4450aa10ed9d1bcc3e57\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u00225fbf36161373457283f9d76f438aa1a1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225fbf36161373457283f9d76f438aa1a1\u0022\u003EIAN McKELVIE (Assistant Speaker):\u003C/span\u003E 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 conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e1a4ffa84b934895a3c0082fb896ad4a\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223d41fe69c40b4661b406215aa4660e3e\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=\u00225ecff14c08c647b1817cffda6e4dfbf9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225ecff14c08c647b1817cffda6e4dfbf9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No petitions have been presented, no papers have been presented, no bills have been introduced, but select 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=\u002253758115daca4203b997a9267b216596\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002253758115daca4203b997a9267b216596\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EReports of the Education and Workforce Committee on the:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E2020/21 annual reviews of the education sector and the\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E2020/21 annual reviews of the labour sector\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Environment Committee on the 2020/21 annual reviews of the:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EDepartment of Conservation and the\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EMinistry for the Environment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereports of the Governance and Administration Committee on the 2020/21 annual reviews of\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EFire and Emergency New Zealand\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ENational Emergency Management Agency and\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EPublic Service Commission\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Health Committee on the notice of motion regarding the Misuse of Drugs (Classification and Presumption of Supply) Order 2022\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Social Services and Community Committee on the 2020/21 annual reviews of the arts, culture, and heritage sector.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00223595ec65a5344736a36fd32d5629d752\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223595ec65a5344736a36fd32d5629d752\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The report of the Health Committee is set down for consideration. The briefing is set down for consideration.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bb3eee2dce3b4bbd9053339c479c5787\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222e4a68a7ec30478a83b9d2a731aa421d\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00228c8f7492dc464c89b375caf9290f63b8\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u0022e6483dec90f14204a181bd82e2834bf1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e6483dec90f14204a181bd82e2834bf1\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (Deputy Leader\u2014National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that \u201CI acknowledge that a number of New Zealanders are facing a cost of living crisis\u201D; if so, will his Budget include income tax reduction for New Zealanders who do not qualify for any Government benefit or Working for Families payments?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u002219d6f9165c254077911eb8a1862d7817\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002219d6f9165c254077911eb8a1862d7817\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E I do stand by that statement, which is why the Government moved quickly to reduce fuel excise this month\u2014to help Kiwis experiencing pain at the pump due in particular to the price increases triggered by the war in Ukraine. It\u2019s also why the Government, at the end of last year, put in place measures to increase support for the family tax credit and also the 1 April changes that are coming forward. In response to the second part of the member\u2019s question, she well knows that the Budget decisions are not announced at this point in the process, but what I can say is that there is no place for the kind of tax package that she and Christopher Luxon are proposing, where they\u2019d get a multithousand-dollar tax cut while those on middle incomes get two bucks a week.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f7405a6559da45fa9f52d392ff47b17f\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Why does he think middle-income earners should not receive tax relief, when according to ANZ \u201CCPI inflation is moon-bound\u201D and\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202e57ad200114070804d764b5561b694\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I\u2019m just going to ask the member to start the question again in a question form without an assertion at the beginning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022011a2bce3c544a7a9ded1553870d2b2d\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think middle-income earners should receive tax relief, when according to ANZ \u201CCPI inflation is moon-bound\u201D and \u201CInflation pressures are extremely broad-based and still intensifying\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220fa786edebe44423bd5881d640814b04\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What most economic commentators are acknowledging is that those inflation pressures are indeed continuing. They are driven by supply chain issues, by the rise in the oil price that comes out of Ukraine, and by\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022caf8d667446c4c20a8c248548156ecfd\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: What are you going to do about it?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d81a36ca9367449e9a92a1e81fb9081b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014a whole lot of matters that are beyond the control of New Zealand. On this\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266115fc305a64702a9150d32f526506a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Let\u2019s get it right, right from the beginning. The member knows she must not interject in that way, doesn\u2019t she? Right. No more. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c3f9772e2b514c37800c765047f7aa05\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: On this side of the House, we have determined that the best response for us at the moment is the fuel excise duty cut that we\u2019ve made; to make public transport half price; to continue to invest in strong public services like health, education, and housing, while supporting those on low and middle incomes, including through the family tax credit changes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022046ba9078a3a4fae81596b8a0e00db12\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with ANZ that \u201CHouseholds are facing increasing headwinds and budgetary pressures\u201D, and if so, will he offer tax relief to households who are ineligible for Working for Families support?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002241f9b05122b443a69d1ef24d85dcb93b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: In answer to the first part of the question, yes, and that is precisely why the Government has acted the way that we have. If the member wants to talk about meaningful tax relief, I invite her to go out and talk to people who are earning around $48,000 a year and explain to them why $2 a week is meaningful for them, where thousands of dollars a year is suddenly meaningful for her and her colleagues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a394c5e24024dbe8611d859303de08f\u0022\u003EDavid Seymour\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister accept that core Crown tax revenue taken from New Zealanders has increased by $17 billion a year since 2020, and if so, how is that not the time to cut taxes and let people keep some more of their own money?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f2857b686b14ef385939388010cc9c1\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What I do accept is that, yes, the Crown\u2019s tax take has increased. That is partly as a result of the fact that companies are making greater profits, partly as a result of the fact that more people are being employed and earning higher wages, and partly as a result of the fact that we\u2019ve had confidence in the economy that means people have been going out and spending.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002286cf7760a5a346a08910bc0566bea60b\u0022\u003EDavid Seymour\u003C/span\u003E: If things are so good, then, why can\u2019t the Government afford for people to keep some more of their own money when they\u2019re facing record high prices and being squeezed at the petrol pump and the checkout?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad39ad4a1fec4ff688df44769435c72a\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: On the last point around the fuel, that\u2019s precisely why the Government did do what we\u2019ve done in terms of moving swiftly to make sure that we relieve that pain at the pump. Overall, the Government\u2019s tried to get the balance right here. That\u2019s making sure that we do support those on low and middle incomes, who are the most affected by rising prices, while at the same time making sure that we do actually invest in health, education, housing, and the public services that New Zealanders want and deserve.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b7d9f5975025414fa3a53caf3c08448c\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Is it the Minister\u2019s position that New Zealanders who don\u2019t qualify for a Government benefit or Working for Families are too rich to need tax reduction, and if so, how does he explain that to a New Zealander earning an average wage of $72,000 a year confronting a cost of living crisis with no income relief in sight?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e46e65e0f3004ef39ae8ecc937e5be42\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: No, I don\u2019t accept the first part of the member\u2019s question. In answer to the second part of the member\u2019s question, on this side of the House we understand that all New Zealanders benefit from a properly funded health system. That isn\u2019t something that the National Government delivered back to New Zealand when we took office. We have consistently continued to increase that investment, but much, much more needs to be done. The member might want to reflect on those who sit around her who want a great deal more money spent in our health system, but that won\u2019t be able to happen with the tax cut package she\u2019s proposing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022564e997359304632810e5da7ab524e0b\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Why would he deny $1,600 in tax relief for a two-income family, each earning $60,000 a year, who are faced with a cost of living crisis\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d2121030153a45b2bb6d6c526719f250\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The question\u2014just get to the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226226e7dfda1b40eb84891d6e78459cce\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Why would he deny the tax relief to that family facing the cost of living crisis, rising mortgage payments, and predictions of worse to come?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266be79bb29754040a66b888e8c95b70b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: On this side of the House, what we are ensuring is that those who are the most affected by the increase in the cost of living do get support. At the same time, we have reduced fuel excise duty, which means that every single household in the country that relies on going to the petrol station is better off.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226bf11b4ee46340dd86a80f3c5242df98\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Why should a worker whose wage has only just kept up with inflation pay more tax today than they did four years ago, and why won\u2019t that Minister provide $800 in annual tax relief to someone earning $60,000 a year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f0c83a9a4c2445e8587a1b48079f582\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: On this side of the House, we\u2019re extremely proud of the fact that wages have actually gone ahead of inflation for the period of time that we have been in Government, up until the point that we have a global supply chain crisis and we have a war in Ukraine. On this side of the House, we want to make sure that we support low and middle income people through this, and all New Zealanders, through initiatives such as the fuel excise duty cut. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a713e910d4fd438b83741b0d3fc47ccf\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Is he concerned about New Zealanders like Sarah, who writes, \u201CMy family have left New Zealand as we cannot afford to live there anymore. We are now in Brisbane. Our rent has halved, our cost of living has halved, and there are plenty more opportunities for us all.\u201D, and will his Budget contain measures to ensure tax-paying middle-income Kiwis can see better prospects in New Zealand than over the Ditch?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c26b147daea049b5a197387f3b814042\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What the Budget will contain is a continuation of this Government\u2019s balanced approach that makes sure that we invest in health, that we invest in education, that we invest in housing, and that we do support New Zealanders to make sure that they\u2019ve got economic security through good times and bad. What the member\u2019s party is proposing is once again the National Party tilting the playing field to those who have the most away from those who have the least. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a7819f6b468949398866eb4d89a20fb0\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u0022fc51b637d9b348f6befd16fb97e45512\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fc51b637d9b348f6befd16fb97e45512\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u0022afb325cdb0804201879b0f58ab922534\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022afb325cdb0804201879b0f58ab922534\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Statistics New Zealand reported earlier this month the GDP rebounded by a solid 3 percent in the December 2021 quarter. On an annual basis, the economy grew 5.6 percent and was 3.5 percent higher than the pre-pandemic December 2019 quarter. The New Zealand economy finished 2021 in good shape overall and shows that the actions of hard-working New Zealanders are making sure that we respond to the pandemic well. The support from the wage subsidy scheme and the resurgence support payment help cushion the impacts of Delta and allow businesses to bounce back quickly. Unemployment is at a record low and we\u2019re in a strong fiscal position with debt levels well below those of countries we compare ourselves with.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3c7d7a305d54c879217bf372ba2ecd3\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: How widespread was the growth in the December quarter?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb7a272adbb14bcd94b1709d07078ea4\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: The expansion was broad-based. The services industries, which make up two-thirds of our economy, rose 2.5 percent, with strong gains in retail accommodation and restaurants. And with the opening up of the borders, the future is bright for those in those sectors. The goods-producing sector also performed strongly, with manufacturing up 6.5 percent and construction up 8.7 percent. In contrast, primary industries during this period did see a fall of 2.2 percent as inclement weather affected growing conditions. We know that some sectors and regions and businesses have been doing it tough. We\u2019re continuing to support those who have been affected the most, and, as our borders open to workers and tourists, that will help accelerate our recovery and build on New Zealanders\u2019 successful response to COVID-19.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b1e07e96061b4677b6ca420e2a5518c1\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: What other reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022230251f8af964639b943ef7d6a6d149e\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the ANZ New Zealand Business Outlook for March was released today and it shows that business confidence has recovered by 10 points, while firms\u2019 own confidence in their activity rose five points. Activity indicators generally, including hiring and investment intentions, also lifted slightly. ANZ said that the improvement was likely due to waning fears about the impact of the Omicron outbreak, although everyone acknowledges the confidence does remain low against historical trends. We recognise that challenges remain as businesses deal with inflation pressures due to global factors, including Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, which has driven up oil prices, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on supply chains. While economic growth is forecast to slow this year, the resilience of the New Zealand economy and our strong fiscal position means we\u2019re in good shape to be able to support New Zealanders to deal with these challenges.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227d2a9d11c7f74877aa052bcc2946bd98\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022 data-id=\u00225f162c8bdeeb4211821b6a8d12dcd69a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225f162c8bdeeb4211821b6a8d12dcd69a\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON (National\u2014Taup\u014D)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she believe too many New Zealanders are dependent on jobseeker support; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u0022149aae9d4e6848cbb859a6bbf99b91b1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022149aae9d4e6848cbb859a6bbf99b91b1\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Jobseeker support is there for New Zealanders who need it and qualify. Over the course of the past two years, many people have had to grapple with the possibility of losing jobs. Many New Zealanders became more aware of what they may or may not be eligible for through the welfare system. We believe the welfare system is an integral safety net for those that lose jobs or are unable to find employment. We also need to keep in mind that of the 178,821 receiving jobseeker support, 77,619 receive the health and disability exemption. We would also never deny sick or disabled New Zealanders access to the welfare system where they are eligible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bc6bb60c8f8842f0ae09e35ae896a6f4\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: How can the Minister claim \u201CWe are tracking in the right direction.\u201D, when 116,000 people have now spent longer than one year on jobseeker\u2014an almost 50,000 increase under Labour\u2014when businesses are desperate for workers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e217f12f51594c289bb9693341dc1aec\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: If we look at what was happening two years following the global financial crisis, we see that about 13.1 percent of the working-age population was on benefit. At the moment, we have gone through a very serious economic crisis, off the back of the pandemic, and two years after it started we are looking at 11.1 percent of our working-age population on benefit. Early predictions were much worse than what we\u2019re seeing now, and what we are seeing are the best exits off benefit into employment than we\u2019ve ever seen since economic records were kept or started being kept. We absolutely do believe that we are tracking in the right direction and we are focused on continuing with this mahi.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022617549e6f812439999f9ab957b6832b3\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: How can she claim \u201CWe have increased our focus on getting people back into work.\u201D, when fewer people on benefit for three years or longer have exited into employment in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 compared to 2017?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002200c850120ad8470f8fdeab887e3cdd23\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019ve discussed these numbers in the House before. When you have an increase\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022838a4519192d4e50af39454c7897c33b\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: No, we haven\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd7bd957c1424ba3b9d8e27fb45775a1\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7e2ed89f3dc4156a6777ae45d2c8fe9\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014an increase\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b00cb5ece4b3428eb45596abf6f155ec\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Keep going.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220dda97cbb27f4acfb38f75616171683d\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: When you have an increase in the numbers of people on benefit, then in every time period you will see that raw figure go up as well. There hasn\u2019t been a significant increase in the proportions in any given category. However, we do watch it closely. It\u2019s also important to note that when we have difficult economic times and the labour market is tight, which at times it has been over the course of the last two years, then those that were already disadvantaged in the employment market will be even more disadvantaged in the employment market. So we continue to invest in the right places and are targeting those who need most support through the welfare system not only for income support but, of course, for upskilling and training and employment support.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251f25b77f7524628bf78e90a0b702261\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Should someone be able to continue receiving the jobseeker benefit if they do not take up a vacancy in a local supermarket?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226d17c4e60a7d4310afed5083e9280cd5\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: The member really needs to be clear that she\u2019s talking about the jobseeker work-ready versus the jobseeker benefit where people have a health condition or disability. About 43 percent of those that are on the jobseeker benefit have an exemption because of health condition or disability. In the past, unfortunately, there has been very little focus on supporting that particular cohort, and only recently have we, as a Government, launched a\u2014the first ever, I believe\u2014disability employment action plan. There are lots of barriers in place for people that are on benefit to finding employment, and we shouldn\u2019t just put it down to their lack of willingness to work. We\u2019re very focused on removing those barriers whilst supporting those people into employment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222b61c408ca9d4d899c97aa7b498339e8\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree that children\u2019s outcomes are better with a parent in work? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228099ff36b0ee42508df0c07c8235c727\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, often that is the case. That\u2019s why we invested as a Government into the Training Incentive Allowance\u2014the Training Incentive Allowance that was disestablished by the previous National Government. All of the research tells us that a child\u2019s level of education\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc8d04b940b3431aaecb0a7e329c486d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I am going to interrupt the Minister. She, I think, answered the question in the first word, and some of her answers have been very long. Is there a further supplementary? No.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022133eae9aeacc4343aea75a9d1a61e061\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Energy and Resources\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022 data-id=\u0022c5a171b143d64d03a9a1188838554ea2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c5a171b143d64d03a9a1188838554ea2\u0022\u003EGLEN BENNETT (Labour\u2014New Plymouth)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What is the Government doing to enable development of offshore renewable energy in New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u00223f7644713a3440aabab8506ba438779e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223f7644713a3440aabab8506ba438779e\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister of Energy and Resources):\u003C/span\u003E In November last year, I announced the Government would commence work on the regulatory settings needed to enable the development of offshore wind generation in New Zealand. The Government recognises New Zealand\u2019s significant potential for offshore wind generation presents an exciting opportunity to support our transition to net zero carbon by 2050, stimulate regional economic activity, create jobs, and provide renewable electricity. We will be working with stakeholders, including iwi, Transpower, the New Zealand Wind Energy Association, Government agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and others, on the settings to enable offshore wind generation. The work is already providing certainty to investors, with a number of major future investments in offshore wind on the horizon.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222c1eb996f6624d509da673f80d8f03a1\u0022\u003EGlen Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: What response has she seen to the work the Government is doing to enable offshore wind development?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022094f7a51050d44169466e67983ea88bb\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: In the last few months, we\u2019ve seen interest from a number of potential independent generation partners looking to invest in offshore wind generation. Yesterday, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners announced feasibility work into a massive wind energy development offshore in the South Taranaki Bight. The project is initially planned to deliver 1 gigawatt of electricity, 11 percent of New Zealand\u2019s current electricity demand, and could power over 650,000 homes. The project would see an estimated $5 billion pumped into the New Zealand economy, including in Taranaki, stimulating regional economic activity and creating jobs. It\u2019s an example of the kind of exciting 21st century energy projects that will help us decarbonise our energy system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227bb135f09b6844a3ad159ea927691c53\u0022\u003EGlen Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: What will be the role of iwi in the development of offshore wind in Aotearoa?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022666bd1f14cfc4d13b2bafdb3e6fffa46\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: It is crucial that M\u0101ori interests and rights are incorporated, and, therefore, any regulatory tools or frameworks will need to be worked through in a meaningful partnership with iwi M\u0101ori. I\u2019ve already met with iwi leaders in Taranaki, who have shared their views on how we can work together on a fair and equitable transition away from fossil fuels in Taranaki. Iwi leaders have shown strong interest in new energy projects and the potential of offshore wind. Our engagement will continue while we work to understand the significant benefits of offshore wind.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002251ac3f01b2df4d05a212eed6f2757f2f\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Health\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022 data-id=\u0022fadd45b0d7694fae958f6f2689f21d83\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fadd45b0d7694fae958f6f2689f21d83\u0022\u003EMATT DOOCEY (National\u2014Waimakariri)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: Does he agree with the Mental Health and Well-being Commission\u2019s monitoring report finding that \u201Cimprovements in services have not materialised as we had hoped for over this time\u201D, and what is his response to the article in New Zealand Doctor that says, \u201Cthe $1.9 billion Wellbeing Budget touted as a game-changer, the Government has done little or nothing for mental wellbeing\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022802e8b6622c0486aa1061fa5ce36ecb3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022802e8b6622c0486aa1061fa5ce36ecb3\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E I acknowledge the total context in which the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission made its findings, which also included the following finding: \u201Cwe [the commission] acknowledge some examples of genuine progress. There is evidence of growing collaboration between public health services and other community-based organisations. We recognise the enormous effort that is going on to effect changes like this, which we believe will ultimately pay huge dividends in service improvements.\u201D It should be noted that this report that the member refers to did not focus on the access and choice programme, which is the integrated primary mental health care programme we\u2019re implementing and which was the subject of a separate published report last October. But I do agree with and acknowledge the sentiment of the latest report by the commission, which is that there has been slow progress in improvements in the acute end of mental health care. So far, as this Government rebuilds mental health services, which were badly neglected by the previous Government, we have given priority to primary mental health services. This has seen around 870 fulltime-equivalent new front-line positions created that were not in place two years ago. Regarding the comments by Barbara Docherty, I have read the article that Ms Docherty wrote and I find her comments ill-informed and confused.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ebcc198c66c344ac8a599a44eb89f9da\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware of the report finding \u201Caccess to specialist mental health \u2026 and addiction services has not changed over the past five years.\u201D; and does he think this is a good outcome for the $1.9 billion announced for mental health by his Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251268a9b28c043129a1842dc69ade802\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I am aware of that comment and that\u2019s why I also reminded the member that the centrepiece of the $1.9 billion programme is the money that this Government is putting into primary mental health care services. The 2018 report He Ara Oranga made it very clear that the biggest gap in mental health services was for those with mild to moderate mental health conditions and that report recommended that priority be given to those services. That\u2019s what we\u2019ve given priority to; that explains the 870 fulltime-equivalent new roles in primary mental health care services. The reason why I find Ms Docherty\u2019s comments so confusing is that she seemed to be criticising this Government, separately from the primary mental health care services, for a recruitment campaign to get more mental health workers into the acute end of services. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221eb4838fc47a4b3cba23885cf7902fa7\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: When he says his new front-line mental health service at 870 fulltime-equivalents at 20,000 sessions a month, has he done the figures that show that is one appointment per worker per working day?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f219cdf124994657809879099c7a9805\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve got around and met some of the people who are actually doing these front-line roles, doing many sessions, many appointments in their work, and they are doing fantastic work\u2014doing the very sort of work that Ms Docherty says in her article needs to be done. So, for example, last week I met Adam. Adam is a former butcher by trade but he\u2019s got into mental health supported services through a range of his own personal experiences and he is doing incredible work with a range of people in the Tauranga Moana area and helping them get on top of fitness issues, activity issues, and nutrition issues to the point where the day I met him he had that very morning accompanied one of the people who he was supporting in a trip to the supermarket to assist them in making good choices on food and nutrition. That\u2019s the stuff that actually makes a difference to people and gets their lives back under control and helps with their mental wellbeing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cbfd4d1f92fa4b00a20694159e8774c3\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. I asked the question: was he aware of the calculation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8631da53a1f476fa33450d4cff35562\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: And we had a very, very long answer\u2014[Interruption] Ms Willis, will you ever learn?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235bef6061a4c49cea00909586d6e1d91\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: I was genuinely laughing at your joke.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295f9ee7e48284f458c2c8f8368ab9ce7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m now trying to decide whether the member wants to stay here or not. You know, getting up and putting another comment in while I\u2019m on my feet is even sillier than her first attempt. Now, Mr Doocey, your question as to calculations and maths was right at the edge of being ruled out. We had an answer which was, as I indicated, far too long and addressed much more than it should have. Do you want a further supplementary? If so, wait until after Brooke van Velden. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002266f06e7e-afa8-457f-a105-048b86a13282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f68bed5930f4c35b5b244ae74c6cac2\u0022\u003EBrooke van Velden\u003C/span\u003E: Does he believe that money spent is a better indicator of success than measured results? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022597d2b98e21f472eb7cfa36cb00249c6\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: No. I look at what is actually happening on the ground and when you add 870 fulltime-equivalent roles to the front line of our mental health services\u2014so people who have levels of anxiety, low levels of depression, people who just need that little bit of extra help to get on top of the issues that they are confronting in their lives and can get that free of charge, and ongoing assistance\u2014that\u2019s the stuff that makes a difference. It\u2019s happening now and it\u2019s helping New Zealanders up and down the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022982ec2e3569640ce909b5354755c028d\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware of reports that there has been a \u201Ccatastrophic collapse\u201D of Wellington\u2019s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, with an exodus of staff resulting in ballooning waiting times, and does he think this is a good outcome of the $1.9 billion announced for mental health by his Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225b96782ce71145e897c11260b25a1d28\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll try to help the member again, because the principal investment made in the $1.9 billion was for services for those with mild to moderate mental health problems. We know that there continue to be challenges in the acute end of services and, in Wellington, I can assure the member that the DHB is taking appropriate action, including relying on the assistance of senior mental health professionals from other DHBs and from out of the region, and doing their best to keep abreast of the major challenges that the services here in Wellington are facing. When I look across acute mental health services generally across the country, they are holding up, but it is true to say\u2014as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission acknowledged\u2014more assistance is required. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222432c19a6338473c91803fd8b57e7ba6\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: Can he explain why solitary confinement, as shown by this graph, was trending down prior to 2017, and is now at record levels under his Government? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002245111bc58a0e4215ab502dc58fefd321\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: What we do know is, from a range of reports from the Ombudsman and from other independent monitors, that this has continued to be a problem. I think the most recent reports show that most DHBs who operate mental health facilities, where this has become a regular practice, it is starting to improve but more is required, and that is why\u2014and again, in accordance with the recommendations of the He Ara Oranga report\u2014we are reviewing the mental health Act so that the powers and responsibilities of those running acute mental health services are aware of their responsibilities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222a8434d0ea7445da81dfc72fd7b1070e\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014COVID-19 Response\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022 data-id=\u002245bbf326b9ec4bef8dcafff657e029a1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002245bbf326b9ec4bef8dcafff657e029a1\u0022\u003EPAUL EAGLE (Labour\u2014Rongotai)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What recent announcements have been made relating to changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u002238adf0620e64450390562f58a48c80c2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002238adf0620e64450390562f58a48c80c2\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister for COVID-19 Response):\u003C/span\u003E Last week, the Government announced simplified changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework that are designed to target the restrictions to those activities which reduce transmission of the virus the most. These new settings, which came into effect last Friday, support greater economic activity and get everyone closer to feeling that life is back to something more normal whilst also continuing to manage COVID-19 and provide protection and care for those who need it the most. New Zealanders have worked incredibly hard to get through this pandemic, and as a result of those efforts, we\u2019re now in a position to move forward and to change the way that we do things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022905e1a804b284c398bd011ef3ef8e891\u0022\u003EPaul Eagle\u003C/span\u003E: What do these changes mean at red, and is he confident that it is safe to make these changes in the current environment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022651c8764ce614d089c091038b7c4cfd2\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: At red, face mask requirements remain the same for indoor venues, but they\u2019re no longer required outdoors, recognising that outdoors, the transmission risk is significantly lower. Where a My Vaccine Pass is used, indoor capacity limits increase up to 200, noting that seated and separated rules for food and drink in businesses will remain at red. All of these changes have been informed by public health advice based on the latest evidence from here and overseas, and on the advice of the Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group. With our high vaccination rates and the immunity acquired from the current outbreak, we can manage future waves of Omicron with less restrictive settings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d492fb78370415ea22464e898929852\u0022\u003EPaul Eagle\u003C/span\u003E: What will these changes mean at orange, and does this modified framework account for the possibility of a new variant?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022476e6837f53e469da847dc89d494778d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: At orange, all capacity limits are removed but face masks are still required in many indoor settings. For indoor events, we know that close contact is a higher risk, so to help organisers continue to provide the safest possible environments, we\u2019re encouraging larger events that have over 500 people to either add extra capacity at their venue or to provide seating. It\u2019s an encouragement, not a requirement. The public health measures that we use are under constant review, and then we continue to be informed by public health advice, and when the virus has changed, so too has our approach. If another variant does emerge that is more severe, our approach will continue to be informed by public health advice. Keeping the traffic light framework in place helps us to minimise the current outbreak whilst also helping to protect us against future unknowns.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ab18172a58164236ae8c2595045b1629\u0022\u003EPaul Eagle\u003C/span\u003E: What do these changes mean at green, and what is the ongoing plan for quick response (QR) codes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f35fc0c9ced54671959b5e9544d59917\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Ultimately, green means guidance and not requirements. However, we want people to keep up good health habits and to look after those of us in the community who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Green is very much the new normal. There are no requirements or restrictions, but there is some additional guidance. With regard to QR codes, people are no longer required to scan at any level of the framework, and businesses are no longer required to provide the mechanism to do that. However, if a variant arises in the world which evades vaccine, or is more deadly, contact tracing will likely become critical once again. So we don\u2019t want to throw away all the hard work, expertise, and learning which went into the process the first time around. So we\u2019re asking that businesses and others stand ready to be able to put up their QR codes again if required, and for people to be prepared to pull out their tracer app again if it\u2019s needed in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222f978b05fd3f4a4da944cad2eff5e946\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Local Government\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u0022a888595c14754492bf7ee31691803100\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a888595c14754492bf7ee31691803100\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Local Government: Does she stand by her statement that \u201CM\u0101ori have not expressed rights and interests in three waters assets over and above those as ratepayers within their respective communities of interest\u201D; if so, what justification is there to apply a co-governance model to three waters entities?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u002242f158d59d124387a9b4bcbc3d10e5c4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002242f158d59d124387a9b4bcbc3d10e5c4\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Acting Minister of Local Government):\u003C/span\u003E On behalf of the Minister, yes, I stand by my statement. Iwi have not expressed rights and interests in the assets themselves. That is not to say that they do not have rights and interests in the three waters system more broadly and an interest in service delivery. What I have heard is a concern from iwi about the state of water infrastructure, the safety of our drinking water, and protecting our freshwater resources for future generations. These are concerns that we share, and that\u2019s why we\u2019re undertaking the three waters reforms. The current situation where thousands of New Zealanders get sick from their drinking water is simply unacceptable and doing nothing is not an option.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b4b589b753c41d68121126f2dbd3960\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Does this mean that over four years of consultation on the Three Waters Reform Programme not a single iwi or hap\u016B has expressed rights or interests in three waters assets; and, if so, why did the Minister decide that co-governance should be the centrepiece of her Three Waters Reform Programme?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022494f15329866400e90d3914509a474a2\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: In answer to the second part of that question, the centrepiece of the Three Waters Reform Programme is making sure that thousands of New Zealanders don\u2019t get sick every year from drinking the water that comes out of their tap.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255bb929e94a44e43bddd948fb356d939\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister believe that all ratepayers regardless of their ethnicity should have equal representation on three waters service delivery entities; and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229797655e37404100a2fc77fb296221e5\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I think the member needs to make sure he gets clear in his head the difference between ownership, governance, and management. In the case of these assets what we\u2019re committed to on this side of the House is public ownership. I think the ACT Party is a new-found convert to public ownership of assets like this. No\u2014Mr Seymour is shaking his head, so they\u2019re not. What we do know is we that want regional representative groups that do cover off local authorities and mana whenua in the governance space and then to make sure we have competency-based boards running the entities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe28d7f8666d4883a0878d8b4fb232cd\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Has the Minister asked iwi and hap\u016B whether they prefer a co-governance model or if they would prefer to invest in three waters assets through public-private partnerships?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022efd618f0cb4c4be0a06cab90a0916076\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Here we are\u2014the real agenda of the ACT Party is now out here, and the smokescreen that ACT is putting up around co-governance issues to cover up for the fact that they still want to privatise the assets. Roger Douglas called\u2014he wants his policies back.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d44ff9a5cb344fe8ae9c36358e604d07\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister accept that M\u0101ori have not expressed rights and interests in three waters assets and, therefore, make a commitment to dump co-governance from the three waters reform agenda?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225c728420d80e4e0d9193d013ca58e75c\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: In respect of the first part of the question, on behalf of the Minister, that\u2019s what I said in my answer. In respect of the second part of the question, no, because on this side of the House we believe that it\u2019s possible for New Zealand to have a modern, sophisticated democracy where we recognise the rights and interests of all New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002299e057c701ca4cd9b471e57c0c6fcf24\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022 data-id=\u002267c2a8e9f8f840b58bcb635281bafe17\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002267c2a8e9f8f840b58bcb635281bafe17\u0022\u003EBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour\u2014Mana)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: What recent progress has been made to improve transport links in the Wellington region?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u00227d07e1f6da30430d9cd68066bbc46f51\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227d07e1f6da30430d9cd68066bbc46f51\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E It was my pleasure to join the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and parliamentary colleagues\u2014past and present\u2014to officially open Transmission Gully today. This road represents one of the largest Government investments in New Zealand\u2019s transport infrastructure in a generation. It\u2019ll transform the Wellington region, making it quicker and easier for goods and people to travel through the lower North Island. The 7- to 15-minute shorter journey for about 25,000 vehicles per day means a productivity gain of around 1,600 hours, meaning less time spent in cars, and more time at work and with family. I know this day has been a long time coming for Wellingtonians. Ministers have worked hard to ensure that the road can open safely, as soon as possible. I\u2019m sure that Wellingtonians will enjoy the benefits of this important asset. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd87902fab4246bbbd7809360f594e5a\u0022\u003EGreg O\u2019Connor\u003C/span\u003E: How will projects such as Transmission Gully contribute to the COVID-19 economic recovery? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb394d961e8e4b41a7a622a68da3e291\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: Projects such as Transmission Gully will help New Zealand to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19 better. Transmission Gully will develop economic benefits, with faster movement of freight and people around the region. It\u2019ll build more resilience into our transport links. This is why the Government is investing a record amount into infrastructure all across New Zealand, to reconnect New Zealanders, to reduce emissions, and also to support jobs across our economy. As part of the 2021-24 National Land Transport Programme, and with local government, the Government is investing a record $24.3 billion into transport services and infrastructure\u201474 percent more than the previous Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222aedbfc0dcf842ee950077539f602e80\u0022\u003EGinny Andersen\u003C/span\u003E: What safety and resilience benefits will Transmission Gully provide? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac9dc2509d5d459bb814e5f951490a2f\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: The Government\u2019s road safety vision is an Aotearoa where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads. Reaching this vision requires improving all parts of our transport system: safer roads, safer vehicles, safer drivers, and safer speeds. Transmission Gully is built to the highest possible safety specifications, and will provide a much safer route for road-users in the Wellington region. The new motorway will also see fewer vehicles using the old coastal route. Transmission Gully also provides a safer and more reliable route to ensure that Wellington remains connected in the event of an earthquake, or a major storm severing other transport links. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208fc83c9e2c64c848840a52b6161b1eb\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister have any reflections, on this historic day, about what could have been done better when it comes to the construction of Transmission Gully?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022894440c170934445b5e59ebfad9bc291\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: The Government shouldn\u2019t have rolled over in the first place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a43eb1ea3acf48ce8a70d724ba66c0d9\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I have a number of reflections, but let me keep it relatively brief in response to the member\u2019s question. It\u2019s very important that when any Government invests in significant infrastructure projects like this that they do so in a competent way, that they do so in a way that is transparent, and that they do so in a way that ensures value for taxpayers\u2019 money. There are many lessons to be learnt from this project, and I refer members of the House to a recent report from the Auditor-General to give good information around that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002297c8dc8b09214ba0b2ed3a0d9482ce62\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I\u2019m just trying to reflect on whether that question and answer breached the\u2014I think it came very close, and on that basis I will give Mr Brownlee the opportunity to ask an extra supplementary if he so wishes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002298fe505f97594f8d8a641aab07e11f91\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t have a\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225f6f6b74a4414552826091c9da8055d0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, he doesn\u2019t. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e94192ef626e45d1bae6e898ee45edf9\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002219f3dc99f82e4bce9558ce695a4184e0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c4cc152225746f3b6e508c991408d96\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, I\u2019ll take Mr Brownlee\u2019s supplementary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226d9340f92f0c47d786a7110fc95ae96b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, you won\u2019t. It\u2019ll be a long time until the member gets to that point.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022341425d2ef33487eb774f1c3b47fc668\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u002246101d12db794a439c2687bc24fbe540\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002246101d12db794a439c2687bc24fbe540\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: Does he have confidence that the Government is not increasing the cost of vehicles for New Zealanders; if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u0022a4bf915b312d4b85a18778b74624dda5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a4bf915b312d4b85a18778b74624dda5\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, I do. The Government is committed to ensuring the cost of vehicles are manageable and that fast and reliable public transport alternatives are available, particularly for New Zealanders on the lowest incomes. That\u2019s why, for example, we\u2019ve reduced fuel excise duty and will be reducing road-user charges for the next three months. We\u2019ve halved public transport fares for the same period. We\u2019re offering rebates for new and used low-emissions vehicles, and we\u2019ve started work to reduce the cost of getting a driver\u2019s licence. On this side of the House, we\u2019re supporting Kiwis not only to manage the cost of vehicles but we\u2019re also committed to expanding access to low emissions vehicles and public transport options that will help New Zealand reach our decarbonisation goals.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279a667ef3c774640a44994a3d7b063c8\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Why are the fees under the Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act coming into force this Friday when it will significantly increase the cost of many vehicles by thousands of dollars for Kiwis, who are already struggling under a cost of living crisis?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022175123e42dfe4781ae68f38604bd5c7c\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: If the member is referring to the fees that come into effect as a result of the clean car standard, it\u2019s important for members of the House to be aware that those fees do not in fact come into effect until 2023. If he\u2019s referring to the fees that come into effect as a result of the clean car discount, then it\u2019s important for people to be aware that balancing out those fees, there are a range of significant discounts on vehicles and that, in fact, recent modelling shows that more than half of the vehicles\u2014both new and used\u2014coming into the country will either attract no fee or will attract a discount. What importers of vehicles also tell me is that the clean car scheme is supporting them to get increased stock of clean and more efficient vehicles into the New Zealand market, which is good for Kiwi consumers in terms of giving them more efficient vehicles.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a43de693a0ad450bb24020e74c6b1cfc\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Prime Minister, who stated of ute buyers that \u201CA large number of those buyers of those vehicles are not using them for the legitimate use\u201D, and, if so, is this why the Government is increasing the cost of utes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202ed5356f9c04b0b91648106831d6a87\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I always agree with the Prime Minister. The member\u2019s characterisation of why the Government is pursuing its clean car package policy is not correct and I do not agree with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022311306a848164d85917c34883b153606\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Motor Industry Association chief executive, who said, \u201Cplug-in hybrid utes might become more widely available by 2025 and full battery electric utes after that.\u201D, and, if so, why is he penalising farmers and tradies with a ute tax when they currently have no electric alternative?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022551d1c4959da49feba65705c039f66e8\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I agree with the Motor Industry Association, along with the vehicle importers association, along with the Automobile Association (AA)\u2014all of whom support the Government\u2019s clean car discount scheme. I\u2019m also very pleased to confirm to the member and the House that the first vehicle importer into New Zealand to offer an electric ute\u2014LDV\u2014has started taking orders on those vehicles in recent weeks, and the industry assures me that they continue to work very hard to improve the supply coming into New Zealand over the next 12 to 24 months.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c199ecdd80644f18b368349b2ecd68b0\u0022\u003ESimeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: So how many fully electric utes will be available in New Zealand this Friday?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224f201c3936ba48a7a632bc9679dbde90\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: As I\u2019ve just explained to the member, LDV, the first importer who has confirmed they will be bringing electric utes into New Zealand, is starting to take orders on them, which are expected to come in later on in the year. But what the member also needs to know is that the vast majority of utes which are bought and sold in the New Zealand market place, are bought and sold on the second-hand market, which is unaffected by the clean car discount scheme.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e2a81271b973494789a493262dfefb64\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u00226cacb86ecd41400eb6413e500119c0ac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226cacb86ecd41400eb6413e500119c0ac\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Does he agree that disabled migrants are discriminated against by the acceptable standard of health criteria in immigration policy; if so, will he commit to an immigration system that upholds the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022d3cc74c5e97f478c9cf2d6e51c696ef1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d3cc74c5e97f478c9cf2d6e51c696ef1\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Attorney-General)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Immigration: On behalf of the Minister of Immigration, this Government supports inclusive policies for migrants with disabilities. This does need to be balanced with ensuring that people who apply to move here will not place significant demands on our health system, which has a finite capacity to provide for the universal healthcare needs of New Zealanders. That is why we have a threshold test. Partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents, and refugees, will ordinarily be granted a waiver of that threshold, even if it\u2019s not met. A balance is appropriate. The Government is reviewing whether the current threshold is appropriate but is not proposing to remove all thresholds.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec13ec5bbd39472eb41fb598e7e0de98\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think it\u2019s inclusive to send Ruby, a four-year-old girl who was born here, back to Ireland due to her TBCK diagnosis, and reflective of the value of care and inclusivity that this Government claims to uphold?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002203438208d71c411e97fbdb0d79af62dc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Can I just check whether the member has the agreement of the family to bring that person up in the House? I\u2019m not going to rule the question out, but members normally do, when they\u2019re bringing up a very specific individual immigration case like that, make it clear that they\u2019re doing it with the permission of the people involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c6bb7459a18346e9b94a257d142d2a47\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022961baefa78714ed5aee7db667fcaf4f4\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: There will always be difficult cases where individuals do not meet immigration requirements, and there is a waiver system to ensure that discretion remains, but that does not mean that the discretion will always be exercised in favour of waiver of rules.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220baf3e5323464cf68c674d9fa4141e69\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Why is he applying the discriminatory acceptable standard of health policy to convention and community sponsorship refugees, and does he think this is a humanitarian approach to refugee resettlement?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ef14280f42dd4f8b8155622d64b31ad4\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Answering as I am on behalf of the Minister, I\u2019m not briefed on that particular issue, so if the member would like to either ask that when the Minister is in the House or put down a written question, I\u2019m sure that could be addressed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022391ec5b8646241e586ee34a2b64d1477\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Will he commit to working with disabled people and the Office for Disability Issues to review the acceptable standard of health policy, and if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022150659eecb284f6d9edbece0ed20a2b5\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: As I said in answer to an earlier question, the threshold is being reviewed, but it\u2019s not proposed to drop it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002228bb8777b26a42358fef920aba91edb4\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Why is he only choosing to review the $41,000 acceptable standard of health cost threshold, given that recommendations from the disability convention\u2019s Independent Monitoring Mechanism, migrants personally impacted, the Office for Disability Issues, and the Education and Workforce Committee all point to the need to either remove this policy or carry out a much wider review?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229e14095addea4883a10af933d9b709c9\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Because we do not believe it is either necessary or appropriate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002289bf46c4d42c487088829aa9d469b915\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Commerce and Consumer Affairs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022 data-id=\u00227f9ddf70545b49d59a133d5a0762ec8e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227f9ddf70545b49d59a133d5a0762ec8e\u0022\u003ENAISI CHEN (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent announcements has he made regarding updates to responsible lending rules?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022f7b79c83a9664684a71e6215c67483f9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f7b79c83a9664684a71e6215c67483f9\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E The Government is making amendments to responsible lending rules to curb any unintended consequences that might be caused by the Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) legislation. The amendments we\u2019re making are informed by the feedback I\u2019ve received from banks, from other lenders, from consumers, and from budget advisers, and they sit comfortably within the intent of the Act. During my meetings with banks in particular, I\u2019ve detected little enthusiasm for wholesale changes to the Act but instead a preference for practical amendments which ensure the purposes of the legislation are best met.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227aaaac625d9e4586957daf564c832b1b\u0022\u003ENaisi Chen\u003C/span\u003E: What does this mean for the review being run by the Council of Financial Regulators?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022877c0540431c483cbf3259da615f6739\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: That broader investigation is ongoing. Thus far, the investigation has thrown up no reason to believe the CCCFA is the main driver in reduced lending. The Reserve Bank\u2019s December figures highlight seasonal variations as a prominent contributor. Furthermore, in December 2021, first-home buyer lending was still above lending for the same month in 2017, 2018, and 2019\u2014and well above first-home buyer lending prior to that. It\u2019s important to note that the practical changes we\u2019re making are not the final word, and further amendments will be considered after the full investigation wraps up in April.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e610ec0c79164263bfaa32ab71efc7fd\u0022\u003ENaisi Chen\u003C/span\u003E: What reaction has he seen, following the announcement?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002299f0bb87a79f4b35b6ca4eadea2e4f13\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: John Bolton, the chief executive of lender Squirrel, remarked that these were appropriate changes that didn\u2019t throw out the baby with the bath water. He went on to say that it was a \u201Cgood outcome\u201D. Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich praised the changes as quick action which would make a significant difference for consumers. In the last 24 hours, we\u2019ve heard from Harcourts managing director Bryan Thomson, who told media that the amendments were \u201Cheartening news for first-home buyers and others trying to make home-buying decisions from across the board\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022553ae49ddd5044e19c82730623ea3bbb\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Police\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022 data-id=\u00226549a17fc62e4fee9adb6e65c7acb1a4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226549a17fc62e4fee9adb6e65c7acb1a4\u0022\u003EHon MARK MITCHELL (National\u2014Whangapar\u0101oa)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by her statement \u201Cthe reality is that this Government has never been more active in targeting the gangs and criminal leaders and getting them off the streets\u201D; if so, how does she reconcile that statement with the over 40 percent increase in gang membership since October 2017?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022 data-id=\u0022c024c607e1c942ce9cc7fddaa1d2026f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c024c607e1c942ce9cc7fddaa1d2026f\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS (Minister of Police):\u003C/span\u003E I thank the member for his question\u2014the same question he asked me yesterday. In answer to the first part of the member\u2019s question, yes. This Government is committed to combating the harm caused by gangs and organised crime through a variety of measures which I outlined yesterday. In answer to the member\u2019s second question, the member is referring to the national gang list\u2014an intelligence tool designed to give police a high level understanding of the gang environment. It was never designed to be an accurate statistical count of gang membership in New Zealand. This Government will continue to support police in their work to disrupt organised crime and gang membership.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022614882a8eb4f475c85a4ce6e777be584\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Why did the Minister not establish a well-resourced, dedicated national gang task force when the Labour Government was called on by National three years ago to do so; and does she think that it might have helped prevent the over 40 percent rise in gang membership and the 21 percent increase in violent crime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002230f087fb61ae4fb8a24f7ea3647ef7a8\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I stand by the record investment that this Government has made into increasing police numbers: 1,800, to be exact, 700 of which will be targeted towards organised crime. If that is not a specific group to deal with organised crime, I am not sure what is. We\u2019ve already recruited 300 and we are well on our way to having the dedicated 700 members of that organised crime group by June next year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222145ee33d2cc4f5a88e6d0c39189f142\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Has gang violence increased or decreased under her watch?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221213eeb4ac024b71bfc8e05b619ba485\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: There is no doubt that violence and gang tensions are a feature of our community and we have to do everything we can to ensure that we deal with that, and we do that by ensuring the police have the resources that they need\u2014a record $450 million increase into their budget. I might remind that member that under their Government they froze police funding, which meant there was a drop in police numbers. We are committed to 1,800 further police and we are committed to also further legislative support to ensure that our police can keep our communities as safe as possible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a9bd9b6a5ed4b6986d8dfadf79f7c50\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f97365149b442f1b8aa716404816b49\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I think I can anticipate it, but have a go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f00db287f864374bcc5a0d1a4d130a7\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Can I ask the question again, Mr Speaker?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002271001ee74132429bac9bb999533b2173\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022937193bfb2714823b7ac951cc7fff492\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you. Has gang violence increased or decreased under her watch?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236841aaa7e6248ea8003eec4568be4e4\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I reject the premise of that question, because in order to keep our communities safe, we must ensure that our police are resourced to do so. Now, I\u2019d like to remind that member yet again\u2014yet again\u2014that, under National, police numbers dropped because they froze funding. You cannot do more with less, Mr Mitchell. You must make sure your police are resourced to do the job that is in front of them, and that\u2019s what we are doing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002248a02a21-c1ac-4159-8789-485ad614bd01\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002219335597bb9a4424ac33593901558fe1\u0022\u003EHon Mark Mitchell\u003C/span\u003E: What exactly is the premise that the Minister is rejecting?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0e0c86e-e14d-4daa-9bc8-1b5a3d7defeb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b660ebbc59b94e7a8ac64602076467aa\u0022\u003EHon POTO WILLIAMS\u003C/span\u003E: I reject the premise that gang tensions have increased under this Government\u2019s watch, because we have Operation Tauwhiro, which resulted in a thousand arrests; every week, the organised crime groups are seizing millions of dollars\u2019 worth of cash and assets; they\u2019re making dozens and dozens of arrests. We are supporting the police to do a significant job. Can I remind that member he used to be a police officer and he spends every day in this House disrespecting and diminishing the work of New Zealand police, and I stand by the police every single day against your record.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229b10b7634890492182b9cbe2df90a1ef\u0022\u003EGeneral Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d8147447cea3427b94ba2bdd82616cc0\u0022\u003EGeneral Debate\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u0022f391c4091b4146d19c7309033d0a8f2b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f391c4091b4146d19c7309033d0a8f2b\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (Deputy Leader\u2014National):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the House take note of miscellaneous business. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo much for working hard to get ahead. Under this Labour Government, New Zealanders are working hard just to stand still, because they are facing a cost of living crisis: the highest inflation in 30 years; sky-rocketing costs\u2014literally \u201Cmoon-bound\u201D, in the words of ANZ; prices for everything are going up; and those prices are in a race with wages and they\u2019re running laps around wage growth. It\u2019s there at the supermarket: it\u2019s the price of cabbage; it\u2019s the price of cheese; it\u2019s the price of eggs. It\u2019s rents\u2014up $50 a week in the last year alone. That\u2019s a record rental increase in our country. It\u2019s childcare costs. It\u2019s rates. It\u2019s everywhere New Zealanders look, and it\u2019s going to get worse. ASB predict in the next year the average household will spend an additional $150 each week just to stand still. They will face diminishing living standards on this Government\u2019s watch.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo where is the Minister of Finance? Where is he on all of this? Well, he says, \u201CLet\u2019s blame Ukraine.\u201D; never mind that last year, in the year ending December, inflation in New Zealand was at a record high already\u20145.9 percent\u2014before Putin was anywhere near invading Ukraine. Far higher than in Australia\u2014only 3.5 percent\u2014far higher than Singapore and just about every other developed country we compare ourselves to. But the Minister of Finance, he says it\u2019s all about Ukraine. Never mind that, when the punch-bowl was out and the money was being borrowed, he was happy to take the credit for the economy, wasn\u2019t he? \u201COh I\u2019ve done such a good job.\u201D But now it\u2019s nothing to do with him!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo what\u2019s he going to do next? Well, he\u2019s got a plan to do the record biggest spend up in New Zealand\u2019s history. He thinks this is the time to have an operating allowance of $6 billion in the Budget. Will there be a dollar back to hard-working New Zealanders? Will there be a dollar back to those taxpayers who aren\u2019t eligible for a benefit, who aren\u2019t eligible for Working for Families? No, no, because Grant Robertson says he can afford to spend $6 billion on his pet projects but he can\u2019t afford to give tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EWhat we\u2019re expected to believe is that that\u2019s because he\u2019s going to use every dollar as carefully as possible. What we\u2019re expected to do is judge him by the amount of money he is spending, not by what it delivers. This is the same Minister of Finance who presided over a $1.9 billion boost for mental health that delivered not an extra specialist service, that was poorly coordinated, that didn\u2019t deliver outcomes. But, yet, he says, \u201CTrust me; just give me $6 billion more. I\u2019ll do better next time.\u201D This is the Minister who put billions into housing\u2014and what do we have? The longest waiting list in history. We have thousands of children living in motels. But don\u2019t worry; the officials at head office found $24 million to do up their digs! And don\u2019t worry; K\u0101inga Ora has enough money to bid against first-home buyers, to buy up State houses!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re expected to believe that this Minister will deliver, when his Prime Minister said that her reason for being in politics was to reduce child poverty. Today, as I stand here\u2014today, as I stand here\u2014there are more children growing up in benefit-dependent households than when that Minister came to office, and that is a disgrace.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003ESo that Minister may think that he can pull the wool over New Zealanders\u2019 eyes, but they get it. They know that what is needed for the economy is a Government that knows how to get bang for buck; a Government that will use their money as carefully as they have to; a Government that knows, when you add cost, someone has to pay; a Government that will have the back of those who work hard\u2014of the entrepreneurs, of the innovators, of the people who, right now, I\u2019m worried about. Because they are looking over the ditch and they\u2019re saying, \u201CYou know, over there, I\u2019ll earn more, it\u2019ll cost less, and I\u2019ll probably get a tax reduction too.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003EAnd here they are today, and I\u2019ve got a message for them. I say to them: we know the management of this country is suboptimal right now. But there is a new Government coming. A National Government will get it. We get that your money needs to be spent carefully, that the economy needs to be managed carefully, that we should judge a Government by its results, not just by its rhetoric. So hang on; National\u2019s on its way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u00229d9ee591dfcc4d07937aeb087fe543f1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229d9ee591dfcc4d07937aeb087fe543f1\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Deputy Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E It\u2019s a pleasure to follow the member Nicola Willis, funnily enough, just as we did this morning on our way out to the Transmission Gully opening, where the member sped through, at Grays Road, the amber and red light on her way there. It\u2019s the perils of driving in a branded car. Perhaps the member might have considered the option that she took when she became the deputy leader of parking her branded car in the basement, going out somewhere, and coming back in a black Mercedes, because that\u2019s what the member did when she became the deputy leader. That shows you just how out of touch this National Party is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EThere was a much better example and, sadly, a much more tragic example of that when Christopher Luxon spoke on Newstalk ZB just last week, and this is what he said: \u201Cwe don\u2019t just do bottom feeding and just focus on the bottom. We focus on people who want to be positive and ambitious and aspirational and confident. Right?\u201D Well, on this side of the House, the notion that if you perhaps are struggling or if you are perhaps growing up in a household where there aren\u2019t people in work or that there are people who are sick, you are somehow a bottom feeder or that you are somehow a person who lacks aspiration, who lacks positivity, and who lacks confidence is a disgraceful notion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EBut what it tells you is that the National Party of today, under Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis, is exactly the same as the National Party of old. Be it Christopher Luxon calling people in New Zealand bottom feeders or be it a tax policy that delivers thousands of dollars to the highest-paid New Zealanders and two bucks a week to the lowest-paid New Zealanders, it\u2019s the same old National Party: favouring those who are the best off and ignoring those who are the worst off. I think Christopher Luxon needs to reflect for a minute, because he tried to explain this away and justify it. But let\u2019s be absolutely clear: he doesn\u2019t think that people in New Zealand who are in receipt of income support or who are struggling at the moment have aspiration. He doesn\u2019t think that they have confidence. He doesn\u2019t think they deserve to be positive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EI can recall on the night that Justin Lester was elected as the Mayor of Wellington listening to Justin speak, and Justin has talked about this very openly in public\u2014that his family was one that relied on a benefit when he was growing up. That\u2019s a person who went on to start a successful business. That\u2019s a person who went on to become the mayor of a major city. That\u2019s a person who\u2019s now a successful entrepreneur. Here\u2019s what Justin said on election night in 2016 for local government: \u201CTonight proves it doesn\u2019t matter where you come from, it doesn\u2019t matter how much money you\u2019ve got in the bank, it doesn\u2019t matter if you have two parents or just one. It [just] matters if you work hard and stick to your values [and] achieve great things.\u201D On this side of the House, we stand for every New Zealander having that opportunity. We don\u2019t run New Zealanders down and say they\u2019re bottom feeders just because they might not be able to be in work at the moment, but that side of the House, once again, return to their old roots of making sure that they favour themselves, that they favour their mates, and they leave people behind.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EWell, on this side of the House, we simply do not agree with that, and this week, on 1 April, the proof is in the pudding, because this side of the House has said that those on low and middle incomes actually deserve the chance to be able to get ahead. That\u2019s why we put in place the largest benefit increase in a generation in last year\u2019s Budget, which gets paid out in its final form on Friday, and that is turning around the 1991 benefit cuts\u2014that\u2019s turning around Ruth Richardson\u2019s legacy of saying that people at the bottom don\u2019t deserve the support. That is the National Party of 1991, and, very sadly, it\u2019s the National Party of today as well. There is no plan from the National Party to support those on the low and middle incomes, and thank goodness that we have our 1 April changes coming through that also include the lifting of the family tax credit, that also include lifting superannuation and student allowances, and making sure that we help people to deal with the cost of living crisis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003EWe heard from the IMF this week that they congratulated New Zealanders on the fact that we got through COVID-19 not just with one of the lowest death rates in the world but also with an economy that continues to deliver. Tourists are about to come back on to our shores. More workers are about to come back on to our shores. New Zealanders are confident in the future because they know that they have had a Government that has backed them, and they have backed each other. We on this side of the House are about making sure we lift up every New Zealander, not divide as the National Party would have, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m proud of this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022 data-id=\u0022043c38d3e97d4716b2b6e69c06fa0bb5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022043c38d3e97d4716b2b6e69c06fa0bb5\u0022\u003EKAREN CHHOUR (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E I rise today as a M\u0101ori woman who is frustrated and saddened by the direction this country is heading. I have watched over the past week as ACT Party leader, David Seymour, has been brave enough to take on a topic that many New Zealanders feel deeply about only to be labelled a racist. Well, I stand here today to say that is wrong and I wholeheartedly support him. ACT says every child born in New Zealand and every legal immigrant has the same rights. Those are the rights of a citizen. Nobody should get extra say because of who their grandparents were and nobody should have to be treated differently because of who they are.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EI am not standing here to claim I speak on behalf of all M\u0101ori, and I would be so arrogant as to think that this was my place, as others in this House do, but what can I do is speak to this issue from my own life experiences and how it affects me and my family. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EI have recently celebrated 20 years of marriage to my wonderful husband Menglin, who is a Cambodian refugee. His parents and family are some of the bravest and most compassionate people I have met. They have faced atrocities that most of us would never be able to comprehend, and they came here to this country to give their children a better tomorrow, in this country where everyone gets an equal chance, and they succeeded.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EFrom this marriage, I have four amazing children who share both M\u0101ori and Cambodian ancestry. Today the Labour Party would have us believe that there are two types of New Zealanders: tangata whenua, who are here by right; and tangata Tiriti, who are lucky to be here. Well, how are my children supposed to identify themselves by this logic? Half of them is here by right and the other half should just be thankful to be here? If the Labour Party and the M\u0101ori Party have their way, my children would be labelled M\u0101ori by default and their Cambodian heritage would become insignificant. As far as I\u2019m concerned, my children have the same one-in-5-million say as all people born in New Zealand, Cambodian refugees, and many other races who have made New Zealand their home.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EThe M\u0101ori Party\u2019s narrow-minded view that we only exist as M\u0101ori and P\u0101keh\u0101 in New Zealand is damaging and disappointing. When they stand and claim to speak for M\u0101ori, I can guarantee you it is not for M\u0101ori like me, who dare to have a different view from them. I know what this attitude brings, because I\u2019ve heard it all before\u2014\u201CYou\u2019re a whakapapa M\u0101ori but you\u2019re not kaupapa M\u0101ori.\u201D, \u201CYou\u2019re a plastic M\u0101ori.\u201D, \u201CYou\u2019re a born-again M\u0101ori.\u201D, whatever that means\u2014and have even been called a traitor to my race on many occasions, just for daring to be different.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003EWell, my voice does matter, and my M\u0101ori voice does matter, and I refuse to be silenced and shamed, especially by my own people. By ending this obsession with constitutional reform, we can get stuck into the real problems in this country: education, housing, welfare, and crime, which M\u0101ori get the worst end of. We would use practical solutions that change real people\u2019s lives for the better. Charter schools were just the start of that, and, by the way, Willie Jackson supported disestablishing these. Something else far more important would happen. People who feel alienated would find a place in the Kiwi identity. M\u0101ori culture would be taken for what it is\u2014a rich and essential part of New Zealand\u2019s tapestry that is no threat but there to be embraced along with every other culture that makes up our country. In the words of Sir Peter Buck, \u201CBeware of separatism. The M\u0101ori can do anything the P\u0101keh\u0101 can do. But in order to achieve this we must all be New Zealanders first.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022c0fc6c622fa242c8b86208568c730a3b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c0fc6c622fa242c8b86208568c730a3b\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E This Government has proven in the last two years that the best economic response to the pandemic has been a health response. More than that, in order to secure our recovery, we had to ensure that our health response was the best possible, and we had to do it with a health system that has been run down year after year after year, and midway through the attempts by this Government to rebuild it and build it back up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the incredible work of our health workforce right across the motu. Health workers in our hospitals, in our GP clinics, and in our community clinics\u2014in the full range of facilities that we\u2019ve got\u2014are all doing a tremendous job to keep New Zealanders safe from the pandemic, and often putting themselves at risk, as well. Keeping themselves safe, keeping patients safe, providing the care, often with short-staffed shifts because there was a staff shortage anyway, and having each other\u2019s backs and looking after each other\u2014that\u2019s the quality of our health workforce at the moment. But I\u2019m the first to acknowledge, of course, that\u2019s not sustainable and we have to make change.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI want to talk a little bit about how we\u2019re going to ensure this country\u2019s ongoing economic recovery by having a high-quality, high-class, world-class health system\u2014and that\u2019s what our reforms are about right now. The reality is, as a country, we have under-invested in health for far too long\u2014or at least not invested in the right things; the stuff that can really make a difference. I\u2019m very pleased to be leading a set of reforms that I know, over time, will start to see that shift in what we spend in hospitals and the very expensive end of health into the front end: the primary care, the places where most people go to get the healthcare that they need. The consultation with the GP or the kaupapa M\u0101ori health service or the Pacific health service or the community clinic or the youth one-stop shop clinic that they go to for a bit of healthcare\u2014that\u2019s the stuff that stands to make a real difference, and I\u2019m pleased that we are putting in place a system and a set of measures that will see that shift towards that end.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EWhen we have a look and see what\u2019s happened to our health system and the consequences of under-investment: buildings being left to run down, buildings literally with sewerage systems that are not working properly any more. I think one of the worst things is, too, in the nine years of the previous National Government, nurses\u2019 incomes going backwards in real terms. They talk a big game now about wanting to lift incomes; they didn\u2019t give a darn about our hard-working nurses in our hospitals. This is a Government that, in the four years we\u2019ve been in Government, has not only negotiated pay increases worth, roughly, 20 percent on average to nurses but has recently reached agreement in principle on the first pay equity deal for that part of the workforce, and with more to come with other parts of the health workforce as well. We will have a health system that is better coordinated, that is more coherent, and that will lead transformation of the system; better joined-up care, because that is what we have long needed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003ENot only that but a system much more focused on equity, and that\u2019s the important role that the M\u0101ori Health Authority will play\u2014in the way that we\u2019ve seen with the vaccination campaign, when we asked M\u0101ori to lead, gave them the room and space and the funding to do so; they led and did a terrific job. That was rangatiratanga in action. That\u2019s what we need to see more of, and I\u2019m confident that we will. The interim M\u0101ori Health Authority and interim Health New Zealand now, with their boards in place, their chief executives in place, and their senior leadership teams now coming into place, working hand in hand together, are about to make a real difference and are making sure that in the future M\u0101ori do not miss out any more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI want to talk a bit about mental health, too, because that\u2019s a very important part of our health services. If there is anything that was completely and utterly galling, it is members of the National Party who literally neglected our mental health services for nine years\u2014not only neglected it but the independent monitor of our mental health services, what was then called the Mental Health Commission, they abolished. They abolished, in 2012, the Mental Health Commission that was the independent monitor of our mental health services. No wonder they thought they could get away with neglecting it, but they can\u2019t any more. It\u2019s interesting now how they claim that they want to work collaboratively on mental health services, but they\u2019ve run them down\u2014they\u2019ve never acknowledged it; they\u2019ve never admitted it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EThe contribution that this Government has made\u2014the four- or five-year investment commitment we\u2019ve made, starting in 2019\u2014we\u2019ve added, now, 870 new front-line roles to primary mental health care; 870 new roles that were not there two years ago. And we\u2019ve got more to go, and they\u2019re not just in the GP clinics and the community clinics; they\u2019re in youth one-stop shops, they\u2019re in kaupapa M\u0101ori health services, and all over. We will have a health service that will be the envy of the world.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u0022d52c0da23ddc44a89eb54edad786e31d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d52c0da23ddc44a89eb54edad786e31d\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker, and it\u2019s so good to see you in the Chair, reflecting the gravitas of the position in such a powerful way! This is an opportunity to have a parliamentary debate on a Wednesday afternoon at a time that many New Zealanders are facing a cost of living crisis that we have in this country. The price of so many everyday items is going up very substantially\u2014fruit and vegetables, rent, housing costs, as well as transport costs\u2014at a time that is putting real pressure on families.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EAnd wages are not keeping up. We heard the headline figures: 6 percent inflation and about a 2.6 percent increase in wages\u2014people going backwards. And what\u2019s this Government\u2019s response? Well, it\u2019s typically to blame Vladimir Putin and the tanks going across Ukraine, when this, of course, has been the situation for the last 18 months and has been driven primarily\u2014primarily\u2014by a Government that is addicted to spending; addicted to spending.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EGrant Robertson is the leader in chief, pumping and stimulating the economy with all the borrowed money that they have found through the COVID crisis, and continuing to do it well past the point of the crisis. Even now, as businesses can\u2019t get access to workers, there\u2019s these two great puzzles going on: you can\u2019t get access to workers sufficient to keep your business going, and everywhere we go\u2014and everybody in this place has been walking down streets, going to restaurants or whatever, and has found that there\u2019s a little sign outside saying, \u201CWe\u2019re closed because we haven\u2019t been able to get staff.\u201D We see those signs everywhere we go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EAnd yet, at the same time, the number of people on the job seeker benefit continues to increase because this Government has done away with all the effective sanctions in the system to encourage and give people a nudge to get back to work, and, secondly, at the very same time, the Government\u2019s still spending hundreds of millions of dollars on make-work schemes, such as Jobs for Nature, where we\u2019re actually paying people to do things\u2014nice things to have\u2014for a billion dollars, to take workers out of the workforce and give them to a Government make-work scheme. It is absolutely amazing that the Government still thinks this is a good idea to be funding expensive make-work schemes when employers can\u2019t get access to workers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EWe also have a Government that\u2019s addicted to spending other people\u2019s money. Of course, it does that always in the tax sense, but it\u2019s also doing that through applying new and additional costs to small businesses that are struggling. The latest example of that is the so-called\u2014misnamed\u2014fair pay agreements that were introduced; the legislation was introduced yesterday. It will force employers and employees across the country to sign up to a mandatory national award in particular industries or for particular occupations\u2014a return to a rigid 1970s-style industrial landscape\u2014at a time when younger people, particularly in New Zealand, but New Zealanders generally, value their freedom and want to be able to have the flexibility and the working arrangements to sit down with their employers and work out what works for them. Instead, this Government\u2019s going back to more rigid union-controlled organisations. And what does it do? Ultimately, it adds to the cost structure that New Zealand businesses face, and that makes them less competitive internationally, it makes it harder for them to succeed and compete on international markets, and it also fundamentally adds to the cost of living, alongside all the other increases that have been passed on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ESo we have a Minister and a Government that just do not seem to accept that basic principle that, if you add a lot of costs into the structure of the economy, and into businesses, those costs have to be paid by somebody, and it flows through to the cost of everything that we pay for in this country. It is contributing to the cost of living crisis that New Zealanders face every day, and that\u2019s why we\u2019ll be fighting that over the next few months. The Government probably won\u2019t listen. They\u2019ll use their massive majority to ram it through, and we\u2019ll have to deal with it, with the support of the New Zealand public when we come to power next year to sort these things out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EBriefly, on law and order, we are seeing again and again the strange contrast between a Government that claims that it\u2019s doing all sorts of wonderful things to hold the gang members to account and an ever-increasing list of gang members in this country and a sense of lawlessness on the streets of this country\u2014and an increase in violent crime. The only point I would make is that the criminal community gets its message from this Government, and the message is that we\u2019ll come up with an excuse for what you do and we\u2019ll explain it away and we won\u2019t hold you to account. That message is coming through loud and clear, and we need to change that message and ensure that the absolute priority of any Government should be the security of its citizens.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022 data-id=\u00220720f65a588f4bee8f1c9fdd800631e5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220720f65a588f4bee8f1c9fdd800631e5\u0022\u003EHon STUART NASH (Minister of Tourism):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. Last night, I heard that member, the Hon Paul Goldsmith, speaking, and he argued against the minimum wage. He argued against an increase in workers\u2019 holidays. He argued against increases in sick leave. He wants to get rid of Labour Day. He argued against fair pay agreements. I want to know, what does that member have against good, hard-working New Zealanders? Goodness me, really, you can tell he\u2019s from Epsom, can\u2019t you? The other thing I would say is the Jobs for Nature programme which, again, that member just ran down; what I can tell the House is that programme kept a whole lot of workers and a whole lot of tourist towns well connected to their communities and, without that, they would have moved on. So the Minister of Conservation, the Hon Kiritapu Allan, was partly responsible for that, and I think that was a fantastic initiative that continues to add value to our communities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003EWe now have dates; no self-isolation, an innovative activation programme, and we are open for business. I have always acknowledged, since my time as a Minister of Tourism, that a number of tourist operators have done it hard over the last two years. I acknowledge that, but now they can gear up for the Australian school holidays. They can gear up for the sensational ski season, and the direct flight from New York. Finally, we have a CEO of Air New Zealand who is opening up new routes, rather than closing down provincial runs. New Zealand is open for business. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003EIn fact, on the day that myself, Dame Therese Walsh who\u2019s the chair of Air New Zealand, and the CEO, Greg Foran, announced the first direct flight from New York, I received this message from one of New Zealand\u2019s legend tourist operators, Dr Gerry McSweeney: \u201CA September 2022 booking came to us today at Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki, West Coast, for a three-day stay for two New Yorkers flying direct to New Zealand, and on the Air New Zealand flight. They booked through an enthusiastic New Zealand / Australia specialist US travel agent. Great that New Zealand is shortly to open. Great work by the Labour Government in keeping us safe, but also allowing international tourism-focused businesses like ours to recommence operations.\u201D That tends to be the sentiment I get from the vast majority of tourism businesses. They know that things have been hard; of course they know things have been hard because they\u2019ve done it tough themselves. But they understand the reasons why we did what we did, what we had to do to keep Kiwis safe\u2014and now we\u2019re about to open for business. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003EIn the last two years, Tourism New Zealand under chief executive Ren\u00E9 de Monchy and the team have spent a lot of time, effort, and energy building \u201CBrand New Zealand\u201D, building up the aspiration, keeping our brand alive in troubled times\u2014all the while urging New Zealanders to \u201CDo Something New, New Zealand\u201D. And we did; we got out and we saw the country in a way that we haven\u2019t before. In fact, domestic tourism, which actually made up about 60 percent of tourism in a pre-COVID world, increased by over 16 percent. We got out there, and I want to urge New Zealanders to continue to get out there\u2014head up the East Coast, head to Gisborne, head to Napier, head to the Bay. But the other thing I\u2019d like to say is now these tourism businesses can get ready to accept international tourists back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a200df7845d4cdd9848da08a6f6472b\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: Not for ski fields. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002227d308246580469a8d1b1a0c12754d5f\u0022\u003EHon STUART NASH\u003C/span\u003E: Oh yes, back into the ski fields, I would say to you, Erica Stanford. They will be back in Queenstown in force. In fact, it\u2019s interesting to note that Australians, more than any other nationality in the world, travel more to ski, and it\u2019s actually easier for Australians living in New South Wales to jump on a plane and fly to Queenstown than it is to travel to their own domestic ski field. So we\u2019re expecting a huge number of Australians to ski Queenstown in this current ski season. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003EBut back to Tourism New Zealand: building aspiration continued to keep \u201CBrand New Zealand\u201D alive. And, as a consequence, we are now viewed as one of the most aspirational tourism brands and destinations in the world. It is now time to turn this aspiration into action. My absolute focus is ensuring our reconnection strategy goes to plan, and letting the whole world know that we are open for business, to ensure that we are as ready as ever to receive international tourists, that our tourism businesses are gearing up. It\u2019s why we have a $49 million kick-start plan for the five destinations in the South Island that have done it the hardest in terms of international tourists. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003EAs I told potential Australian tourists on Australian TV the day we made the announcement we were going to open the borders: apart from on the sports field, we love our Australian cousins; welcome back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c03571107ca44b4da896c4d3115f93b9\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002240223fe4b54440b6b5679fcce983da59\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002240223fe4b54440b6b5679fcce983da59\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: [Member of the public speaks in the gallery] No, Order! Order! Sorry, I\u2019m just going to address the person in the gallery. Two things: one, you must have a mask on; and, two, you may not use cellphones. [Member of the public speaks in the gallery] I\u2019m going to make it very clear: I am the person who gives exemptions, and I haven\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022 data-id=\u0022f125e9ea349a4cee9504e13e08d7d940\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f125e9ea349a4cee9504e13e08d7d940\u0022\u003EMATT DOOCEY (National\u2014Waimakariri):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I want to start by giving the House a challenge, and then at the end of my speech I\u2019d like to come back and see who\u2019s got the answer. So we have a health Minister who\u2019s trumpeting the success of his new front-line mental health service, and fair enough\u2014it\u2019s a good service. The mental health inquiry said quite clearly we need to support the mild to moderate for mental wellbeing and illness issues. But we have a Minister who\u2019s trumpeting success when he clearly outlines that he\u2019s employed 870 fulltime-equivalents who are delivering 20,000 sessions a month. Someone go away and put that in your computer or your calculator, and I\u2019ll come back at the end of my speech and we\u2019ll work out how many sessions those workers are delivering a day\u2014870 workers at 20,000 a month.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003EWhat we had last week is an absolute damning report into this Government\u2019s performance in mental health. We had the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, the independent watchdog, saying that despite the announcement of $1.9 billion into mental health, there was no improvement materialised. No access has increased. Waiting lists have got worse. Shortages in the workforce have got worse. So you\u2019ve got to ask the question: where has the money gone? Why is it not making a difference? Why is it harder to access a mental health service today than it was five years ago, when this Government came into office? Where has the money gone?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003EWhat\u2019s really concerning today\u2014in the Health Committee, when we moved a motion just to ask for a briefing from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on this report, it was blocked by the Labour MPs. What do they fear? What do they have to hide?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4090a10d81e40d1807a845a5cd5a629\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022669d31a3fe8a4ff298a3063fd4aa9eb7\u0022\u003EMATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: Why can we not ask the questions about why the authors of that report came to the conclusions that they did?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s be clear: this Labour Government initiated an inquiry that led to the recommendation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission being established. They\u2019ve just passed legislation through the House to set up the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Yet its first report, they block a briefing of it in the select committee. How does that add up?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003EOf course, it\u2019s important to have this independent report, because the last two reports we had\u2014let\u2019s be frank: the first one was from the Ministry of Health, and Official Information Act documents revealed that the bureaucrats were running a risk lens over negative data as to not embarrass the Government around mental health performance. Then we had the absolute failure in mental health facilities. Andrew Little announces an independent review, and it gets kicked off to Grant Robertson\u2019s implementation committee. He came out and said, \u201CNothing to see here. All good progress.\u201D Yet out of those 13 mental health facilities announced over three years ago, not one of them has a shovel in the ground. How is that good progress?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003EThe first time we get an independent report produced by the Government\u2019s own inquiry recommendation of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, and the Labour MPs in the Health Committee block a briefing\u2014a briefing on an independent report. They will have to answer to that. Why are they stopping us asking the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission some questions? In fact, what was interesting\u2014some of the comments were, \u201COh well, it\u2019s public now, so why do we need to ask a question?\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003EI know what questions we need to ask. Where is the $1.9 billion announced for mental health? I\u2019ll tell you what\u2014out of that report, parents and mental health professionals will feel listened to, because what they saw in that report is what they\u2019ve been asking the Government and getting no response. As I go round the country: time and time again, mental health groups and services tell me they haven\u2019t seen any of the $1.9 billion for mental health. They can\u2019t point to where it\u2019s gone. This Government needs to front up and answer the questions of why they\u2019ve failed in mental health.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u002273952829eff5489f99da5cd9670deaf0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002273952829eff5489f99da5cd9670deaf0\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs):\u003C/span\u003E E te M\u0101ngai, t\u0113n\u0101 koe, otir\u0101 ng\u0101 mema katoa o te Whare nei, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. As is customary in debates acknowledging those that have recently passed, can I go on record in acknowledging the recent passing of Sir Wira Gardiner and, of course, recently losing Dame June Jackson\u2014and all throughout the country who have lost their ones at this particular time. I want to acknowledge and give my sincere condolences to the Gardiner, the Parata, the Batley, and of course the Jackson wh\u0101nau at this very incredibly sad time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s also for me to acknowledge yesterday\u2019s announcement from our tuahine, our sister, Louisa Wall after 14 years in this House. I want to go on record to say thank you very much, Louisa; the country is a better place for your contribution in this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EWhat COVID has taught us in the last two years is working together helps all. Working together works well. Collective responsibilities benefit all\u2014benefit all. So I was annoyed\u2014not annoyed; I was upset to hear of a member in this House that talked about the rights of the individual and whakapapa doesn\u2019t matter. That\u2019s what we heard. That\u2019s what we heard from Karen Chhour of the ACT Party\u2014that whakapapa doesn\u2019t matter, that constitutional arrangements shouldn\u2019t be the responsibility of any Government, and that we should just get on with housing and health.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EWell, that\u2019s exactly what this side of the House is doing. We\u2019re getting on with housing, we\u2019re getting on with health, the M\u0101ori Health Authority, the enormous investment that was given to M\u0101ori hauora providers throughout the country: in the last two years, $140 million specifically targeted for M\u0101ori. And what do M\u0101ori hauoras and iwi and service providers\u2014what have they done in the last two years? They\u2019ve looked after all. They have looked after all. There has been no turning away of anybody, no matter what their ethnicity was. They delivered and they awhi\u2019d and they manaaki\u2019d all from within their community. So it\u2019s a bit rich that I have a member in this House saying that it\u2019s time that we leave that to be, that we all just should be equal people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EYou know, I want to talk about COVID\u2019s contribution to the make-up of this country that we should never, ever forget, and that is that collective responsibly, but also to acknowledge the strong iwi M\u0101ori leadership that we saw up and down the motu who responded to the need of our most vulnerable, who put their lives at risk, and everybody in their wh\u0101nau and organisation who stepped forward and took up the challenge to look after their own and everybody in their community. Not anybody was turned around.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo, I\u2019m standing on this side to recognise the importance of our Treaty partner and I haven\u2019t even gone down that route because what I wanted to share in this House is the importance of when we work together, when we trust each other, and\u2014to be honest\u2014when we trust M\u0101ori iwi. Iwi M\u0101ori, they know the community like no one\u2019s business and they will deliver and they have delivered and will continue to deliver as we come through this pandemic, as we come through Omicron, and then we start rebuilding our lives because it is in the housing and it is in the health and it is in the education, and it is in telling our stories that I\u2019m proud about this side of the House\u2014telling our stories of what happened, telling and sharing the stories of what happened in our communities so that we were informed, in our schools.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to talk about celebrating the Matariki bill that we have introduced in this House to again go to the developing of our national identity where M\u0101ori are at the centre of it. There is nothing to be afraid of here, people\u2014absolutely nothing to be afraid of. There are only good lessons and learnings and there\u2019s everything along the way that iwi M\u0101ori have contributed to this country, and that is why I\u2019m standing in support of this side and the mahi that we continue to do. It\u2019s not over. We\u2019ve all acknowledged that we have gaps and there is much more for us to do on this side of the House. But I can totally say with hand on heart that we made a great start.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBut we need to do more and this side will do more around engaging with iwi, hap\u016B, and the partnerships around housing, particularly in Rotorua\u2014a one-stop shop. I\u2019m very proud of that. I\u2019m talking about the M\u0101ori Health Authority, which will turn around some uneven health outcomes for our people, and that is what this Government\u2019s done. And this is why I\u2019m proud to belong to this Government and this side of the House, who have put their words into action and are delivering and are making a benefit for us as M\u0101ori indigenous and as Treaty partners. But what I\u2019m mostly proud of is the ability to deliver for all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00224484437a3d6542f89fc9d1fcaf706bec\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224484437a3d6542f89fc9d1fcaf706bec\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Before I call a member I am going to\u2014there\u2019s a person in the public gallery with no mask on. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u0022df16dc467b9e4bcfa6bbec0e88210543\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022df16dc467b9e4bcfa6bbec0e88210543\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker. I\u2019d like to begin by paying tribute to the many communities holding us together with radical love and care. The communities who have been doing the mahi because successive Governments have left them behind. I\u2019m talking about the volunteers at the front lines checking up on their neighbours to make sure that they\u2019re holding up OK when they\u2019ve got COVID, and people delivering food parcels because they know that people around them simply do not have enough to make ends meet. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EThe right side of the House keeps talking about how the cost of living crisis is a new thing, but people have told us for many years that we\u2019ve been living in an inequality crisis. So it\u2019s a bit rich to suddenly talk about inflation, to talk about communities struggling, as if it was something new. Since before this Government came into power, families were already doing it tough. Children were living in motels, and the number of hardship grants were growing. This is because Governments had accepted that people should get by without livable incomes. And in the words of Brooke Stanley Pao, \u201CLivable incomes are people\u2019s birth rights.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EI want to question my colleagues: how much are we willing to accept? Are we willing to accept children going without? Are we going to accept people being put through dehumanising processes at Work and Income, having to justify every purchase to get the help that they need to survive? Are we going to recognise the toxic stress that families are experiencing, as a result of this hardship, that leads to ill health? Because when I hear the National Party talking about \u201Cbottom feeders\u201D, I hear them talking about dehumanising the communities that they themselves have been complicit in putting them through hardship. They were the ones who introduced those punitive sanctions that we are just starting to roll back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EWhile I commend the Labour Government for starting to do some of that work, it is clear so much more needs to be done, and we shouldn\u2019t just sit with excuses, that, for example, in April we\u2019re going to see the biggest increase to benefit. Because in the context of just how low incomes are, we need to do far more. We need to do more than just pat ourselves on the back and say that we\u2019ve done more than the previous Government, because the bar is deeply low. What I want to see is an Aotearoa where people are not put in debt because they were seeking help from Work and Income; an Aotearoa that says that we\u2019re going to give you unconditional support no matter who you are, where we\u2019re not going to question the difficult decisions that people have had to make in order to provide for their communities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EThe people that the National Party want to demonise are also the caregivers, disabled people, and actually some of the migrant communities who have been without a safety net. As we talk about going back to normal, are we going to normal as in people continuing to struggle, in a system where many workers continue without income support when they lose their job? Or, when we say return to normal, are we looking forward to an aspirational future where everybody has livable incomes?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EJust this week, we saw amazing research by Fair Futures, who were calling for far more substantive benefit increases than what we\u2019re going to see on 1 April. They recognise that some families need an additional $300 a week to simply participate in their communities. And if we do not do this, what we are accepting, again, is that people deserve to have that toxic stress that many communities have been talking about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s almost is as if in every electoral cycle, people have to explain to politicians the hardship that exists in their communities. How many more people on the benefit will have to go on the news to explain that they do not have enough; t go to the breakfast shows to talk about their lived realities? How many more lived experiences and time are we expecting from people on the benefit, so that Government finally commits to livable incomes? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re calling for Labour to scrap all benefit sanctions, to lift benefit levels to allow people to thrive, and to provide a high-trust model at Work and Income. That is the absolute bare minimum we should be expecting from Government, and it is the bare minimum that the many communities that we\u2019re supposed to serve have been calling on for years. It\u2019s time to truly commit to the transformative change that many politicians talk about. Kia ora. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u0022d4c86ec20c3e4292aef0df458dc926a0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d4c86ec20c3e4292aef0df458dc926a0\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. This morning, I was very privileged to be at the official opening of Transmission Gully, and for those of us who were there, for those of us who got to drive on the road, it was something to behold. In an ocean of criticism, an ocean of bad news, I think it\u2019s important as New Zealanders to look and see that we do do a lot of good in this country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ENow, I know there\u2019s a lot of New Zealanders listening to this general debate because if they don\u2019t really watch much other Parliament, it\u2019s a time they feel that many issues are being covered. Listening to the debate, each side goes into their polar corner and argues that corner, and it can leave those watching a little confused. But I\u2019d just like to assure those that are watching that New Zealand\u2019s actually in pretty good shape and that we\u2019re actually in a lot better shape than you would think, listening to this debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EWhat I really am looking forward to is New Zealanders now travelling again\u2014we have become a little insular by necessity. And what that means is that we sometimes, as New Zealanders, travel and as we arrive back, as we get off that plane, in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown, as we\u2019ve heard from before, we think: actually, this is a pretty good country. Because what we do is we actually have something to relate it to. And what New Zealanders will now do\u2014as someone who has just been to Sydney and rang me this week said, \u201COh, actually, from what we had heard, Sydney was thriving; it\u2019s one big party. Actually, Sydney is much quieter. There\u2019s much more downtown carnage in commercial activity than there is in New Zealand.\u201D I suspect that\u2019s going to be the case as New Zealanders go around the world. We\u2019re going to actually come back, get off that plane and say, \u201CActually, we did it pretty well.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll just look to, in this House, something that happened here that involved us all relatively recently, which was out the front where we had an invasion, where we had the streets around Parliament, including Parliament grounds, taken over. It was an affront to democracy, and the world did watch as our police came here, the same police that have been rubbished today\u2014unfortunately, for political gain. But when our police were asked to stand up, as much of our Public Service have, they stood up. That operation, for anyone that understands the need to have a well-disciplined, well-commanded group of men and women in order to achieve what was achieved out the front here today\u2014they will actually understand just what was achieved. In fact, it\u2019s not just been recognised by New Zealanders; there has been overseas recognition of how well done that operation was compared to what is being done in many other capitals.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EOne thing that was reflected on by those watching was the fact that the people out the front here\u2014we had a really good mixture of races in our police, we had a really good mixture of cultures, we had a good mixture of genders out there, and that became very obvious. That has been reflected in a lot of the commentary that has been received from those overseas who watched it. That\u2019s apart from how well planned it was. And without just reflecting on the police\u2014and I think New Zealanders who are watching, who are looking to see how we do things, we do do things pretty well here. We only have to look at what transpired during our COVID response\u2014an excellent response.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EAlso, yes, we have to acknowledge that things have got tougher for a lot of New Zealanders. Again, we now look at what is happening overseas that has brought that about. The supply issues were a major problem. Our select committee had our shipping companies in, we had our local ports in, and all of them were looking at what\u2019s happening around the world that is impacting on prices and supply issues here. Supply and demand; it\u2019s quite simple. We\u2019ve had, obviously, the fuel issues, the fuel price issues\u2014all these things that anyone who will take time to simply look at an overseas paper, look at an overseas website, will see these are issues that are happening everywhere. It\u2019s the response that\u2019s important, and it\u2019s the response that New Zealanders can look at now: that we do do it well. And you\u2019ll see, particularly this weekend, when we\u2019re going to see something in New Zealand that we do well\u2014we trickle up. We\u2019re going to give more income to those who need it, who will actually spend it, and the result will be better businesses in New Zealand. So for those watching, have faith in New Zealand. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022ef143d7572644c03ac0d567388e13e8a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ef143d7572644c03ac0d567388e13e8a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Before I call Jo Luxton, who is participating remotely, I\u2019m going to indicate to people in the gallery that this is the first week back, or the second day we\u2019ve allowed people to be in the gallery, and, as part of our kawa, masks are to be worn and they\u2019re to be worn not as chin straps. Thank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022 data-id=\u002201f63d16b4754d4da4eb8347c547b2a9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002201f63d16b4754d4da4eb8347c547b2a9\u0022\u003EJO LUXTON (Labour\u2014Rangitata) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a call in the general debate. Can I firstly say that I am extremely grateful that we\u2019ve had a stable and united Government that has led us through some of the most difficult times in the last few years that New Zealand has actually ever experienced. As the Hon Andrew Little mentioned today, the best economic response has been the health response that this Government has taken.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EI take issue with some of the comments that the Hon Paul Goldsmith made with regard to the Government\u2019s \u201Caddiction\u201D to spending, and he referred also to the amount of money that has been borrowed. I would say to Mr Goldsmith that that money that has been borrowed, that has been spent, has allowed businesses to continue to operate during this global pandemic. That is not to diminish that many businesses have done it extremely hard. That is happening without a doubt, and some have also even closed up. However, that money that has been provided to business has allowed some to continue operating. It has allowed them to continue to employ New Zealanders, to keep New Zealanders in jobs during what has been an awful time globally and nationally.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EHe also referred to the Jobs for Nature scheme\u2014about how it was taking people that were workers away from jobs where there were job shortages into this Jobs for Nature - type programme. I also take issue with that, Mr Goldsmith. I met two young, intelligent, outstanding women at the beginning of this week who were employed by the Jobs for Nature programme. One had been an outdoor guide whose job had been affected by, obviously, tourism and the fact that tourism was no longer happening so much in this country. She is absolutely loving and thriving in this role in the Jobs for Nature programme.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EI also spoke to a gentleman who oversees some of these young people coming into this work, and he talked about the benefits, the increase in confidence that he was seeing in these young people, who may have been unemployed for many years: the confidence that he was seeing come through this type of work; the improvement in their mental health. So I think it is wrong to diminish the Jobs for Nature programme in any way, shape, or form. I would encourage Mr Goldsmith to actually get out of there, get out of the area that he lives in, and talk to some of those people that are undertaking that work. I commend our Minister Kiritapu Allan for the work that she has undertaken in that area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EBut I would like to move on to some of the things that this Government has continued to do throughout the pandemic. It has continued to focus on things like housing, child poverty, improving health outcomes, and climate change. Yes, there is more work to do in that respect, and we are going to see some huge improvements as we move through the rest of this year, starting on 1 April. We are going to see one of the biggest increases in our main benefits here in New Zealand. We\u2019re going to see an increase in our superannuation payments, student allowance payments, and other such things\u2014a huge increase in the minimum wage.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EWe have members opposite disagreeing with the increase in the minimum wage, saying it\u2019s going to hurt businesses. Yes, there will be a cost to businesses. However, those people, we know that when they have an increase in their wage, they spend it locally, and they spend it locally at a time when our businesses are screaming out for customers to come in and purchase from them and spend with them locally.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EWe have an Opposition who is simply like a stuck record, reverting back to tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts. It\u2019s like they are stuck in a time warp and cannot think of anything better to improve the lives of New Zealanders other than tax cuts, which will actually only benefit those that are higher income earners\u2014unlike this Government, who wants to see everyone benefit, particularly those who may be doing it a little bit harder than others at this time. They are the ones that need our support the most and they are the ones that will see some real benefit from 1 April. We are going to be opening our borders very soon, and the whole country will be seeing the benefit of that tourism right across New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002226b88bf1-f634-40e7-8019-e75cc483ace7\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s been a tough couple of years. This Government has a plan and they are putting it in place and continuing on as they intend to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022 data-id=\u0022c71f4b0edbb54de281393cdef5e05db0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c71f4b0edbb54de281393cdef5e05db0\u0022\u003EBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour\u2014Mana):\u003C/span\u003E Fa\u2018afetai tele lava, Mr Speaker. As a Samoan woman and a member of this House, I wanted to take the opportunity today to pay tribute to Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira, the iwi that are tangata whenua in my electorate of Mana.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EAccording to their Treaty settlement Act, \u201CBy 1840 Ngati Toa \u2026 had established a powerful position in the Cook Strait region with settlements in the lower North Island and upper South Island \u2026 Several Ngati Toa Rangatira chiefs, including Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata, signed the Treaty of Waitangi. \u2026 In 1839, Ngati Toa Rangatira signed the Kapiti deed with the New Zealand Company for approximately 20 million acres between Taranaki and north Canterbury. The oral translation of the English deed [like the Treaty] did not accurately convey its meaning and effect.\u201D This led to the opposition of the New Zealand Company surveys in Wairau. \u201CIn 1843, an attempt by an armed party of Nelson settlers to arrest Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata resulted in a violent clash and the deaths of twenty-two Europeans and up to nine Maori.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EMost know of this battle as the Wairau Affray. \u201CDuring 1845, Te Rangihaeata and his section of Ngati Toa Rangatira supported the claims of their allies living on disputed land north of Rotokakahi in the Hutt Valley. These tensions led to several violent incidents between Maori, settlers, and Crown troops [including in Battle Hill, which is in P\u0101uatahanui in Mana]. The Crown subsequently took political and military action against Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata in order to establish its authority and reduce the power and influence of the senior Ngati Toa Rangatira chiefs. In July 1846 the Crown seized Te Rauparaha and several other Ngati Toa Rangatira chiefs at Porirua. The Crown detained Te Rauparaha without trial for 18 months. Crown forces pursued Te Rangihaeata who withdrew into [the] Horowhenua. \u2026 By 1926 most of the Ngati Toa Rangatira reserves at Porirua had been alienated.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EAt the time of their Treaty settlement, in 2014, Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira were virtually landless. The summary of these events are from the agreed \u201CSummary of historical account\u201D in the Ngati Toa Rangatira Claims Settlement Act 2014.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EFast forward now to 2022. In less than 10 years, Toa Rangatira, through housing, through the Te \u0100huru M\u014Dwai community housing arm, manage over 900 social houses and have acquired the final stages of Kenepuru Landing, Porirua\u2019s newest suburb.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EIn health, Ora Toa are one of the few primary health organisations in this region. They are the lead for the COVID response\u2014that is vaccinations, testing, and community care in the Porirua area. Together with Te \u0100tiawa and Raukawa, they are part of the joint-governance group which will help lead the region in health initiatives as part of the new M\u0101ori Health Authority.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EIn education, Toa lead the Mana in Mahi programme for our region and lead The 502 Rangatahi youth hub out of Whitireia Polytechnic.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EIn infrastructure, just this morning, Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira gifted the name Te Ara Nui o Te Rangihaeata, meaning \u201CThe Great Pathway of Te Rangihaeata\u201D, their ancestor who was fierce in the battle in the area we have come to know as Transmission Gully. Today, I observed current and past chairs and CEOs of Ng\u0101ti Toa Rangatira\u2014T\u0101 Matiu Rei, Dr Taku Parai, Callum Katene, and Helmut Modlik\u2014and nannies and aunties of the M\u0101ori Women\u2019s Welfare League stand side by side with representatives of the Crown\u2014our Prime Minister, our Deputy Prime Minister, and our Minister of Transport\u2014to open a 27-kilometre highway that runs the stretch of the Mana electorate from Paek\u0101k\u0101riki in the north to Linden in the south. This road represents the largest Government investment in New Zealand\u2019s infrastructure in a generation. We have invested a record $24.3 billion into transport initiatives\u2014that is 74 percent more than the previous Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003ESo what does Te Ara Nui o Te Rangihaeata, Te \u0100huru M\u014Dwai, Ora Toa, and Mana in Mahi have in common? It is partnership. Unlike the members of the ACT Party, who are too scared to see a modern and sophisticated constitutional framework, Ng\u0101ti Toa are an example of what only eight years post their Treaty settlement can achieve. Ng\u0101ti Toa CEO Helmut Modlik once said to me that Ng\u0101ti Toa know what their obligations are to tangata manuhiri, like myself, a Samoan woman who lives in Porirua. The member of ACT who spoke today said that the Government should focus on health, education, and welfare, rather than constitutional frameworks. Like the Hon member Meka Whaitiri said today, \u201CWe are.\u201D, and so is Ng\u0101ti Toa and iwi alike throughout the country, in housing, education, and infrastructure. I absolutely thank the strong iwi leadership throughout the country. Together we work better. Collective responsibility helps all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EThe debate having concluded, the motion lapsed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002296e0d519096842439741e3855497b5a6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002296e0d519096842439741e3855497b5a6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t recognise the people standing up there as being diplomatic protection people, and if they\u2019re not, they\u2019re going to have to find themselves some seats. There are quite a few other seats around. They look the right shape, but are not wearing the right clothes.\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022aab7037d242243e0ad63360cce395430\u0022\u003EAppropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002212c86da0e5de4ffa8146a57aeeeeee7e\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u0022d85b0d79a90d48a486f8a1a351b26353\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d85b0d79a90d48a486f8a1a351b26353\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Minister for Trade and Export Growth)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Finance: I move, That the Appropriation (2020/21 Confirmation and Validation) Bill be now read a second time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00223fc328a7db62497785532147a07842ad\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 motion 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 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\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000285\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c22b3e5771e54f22bb29c30d97c16b2a\u0022\u003EAppointments\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002223aa309ab8b14aeb976d88bfa9ba5793\u0022\u003EChief Electoral Officer\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00220b11a5b1e34444c498707912d3f69ef6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220b11a5b1e34444c498707912d3f69ef6\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Conservation)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Justice: I move, That, pursuant to section 4D(1)(a) of the Electoral Act 1993 and section 32 of the Crown Entities Act 2004, this House recommend Her Excellency the Governor-General appoint Karl Mervyn Le Quesne as Chief Electoral Officer for a term of five years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EThe Electoral Commission is responsible for maintaining the electoral rolls, administering parliamentary elections, and\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b034059caf4b45b88c2f695aab3cd2e7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! There\u2019s no debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229007672b1d534fada9d72bac1f20d601\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, that makes my job very much easier.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022749e29575cf545a7b4b4b57f75884dd5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It does make the job a lot easier, and I think we\u2019ll probably say that the member\u2019s sheet and mine probably have different references to it. The question is that motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222cbf4233b6b84529aa1a18d64cca3137\u0022\u003ETe Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00226b20eb2f39594787b3114b4538302c63\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022657948441dad4e3891c6cde09f7a17c1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022657948441dad4e3891c6cde09f7a17c1\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276bd3dc8613748f5b8bc3567ab3fc7b8\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214f9efa026d24f4db700f7e1799945af\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee to consider Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003ET\u0101kiri mai ana te ata, ki runga o ng\u0101kau m\u0101rohirohi. Korihi ana te manu kaupapa, ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea. Tihei mauriora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EE mihi ana ki a koutou kua tae mai nei runga i te karanga o te kaupapa o te r\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. E mihi ana ki te hunga mate, haere, haere, haere atu r\u0101. Ki a t\u0101tou te hunga ora, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou. T\u0113nei au, otir\u0101 m\u0101tou te K\u0101wanatanga e mihi nei ki te kaupapa o te w\u0101, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E[Dawn breaks, a new morning and a dauntless heart. The voice of this issue now sings, a new dawn leads to the full light of day. I now begin.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EGreetings to you all who have responded to the call of this issue to be here today. I acknowledge those who have passed. May you rest in peace. And to us who remain, welcome one and all. I stand here, we the Government stands here acknowledging the issue of the time. Therefore, to Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne of Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne of T\u0101maki-nui-a Rua, greetings to you all, greetings, greetings, one and all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI\u2019m pleased to be able to speak today at the first reading of Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. This has been a long journey for these iwi, and we were reminded at the powhiri today, it\u2019s a journey that started in 1990, so we are 32 years on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EFirst, I wanted to thank members of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, and Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua. I want to acknowledge those representatives who\u2019ve been able to travel to Parliament today to watch this reading, and, of course, those who are watching remotely. I sincerely appreciate the work, commitment, and tenacity of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, and Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua which has brought us together on this important day. I particularly want to acknowledge those who are no longer with us who carried this important work. Today, they are in our thoughts and are with us in spirit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to start by thanking iwi negotiations teams, including for Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua, Ron Mark, Ian Perry, Robin Potangaroa, Hayden Hape, Haami Te Whaiti, and Marama Tuuta. For Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa and Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, John Sproat, Jason Kerehi, Mavis Mullins, Tipene Chrisp, and Richard Jones. Their commitment to finding a shared path to carry these treasures forward for future generations is commendable, and I thank them for their work and dedication. I also want to acknowledge the work and support of the Crown negotiation team, my ministerial colleagues, Government agencies, and local councils who have helped build this package.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003ETe Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill gives effect to certain provisions contained in the deeds of settlement signed between Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, and the Crown in August 2016, and between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua and the Crown in October last year. For generations, Wairarapa moana has been a jewel in the lives of the people of Wairarapa. The annual hinurangi, or flooding, historically provided kaimoana, enabling iwi to trade far outside of the Wairarapa rohe. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EHowever, in 1853, as the Crown first began purchasing land around Wairarapa moana, disputes arose over the purchases and encroachment of the natural boundaries of the lakes. This resulted in a royal commission of inquiry, and in 1896, the lake was gifted to the Crown by iwi as tuku rangatira\u2014a chiefly gift\u2014with the intention of ending the disputes and to, hopefully, protect the lakes. In return, the Crown was to provide iwi with ample reserves in the vicinity of the lakes. However, this didn\u2019t occur, and instead the Crown provided reserves that were several hundred kilometres away, in the King Country. The settlements each provide for Crown apology redress, which details this history, and this bill facilitates the overdue return of the lake to its rightful owners. Throughout the negotiations, the Crown has heard how the devastating effects of land loss have caused Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne intergenerational suffering. It\u2019s a testament to both iwi that despite all they have endured, they have continued to engage in negotiations in good faith, and have committed to rebuilding a new partnership with the Crown. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to highlight how this bill offers joint redress over Wairarapa Moana, and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment, to both Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne, acknowledging the significance of the taonga for both iwi. The Crown-owned part of the bed of Wairarapa Moana will be vested in Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu as undivided, unequal shares as tenants in common. The Wairarapa Moana statutory board will be established to act as a guardian of Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment for the benefit of current and future generations. Significantly, half of the board will be composed of iwi members. The other half will comprise members appointed by the Department of Conservation, Wellington Regional Council, and the South Wairarapa District Council\u2014you might say a joint governance process. The Wairarapa statutory board will administer the Wairarapa Moana reserves. A natural resources committee of the board will be established, which will provide advice on sustainable management of natural resources in the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EThe joint redress bill will also vest two other sites jointly in Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. A property in M\u0101kirikiri to be vested in the name of the tipuna Te Rangiwhakaewa, and a joint management board will be established to administer the reserve. A property in Mataikona will be vested in both iwi as tenants in common, as undivided half-shares. Further key redress for iwi will be an overlay classification that recognises the traditional, cultural, spiritual, and historical relationships of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne with the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. The redress offered in this bill to Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne acknowledges the significance of these sites for both iwi and their special connection as kaitiaki of these lands. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003EI hope that this joint redress provides the foundation for a new relationship, as we look together to a better future for Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, Rangit\u0101ne, and the Crown. I\u2019m hopeful that this bill is an opportunity for all of us to move forward towards a true partnership\u2014one that is based on cooperation, genuine mutual trust and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles, and a vision to stand together and share the future. I look forward to continuing to take this legislation through the House, to provide redress to both iwi. It\u2019s my hope that the bill will progress swiftly in the select committee process. I commend this bill to the House. N\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u00220d755fab013246599db2133db8bafa2a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220d755fab013246599db2133db8bafa2a\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=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022a7d6fa43ca8145ab83096ff1258eeb05\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a7d6fa43ca8145ab83096ff1258eeb05\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I\u2019m pleased to rise to speak as the member of Parliament for Southland and as National\u2019s Treaty negotiations spokesperson on this first reading of Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. To Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne: ahakoa kei hea koutou poipoi\u0101 e t\u0113nei whenua, e t\u0113nei motu o Aotearoa, he mihi t\u0113nei ki a koutou. Wherever the descendants of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne may be, may they be cared for by this land and this country of Aotearoa New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EI acknowledge all those who are watching these proceedings, and I extend my warmest greetings to one and all. The National Party supports this bill at first reading, and we look forward to it progressing through to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, which I am on, and I\u2019m looking forward to hearing the submissions from members of Rangit\u0101ne, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, and the community.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThis bill, Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill, will give effect to specific cultural redress shared between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne and provided for in the respective deeds of settlement. It excludes redress for each of the settlements as provided for in the respective settlement legislation as required. The respective Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu settlement legislation will settle all the historical claims of each group.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ENg\u0101ti Kahungunu has a population of approximately 12,000 people and consists of two of the six taiwhenua regions that make up the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu iwi: Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua. The Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu area of interest spans from Cape Turnagain down to Cape Palliser, and encompasses the wider Wairarapa and T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua regions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ERangit\u0101ne is an iwi of approximately 3,000 people. The Rangit\u0101ne area of interest spans from M\u0101karamu, near Porangahau, down to Cape Palliser, and encompasses the wider Wairarapa and T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua regions. I\u2019ll just make a personal note here as I was born in Waipukurau, and I spent a small part of my childhood in Porangahau, so I\u2019m quite familiar with the area. Kia ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThis bill recognises that while Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne are different groups and trace descent from different eponymous ancestors, they are also closely interconnected. Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne share whakapapa and hap\u016B affiliations throughout the Wairarapa and T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua regions. The term \u201Cjoint redress iwi\u201D is used to refer to Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne in this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EFollowing nine weeks of hearings between March 2004 and March 2005, the Waitangi Tribunal released the Wairarapa ki Tararua report in June 2010 at Te Ore Ore Marae in Masterton. The report covered 28 claims filed by members of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne hap\u016B, and other claimant groups. The inquiry district covered the south-eastern corner of the North Island inland to the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges and northward to southern Hawke\u2019s Bay. The claims investigated by the Waitangi Tribunal concerning Wairarapa ki Tararua covered the Crown\u2019s purchase of land, including land around Wairarapa Moana, and the compulsory acquisition of M\u0101ori land for public works.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThe grievances of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne included the Crown\u2019s acquisition of vast areas of land and its failure to ensure that adequate reserves were protected in their ownership; and the Crown\u2019s failure to provide ample reserves near Lake Wairarapa as it had agreed under the tuku rangatira of the lakes; and the Crown\u2019s failure to protect the iwi from virtual landlessness and from the erosion of their tribal structures, the social deprivation that resulted from that, and the loss of te reo M\u0101ori. Both Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne have gone on to negotiate, conclude, and ratify their respective settlement agreements with the Crown. Joint redress was agreed between the Crown, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, and Rangit\u0101ne as part of their respective negotiations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EVarious provisions in this bill provide for shared cultural redress. Cultural redress is intended to recognise the cultural, historical, and traditional association of Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu within the areas of interest. The bill recognises the Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu statements of association with land, describes the underlying values and principles associated with that land, and identifies actions to protect the land. The bill also jointly vests shared properties which are specified in Schedule 3 of the bill. Additionally, the bill provides for the making of regulations, under the Fisheries Act 1996, for management of customary fishing in the Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThe respective deeds of settlement provide that the Crown, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu settlement trust, and the Rangit\u0101ne T\u016B Mai R\u0101 Trust are committed to working collectively to explore the development of customary fisheries regulations for Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EA unique arrangement in this settlement is the Wairarapa Moana framework. The bill establishes an inclusive governance structure that includes representatives of both iwi, the Ministry of Conservation, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the South Wairarapa District Council. This structure, the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board, will act as a guardian of the Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment for the benefit of present and future generations by administering the Wairarapa Moana reserves for the purposes set out in the Reserves Act 1977 and the joint redress legislation, including the protection and enhancement of their cultural, spiritual, and ecological values. It also will be the manager of the Wairarapa Moana marginal strips. It will provide leadership on the sustainable management of the Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment, and promote the restoration, protection, and enhancement of the social, economic, cultural, environmental, and spiritual health and wellbeing of Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment as they relate to natural resources.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThe settlement redress is to be managed for the benefit of all members of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne, wherever they live. Importantly, the bill also provides that the overlay classification does not affect the lawful rights or interests of a person who is not a party to the deed of settlement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EThe title of this bill, Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill, refers to a rohe-wide committee established by iwi in the 19th century under the Maori Council\u2019s Act 1900 to address health and welfare issues among their people. This joint redress legislation recognises the enduring bonds that exist between Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. It is important that a settlement process enhances rather than jeopardises those bonds.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ELast year, after Rangit\u0101ne T\u016B Mai R\u0101 Trust board took an urgent application to the Waitangi Tribunal\u2014it was asked to review the Crown\u2019s actions in failing to engage with Rangit\u0101ne regarding the additional redress of Wairarapa Moana in the Ruam\u0101hanga River, and alleged breaches of its commitments to Rangit\u0101ne in its deed of settlement. The Waitangi Tribunal found that the Crown had failed in its Treaty duty of good faith to Rangit\u0101ne. It did not continue to negotiate with them about Wairarapa Moana in good faith, as required by clause 7.6 of the Rangit\u0101ne deed of settlement, and it breached the principle of whanaungatanga, knowing the nature of the engagement and relationship between the two groups in the past, and the Crown\u2019s historical errors putting Rangit\u0101ne interests under those of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. The Crown should have taken active steps to ensure that the relationship between them was not harmed by its approach to shared or joint redress.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EIn view of these findings, the Waitangi Tribunal recommended the Crown pause the introduction of settlement legislation to take steps to rectify its Treaty breaches around the joint redress concerning Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River, help Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu to work together to ensure that the further redress and processes do not jeopardise the relationship, and to do so before any matters that were concluded about redress concerning the Wairarapa Moana and Ruam\u0101hanga River.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003EI look forward to examining this bill, as I said at the outset of my speech, at the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee and hearing from the relevant parties and, importantly, from Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and, I should say, from Rangit\u0101ne. I hope that we have an opportunity to visit as well, and we have had, with COVID lately, a lot of appearances where we\u2019ve had to do it on Zoom, and I certainly hope in this new environment that we can actually come and visit and do it kanohi ki te kanohi.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ESo with that I recommend this bill to the House at this first reading and I look forward to the progress of it through this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022 data-id=\u00220a8455fba76e499e8e5a7322ffdd312a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220a8455fba76e499e8e5a7322ffdd312a\u0022\u003EHon MEKA WHAITIRI (Minister of Customs):\u003C/span\u003E E te M\u0101ngai, t\u0113n\u0101 koe, e ng\u0101 Mema katoa, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. E ng\u0101 iwi Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne ki T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne ki Wairarapa, nau mai, nau mai haramai. Nau mai, haramai ki t\u014D whare, te Whare M\u012Bere o Aotearoa. Nau mai haramai ki te kaupapa whakahirahira. Nau mai haramai i runga i te wairua o te rangi. T\u016B tonu, t\u016B tonu, t\u016B tonu. N\u014D reira, \u014Dku rau rangatira m\u0101, e kui m\u0101 e koro m\u0101, t\u0113nei koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003E[To the tribes, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne ki T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne ki Wairarapa, welcome, welcome, welcome. Welcome to your house, New Zealand\u2019s Beehive. Welcome to this important issue. Welcome in the spirit of the heavens. Stand firm, stand firm, stand firm. Therefore, to my many chiefs, and female and male elders, greetings, greetings, greetings, one and all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI\u2019m pleased to take a call on this significant day, the significant day where we receive the first reading of this bill, Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. I did want to acknowledge the wh\u0101nau, our iwi, who have arrived here in the gallery, and can I say it is so nice in these recent times to have people in our public gallery. Due to COVID, it has been quite a p\u014Duri undertaking in this House doing first, second, third Treaty readings with no wh\u0101nau in the public gallery. So it is a special day in acknowledging your presence here today and for those that can\u2019t be here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThis is a shared cultural redress bill that the Minister has outlined between two very formidable iwi that are based in the T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua region and the Wairarapa region, and I mihi to you all here today. I don\u2019t plan to go in detail but I do understand in reading the bill that there are four cultural redress instruments that I just want to highlight before I respond to some of the k\u014Drero that was received at the p\u014Dhiri.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge one of the instruments, being the overlaid classification over Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. I want to acknowledge the customary fishing regulations of the management over Wairarapa Moana and the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment. I want to acknowledge the vesting of cultural redress properties: Mataikona property, Wairarapa moana property, and, of course, M\u0101kirikiri property to the tipuna Te Rangiwhakaewa. I want to also acknowledge the Wairarapa Moana framework, which establishes a board and enables the development and the setting of the vision and desired outcome statements for that board.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important to acknowledge rangatira on both sides, to those that are no longer here with us, to the Minister of Treaty settlements, but also to the negotiating team. I want to acknowledge you all. As a former Treaty negotiator, I know it\u2019s never ever easy\u2014never ever easy. It\u2019s often a thankless task and you\u2019re always told you never quite got it right. But I want to say to you, the negotiators that have joined us here, thank you for your leadership; thank you for your preservation in staying at the kaupapa. But, more importantly, thank you for coming together as two iwi. I had a big smile on my face when I knew that this bill was coming to this Whare for us to debate and to passage through as the completion of what we\u2019re setting out here to do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge our officials, Te Arawhiti, for the work that they\u2019ve been doing. But it was really the coming together of two peoples, two iwi, who share common interests in T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua and Wairarapa. We all know the stories. We\u2019ve always experienced them, no matter which side we sit on. But it lifts my heart to know that we are all here together as one seeing the passage of this bill. And, like I said at the beginning, may that continue\u2014the working together, acknowledging our uniqueness, our mana motuhake, our tino rangatiratanga, but in an area of interest that we all passionately love\u2014our awa, our maunga, our moana, our puke. It\u2019s important that occasions like this continue, because only when we work together can we achieve great gains.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EAt the p\u014Dhiri, it was talked about, the importance of shared whakapapa. And, interestingly, before we started this bill, we had another k\u014Drero in this House, which is the general debate, where we generally have a bit of a crack at each other across the House on what\u2019s been achieved and the Opposition saying what we haven\u2019t achieved. And the issue of whakapapa and identity as a M\u0101ori was discussed in this House prior to this bill. So I wanted to draw that out because it came in the p\u014Dhiri, and the strength of shared whakapapa, as opposed to a hindrance or a prohibitive\u2014shared whakapapa, collective responsibility, working together for all. I want to acknowledge our speakers Paora and Mike\u2014Paora Ammunson and Mike Kawana\u2014who spoke on the paepae today. Of course, Uncle Haami Te Whaiti and, of course, Tipene Chrisp, who shared their perspective as negotiators.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBut that point around shared whakapapa, it\u2019s not lost on me in terms of what was shared at the p\u014Dhiri\u2014but also a message to us in this House to remind ourselves about our collective responsibility for the nation and to not go down rabbit holes that divide and rule us, but actually enhance us as a people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EThe other point that I want to just address briefly\u2014and, look, four minutes isn\u2019t going to do it. But the k\u014Drero around seamless negotiations, or trying to aim for seamless negotiations when it comes to grievances and working with the Crown\u2014so that was also raised at the p\u014Dhiri, around how we look for systems improvement, and I\u2019m pleased that the new head of Te Arawhiti was there to hear that k\u014Drero too. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EAs Rongowhakaata negotiated, the Government of the day introduced the large natural groupings, which was to do exactly that. It was the fast-track Treaty settlements. Eleven years later\u2014nowhere near as long as 32 years\u2014we finally settled. So there is a point to always remind the Crown around how we can improve it. And one idea\u2014and it\u2019s appeared to me because I\u2019ve had many settlements across the rohe\u2014is the front loading of us just talking as M\u0101ori, as hap\u016B, as marae, and as iwi, before we enter the formal process of negotiations. Because once you enter the formal process of negotiations, it is no longer your process. And what comes undone\u2014and I\u2019ve seen it many, many, many times with counterclaims and going back to the tribunal\u2014is that we\u2019ve jumped into that process, in my view, sometimes too soon and not spent time at the front end to getting an understanding of what is critically important, including cross-claims, including interest from other iwi in our rohe, and all those critical issues and trying to head them off before we start negotiating with the Crown. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EI think the Crown has a responsibility. I\u2019m not the Minister of Treaty settlements, but the Crown simply has a responsibility to enable that part of the process before we start the process proper. And those are my thoughts. Those are my thoughts personally around how we can streamline settlements. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003EBut today is a great day for the people of Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne Wairarapa, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, Wairarapa o T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua to celebrate the coming together in the passing and this consideration of Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. It is a way forward that I\u2019m proud of; that I hope those in our gallery are proud of, and all the people that you represent back on the homelands. This is far-fetching work. It will bring huge benefits to our respective region and to our respective iwi. It will create the opportunities around those properties, but it also enables us to tell our story as we see fit. And it\u2019s always about the future generation, with our rangatahi, that we always think of at times like this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022073496a0-73b7-426f-97f8-916bd542b0fa\u0022\u003ESo, without further delay, it has been my absolute honour to have a small k\u014Drero around this particular bill at its first reading. It will go through its process and I look forward to it coming back to the House so we can consider what the public has viewed on it, but, more importantly, to end this part of the process for the people of Rangit\u0101ne and for the people of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua, and Wairarapa. For those few words, I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022 data-id=\u002203c13295b72144ab9f40f629a9a85bfd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002203c13295b72144ab9f40f629a9a85bfd\u0022\u003EDr SHANE RETI (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak to this, Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill, at its first reading. As it is with many bills, you do the preparation, you do the background, and I learnt so much more around the bill. Of course, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll learn more through select committee and through other readings. But this interests me particularly as the bill speaks to the Wairarapa and the Wairarapa Moana, and particularly to the Ruamahanga River and its traverse through many electorates, actually. I was speaking with my colleague Ian McKelvie and it turns out that this river actually traverses through his electorate and around through Masterton as well. So it\u2019s been an interesting exploration, looking at what this bill is trying to address as it goes to select committee, and looking back at the work that brings it to this point.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EOf course, the deed of settlement was signed between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and the Crown in October 2021, so credit here to the Office of Treaty Settlements and the team who have brought the bill to this place today where it\u2019s ready to go through its first reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EThe main provisions are relatively clear and concise. I know a number of bills sometimes, as we talk to redress and acknowledgments, can be quite wide-reaching. I found this to be quite concise. The main provisions talk to the deed of settlement for Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua and Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa and Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, as I\u2019ve said. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EThe key points of cultural redress\u2014Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. This is what I mean by doing the background and preparation before you come to a bill. So I need to sort of then go to the geography and say, now, whereabouts is that? What do I need to know about that? I\u2019m more informed and better here as I come today, and will be more informed as we go through select committee\u2014in fact, somewhat distracted by, oh, is that where that point is? How did it get its name? What is this bill going to do that\u2019s going to change or improve that? How\u2019s it going to help the iwi?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003ERegulations for the management of customary fishing in Wairarapa Moana, as I said, and the Ruamahanga River catchment, and the vesting in fee simple of three cultural redress properties is what the deed of settlement is also talking to. There are three Schedules, each which talk to the Wairarapa Moana and the river. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003EI think, as I look at this bill overall, what we\u2019ll see more detail around is the cultural redress and the grievances. So it\u2019s quite skinny at this point in time. This is what the select committee particularly will flesh out with submissions and with select committee hearings and evidence. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003ESo far be it for me to stand in the road of this bill. I\u2019m better informed than I was a week ago as to what this Treaty settlement is looking to do, and I\u2019m very encouraged and excited to see this go through select committee. Even though I don\u2019t sit on this particular select committee myself, my colleagues who do\u2014Harete Hipango and Joseph Mooney\u2014will keep us up to date with the progress of this bill. It\u2019s fair to say I now have a knowledgeable interest to overview it as it makes its progress as well, and I\u2019m excited for the people\u2014excited for the iwi who have been able to come here and to join us in the gallery, which is an unusual event of recent days, to actually have iwi here, due to COVID. It adds an ambience and a wairua to the deliberations that we\u2019re making here today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022861a1798-a396-4a6c-b9e2-7d2f15d4a001\u0022\u003ESo let\u2019s move this bill along. Let\u2019s get it to select committee. Let\u2019s do the work and let\u2019s give the benefits to those who should receive the benefits. Kia ora koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022 data-id=\u0022b5400413d2c14023a675848d11cd565d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b5400413d2c14023a675848d11cd565d\u0022\u003ERACHEL BOYACK (Labour\u2014Nelson):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te M\u0101ngai o te Whare. It is a pleasure to take a call on Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. This bill gives effect to specific to the cultural redress shared between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua and Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa as Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua and provided for in their respective deeds of settlement. I would like to begin by acknowledging the members of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne who have travelled to Parliament today and those who are watching and participating remotely. I mihi to you all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EAs others speakers have noted, it is wonderful to have you all in the gallery today. Madam Speaker, I\u2019m not sure if Mr Speaker is watching, but I wonder if he has made a ruling on whether we will allow waiata in the Whare today. One of the most special moments of participating in this Whare is the waiata when we finish a reading of a Treaty redress bill. Something I have had the privilege of learning is kapahaka, as a member of the New Zealand Youth Choir, and waiata in this Whare, and that is something that I\u2019m really looking forward to, and I\u2019m going to stay specifically for that. I hope that it will ring around this Parliament as something we haven\u2019t heard in here for a very long time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EToday we\u2019re beginning this particular legislative process to further acknowledge you and the historical wrongs against your people, but the work to get to this point was started a very long time ago. I want to acknowledge all who were involved in this process and who have passed since that time. This bill will give effect to specific cultural redress shared between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne and provided for in their respective deeds of settlement. You may be wondering a little bit about why a P\u0101keh\u0101 MP from Whakatu in Te Wai Pounamu would have anything to say on this particular bill. I consider this to be the first opportunity I have had to give a speech, a k\u014Drero, in this Whare on a Treaty settlement bill. I\u2019m really proud to whakapapa back to Wairarapa, where my mother grew up and where members of my wh\u0101nau still live, and where I spent a lot of time as a child, and I\u2019m proud also to have grown up in Manawat\u016B, which is also a whakapapa to Rangit\u0101ne. As the MP for Nelson, Whakatu, we have eight iwi in our rohe, one of which I spent a lot of time working with\u2014Rangit\u0101ne o Wairau. My colleague Barbara Edmonds earlier in her speech today mentioned the Wairau Affray and what happened to Te Rauparaha and the history, which is so important for the area that I come from and I know this is whakapapa that many of you here today will share.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EI just want to note that it is so important that these stories and your history\u2014the history that has led us to this place for this k\u014Drero so that we can right these wrongs\u2014are shared properly in Aotearoa. We are currently in New Zealand having a discussion at times about the role that history plays in our country, and it\u2019s because of times like this, in my view, that that history really matters so that we don\u2019t end up with P\u0101keh\u0101 MPs like me standing up here today, having had to do the research. This research and this history should be taught to our tamariki early in their lives, because it\u2019s part of who we all are.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EAs previous speakers have pointed out, there are a number of things that this bill does. It provides for an overlay classification over Castlepoint Scenic Reserve. Castlepoint is a place I visited a lot as a child with my wh\u0101nau in Wairarapa. It provides for the making of regulation for the management of customary fishing in Wairarapa Moana and the Ruamahanga River Catchment. It jointly vests the Mataikona property in fee simple with both iwi, and it also jointly vests the Crown-owned parts of the Wairarapa Moana property in fee simple.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EThe bill establishes the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board. The bill sets up the functions, membership, procedure, and committees of the board and it also sets out the preparation and approval requirements of the documents in a vision statement for the Wairarapa Moana.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EI want to make a specific point about the role that our local government and our territorial authorities have played. When reading through the bill, I was particularly interested to see the contribution from local government\u2014the Tararua District Council making available the M\u0101kirikiri Recreation Reserve; the Masterton District Council relinquishing its control and appointment of the Mataikona reserve; and the fact that the Crown and the trustees of the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Settlement Trust and the Rangit\u0101ne T\u016B Mai R\u0101 Trust have agreed, along with Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council, to be part of the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board. Those parties, together with Masterton District Council and Carterton District Council, have agreed to be part of the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board\u2019s committee for natural resources. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EAgain, I point this out for quite a specific reason. Again, we are having conversations and k\u014Drero in Aotearoa at the moment about the role of co-governance and the role of iwi and M\u0101ori relations in local government. Part of that conversation at times has gotten very ugly and inappropriate. In my view, this is an example of the work that local government and iwi have been doing for so many years, in such a positive way, to work together in the true spirit of partnership. There is so much that the Crown can learn from that and there is so much that all of Aotearoa can learn from that. I wanted to point out specifically how good it was to see the inclusion of work by our councils in getting here today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b8550e1a-ed25-44a2-b0e2-b0a8d52a7a80\u0022\u003EThis is the first reading today, and from here we go through that select committee process. And from here we have an opportunity to hear from people further as this bill progresses through this Whare. I\u2019m not here to hold this up any further. We want to hear your voices ringing out through this Whare tonight, celebrating another step in this milestone. So I commend this bill to the House. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022 data-id=\u00228dfa2de4748f4e77aa7dcbf20d47eab9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228dfa2de4748f4e77aa7dcbf20d47eab9\u0022\u003EJAN LOGIE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to take a call on behalf of the Green Party on this, the first reading of the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EAs has been stated by others, this bill gives effect to specific cultural redress shared between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, and Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa as provided for in their respective deeds of settlement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EThe redress in the bill includes sites to be jointly vested, including property at M\u0101kirikiri Gravel Reserve, the beautiful Mataikona, the bed of Lake Wairarapa property\u2014the Crown share of that, I understand from the Minister\u2014and provides for an overlay classification over Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, being a site of significance to both iwi. And it provides for the establishment of the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board, who will act as a guardian of the Wairarapa Moana and the Ruamahanga River catchment for the benefit of the present and future generations. Such important work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to particularly note this magnificent wetland of international significance within their care and the stellar work of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne that they\u2019ve been leading to restore the mauri of Wairarapa Moana. All of this is essential to the affirmation of the kaitiaki responsibilities under Te Tiriti justice, and we know we need to see more of this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EToday, too, I would like to acknowledge the negotiators and hap\u016B, for whom this day has been a long time coming, who will quite naturally feel a sense of urgency and hope to be able to move on towards a new relationship with the Crown, to be able to really start restoring the whenua, awa, moana, and rebuild as wh\u0101nau. I want to be very clear that the kaha of the negotiators for this rohe cannot be disputed and we uphold their efforts to right past wrongs and move forward. But the Greens at this point in the process have some outstanding questions about the Crown process that we hope to resolve through the select committee process before we can offer our support to this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EOur questions arise primarily from the proximity of this bill to the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua settlement and the need for some reassurance that the recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal in relation to that settlement are being followed and not in any way ignored to the benefit of the Crown. There is intra-hap\u016B disagreement on most, if not all, settlement bills. Sometimes corrections are made through the select committee process, but mostly we just have to acknowledge those who oppose the deeply imperfect process enforced by the Crown while we stand by and congratulate the majority for their hard-fought-for settlement. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EThe Treaty settlement process leading to the aspects of this bill, though, have been heavily criticised by the Waitangi Tribunal, and at this stage our concerns relate primarily to the following points.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003ESo the Crown has indicated an intention to settle with the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust, whom the Waitangi Tribunal has found does not have a mandate to settle on behalf of the claimants in Wai 429 and Wai 85, and the Waitangi Tribunal\u2019s primary and strong recommendation was that the proposed settlement with Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua does not proceed at this stage because, as they said, and I quote, \u201Cthe cumulative effect of the deficiencies we identified, the process was unfair, will exacerbate divisions in the claimant community, and will not be durable.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EOur third concern is that the Waitangi Tribunal also found that in this settlement process, the Crown failed in its Treaty duty of good faith to Rangit\u0101ne: \u201CIt did not continue to negotiate with them about Wairarapa Moana in good faith as required by clause 7.6 of the Deed of Settlement. It also breached the principle of whanaungatanga. In its dealings with Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu about Wairarapa Moana, it should have been aware of the implications for the mana of each.\u201D In relation to this claim, they recommended the Crown pause to take steps to rectify its Treaty breach, and before any matters were concluded about redress concerning Wairarapa Moana, help Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu to \u201Cwork together to ensure that any such redress, and the process for agreeing upon it with the Crown, [do] not jeopardise their internal and external relationships;\u201D and reimburse Rangit\u0101ne for the costs of the urgent claim.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EAnd the final paragraph of that Waitangi Tribunal ruling stated\u2014again, I will quote: \u201CWe have recommended that, in relation to all the claimants, the Crown should now pause to rectify the deficiencies that have made the settlement process we heard about unsound and unfair. If the Crown acts on our recommendations, there are implications for the deed of settlement already signed. It is for the Crown to satisfy itself on what basis and how it should withdraw from the deed of settlement.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003ETo have a related bill introduced and proceeding to first reading only a few sitting weeks after this ruling worries us. The Greens have met with some of the interested parties who have been in the courts over this issue, and I want to stress that not one of those parties has wished to trample on the mana of the negotiators. Everybody expressed to us a wish for a settlement to go ahead, just without the sections of concern or the inclusion of Ng\u0101i T\u016Bmapuhia-a-Rangi and Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani Incorporation and that is what we need reassurance of in the select committee process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003EWe will vote to support this bill if we are confident that it will not lock in a deed of settlement that the Waitangi Tribunal said should pause and will have no impact on the resumption of litigation in front of the courts and will not in any way undermine the mana of Rangit\u0101ne T\u016B Mai R\u0101 Trust.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019ll finish by lamenting the fact that Te Arawhiti in their briefing to the incoming Minister, most recently, had to note that the Waitangi Tribunal made a number of findings in recent years suggesting the Crown has been too keen to achieve settlement and has not taken sufficient time to resolve overlapping claims between M\u0101ori or to ensure there is widespread and ongoing support for the mandated entity representing an iwi. In seeking to resolve past wrongs, the Crown should not create new grievances. The Green Party wholeheartedly shares this view, and whilst seeking to uphold the mana of all the negotiators and hap\u016B who have been subjected to this process, we will still need reassurance that no new grievances are being created by the Crown. The Green Party believes in the need for a tikanga-based approach, where all parties are given the opportunity to determine and collectively agree what the redress process and outcome looks like. To us, that is tino rangatiratanga. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002269dfdffa-4227-42b6-875a-fc8033bc25cc\u0022\u003ESo we look forward to the select committee discussions but will be abstaining on the bill today. T\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u002243e2924f514b4e0786ef809dd72b06b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002243e2924f514b4e0786ef809dd72b06b0\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. The ACT Party wishes to acknowledge those who have come to the House today to hear the first reading of the bill, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne, and we want to let you know that the ACT Party will support this bill at first reading to go to select committee, where any remaining details can be ironed out, hopefully to the satisfaction of the claimants and to those who may be affected by some provisions of this bill. There are a couple of matters that I\u2019d like to canvass very briefly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EFirstly, the ACT Party believes that New Zealand is unique in that we have a Treaty between the indigenous people of New Zealand and the Crown, Queen Victoria, which sets out the rights and privileges of all citizens, and that we are all equal before the law. The ACT Party believes that is one of the truly unique and wonderful things about New Zealand, that founding document. We support the process\u2014that is, to bring historical grievances to a tribunal where all of the evidence can be documented and then worked through for the purpose of achieving a settlement to deal with historical grievances, which have often held back the development\u2014the economic and social development\u2014of people whose lands were alienated by the Crown or by the actions of others. So it\u2019s important that we recognise that this process is vital for past grievances to be addressed and that it is one of the most important things that leads New Zealand to a place of social cohesion. For that reason, the ACT Party supports this process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s also wonderful to hear that the interests of the iwi and hap\u016B in the very important wetland are to see the values of the wetland enhanced, the biodiversity and the ecology of the special place protected, and that there is also a provision for people who wish to fish in this wetland and to enjoy all of the benefits of the natural resources that this wonderful wetland produces. So, again, those are shared values and that is recognised by the settlement. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI was surprised to hear from the previous member who spoke, Jan Logie, that in fact the Crown might have been too keen to settle the claim. That surprises me because in my short time in the House I\u2019ve seen the Crown, as represented by the current Government, be extremely reluctant to acknowledge problems and to seek to settle them unless it becomes too embarrassing. So I think it\u2019s wonderful that the Crown is keen to settle the claim and I think, at the risk of creating new grievances, that\u2019s what the select committee process is for\u2014so that, in fact, if there are risks which haven\u2019t been sufficiently resolved they can be addressed through the select committee process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important also to consider whether settlements that benefit some of the parties who have rights and interests in land and waters do not conflict or override the rights of others who believe they also have interests in lands and waters. So in order for the settlement to be durable, all of those matters must be fully explored\u2014and despite the fact that some parties might feel that actually they haven\u2019t been able to recover all of their property or to have all of their rights and interests fully acknowledged, that they are sufficiently satisfied with the deal that\u2019s on the table and that it means they can move forward as a group, as an iwi, as a hap\u016B, and have sufficient economic power to actually go about and develop their own business and their own land in a way that benefits them for the long term. So that is the purpose of the settlement process and ACT supports that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI do note at some stage in the bill it refers to setting up statutory boards that will have a co-governance approach to the wetland, to reserve land, and to conservation land. Now, where the scope and the purpose and the objectives of those statutory entities is clear, and that revolves around ecology and making sure that the people who have an interest in these lands and waters are satisfied that the ecological and the biodiversity values are being enhanced, then, look, there may very well be good reasons to have a co-governance model. But there will always be concerns from some people who feel that in the absence of a democratically elected pathway to people who control reserves and other what are currently common lands held by the Crown for the purpose of administering them so that all New Zealanders can access them, that a co-governance arrangement may, in fact, exclude some people who wish to be heard. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EBut I do note in the bill that there are extensive provisions for consultation on reserve management plans that the statutory board wishes to implement and so it seems like, in this particular case, many of the concerns that people have about co-governance could, in fact, be allayed by very high quality legislation that delivers the best of both worlds. So on that note, I would like to confirm that the ACT Party supports that this bill should go to select committee for further investigation and, on that note, ACT commends this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u002281078742345b445fb49fef42188d8482\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002281078742345b445fb49fef42188d8482\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY (Labour\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koutou ng\u0101 uri o Rangit\u0101ne, ng\u0101 uri o Kahungunu. Nau mai, haere mai hoki mai ki t\u014D t\u0101tou nei Whare, te Whare P\u0101remata.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E[Greetings you, the descendants of Rangit\u0101ne, the descendants of Kahungunu. Welcome to our House, the House of Parliament.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s wonderful to see you here today. I acknowledge your presence and I acknowledge those people of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, and Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, from the regions of Wairarapa and what is now known as the Tararua District.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EWairarapa Moana is a beautiful site. It is the site that gives our beautiful region its name. \u201CGlistening waters\u201D is what it loosely translates to. Anyone that has left Wellington on the train to head to Wairarapa, leaving the dreary, miserable weather of Wellington, going underneath the Remutaka Pass, and emerging to the beautiful sunny valley of Wairarapa, to the right sees the beautiful site of Wairarapa Moana.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s wonderful to see in this bill today recognition of the cultural redress that needs to occur in regards to recognising the unique and special role that iwi have in the management of Wairarapa Moana. How good is co-governance? That\u2019s what I have to say. Because it recognises that there is a special and unique role that should never be overlooked in the management of important cultural assets, be it Wairarapa Moana, be it out Castlepoint or Mataikona. It is vital that the wrongs of the past be acknowledged and attempts to address that be made, and that is what is outlined in this bill today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EThis is the first time that I\u2019ve spoken to a redress bill, and it is a great privilege to be able to speak to it today. For the first time, listening to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, the Hon Andrew Little, acknowledging those that took part in the negotiations, I was able to sit back and say, \u201CI know those people.\u201D That meant a lot to me, because I know that this means a lot not only to Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne but also to our region. This shouldn\u2019t just be seen as something that\u2019s important to local iwi. This should be seen as something that\u2019s important to all of us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve been reflecting on my family\u2019s heritage in leading up to this contribution, and I remember back in 2014, when I first stood for Parliament, and I told the story of my great-grandmother\u2019s great-grandfather, who built the first building in what is now Featherston, which was the first pub. I was really proud of that. Rawiri Smith, who was running for Te Paati M\u0101ori at the time, came up to me and said, \u201CThat\u2019s pretty impressive, but don\u2019t forget how long we\u2019ve been here.\u201D And I haven\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EBut I also reflect on my great-grandfather\u2019s great-uncle, Daniel O\u2019Connell, who the main street of Dublin is named after. He was a politician of the time and led the fight against the British to have the Irish recognised in their own land. I was raised being told of this, raised to be proud of this\u2014that fighting for the rights of the people who were there before they were colonised is something to be proud of. If I were to stand today here not only as the member of Parliament for Wairarapa but with that as my background and not support this and not support co-governance, then I would be a hypocrite, and I\u2019m not going to be a hypocrite. I support this wholeheartedly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003ETo those that suggest that co-governance should not go beyond the management of natural resources, I would point them to Te Ahu a Turanga, the Manawat\u016B-Tararua highway that is currently being built at the moment. Now that Transmission Gully has finished, it is the largest earthworks project in the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d3b61dd051994dcc8bd34824172da0eb\u0022\u003EHon Gerry Brownlee\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, still one of ours.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec4e717db23e475b827e4685c1f03ff5\u0022\u003EKIERAN McANULTY\u003C/span\u003E: It is a case where a unique approach has been taken. While some may want to interject and try and play petty politics on roading projects, there is a serious point to this, and that is that unlike previous projects, the New Zealand Transport Agency and the alliance of which it is part formed a relationship with local iwi\u2014recognising the unique role, recognising the importance of the land to them\u2014and had a co-governance approach to that construction. Some may argue that there is no role for that in such things. But this project has taken into consideration the unique and special insight that local iwi were able to provide. It has taken into consideration the importance of preserving the mana of the land, the water that flows through the Manawat\u016B River; the importance of restoring the land, once the road is built, with native planting, but also working with local iwi to ensure that actually the majority of the people working on that project are from local areas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EThose are the sorts of practical, tangible benefits from taking the time to recognise the unique role that mana whenua have and the possibilities that working together brings. Mavis Mullins mentioned at the time when the Hon Phil Twyford came to Woodville to sign this agreement that this was the Treaty principles at work, and I couldn\u2019t agree more. Something like building a road can follow Treaty principles, and I think it\u2019s a prime example for those that try to say that co-governance is something to be scared of. Go up to the Tararua District and see it in action, and I promise you, it\u2019ll be nothing to be scared of at all. I wholeheartedly commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022 data-id=\u0022be1defe1c81742caa7d025ea6c061382\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022be1defe1c81742caa7d025ea6c061382\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG (National\u2014Selwyn):\u003C/span\u003E Rau rangatira m\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E[To the many chiefs, greetings to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003ENational is very pleased to support the Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill, which, along with the Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu settlement legislation that was introduced in February, will complete Treaty settlements in the Wairarapa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003ECan I acknowledge iwi and wh\u0101nau gathered in the gallery this evening. New Zealand is a very small country. My mother is a St Hill-Warren of Porangahau, and her family married into the Mohi wh\u0101nau, so I have Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu cousins. So I mihi to you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EI want to also acknowledge the Hon Chris Finlayson, who settled the Rangit\u0101ne negotiations in 2016, and the Hon Andrew Little, who signed the settlement with Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu late last year and finalised the joint redress that we are here canvassing this evening.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EThe Minister and other speakers have already spent time on the settlement redress itself, but I do want to say something about the role of cultural redress in settlements. There is a reason that so much cultural redress is related to the environment, as is the case here. It\u2019s an attempt by the Crown to recognise the aspirations of iwi to be involved in the management of natural resources of cultural significance that matter deeply to them, and also to make room\u2014most importantly\u2014for the exercise of their rangatiratanga. It is a vital part of Treaty settlements and relies on the enormous generosity of the negotiating iwi to make what can be at times difficult compromises.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003ELike other settlements, the bill we are debating this evening provides for environmental and cultural redress, the joint vesting of property, and new arrangements for the Crown and iwi to work together to make customary fishing regulations. The centrepiece, however, is the new statutory board to govern the Wairarapa Moana. It\u2019s been formed as an important part of the negotiations and sits squarely in the middle of the Waitangi Tribunal\u2019s Wairarapa report, to use the tribunal\u2019s own words. One of its primary roles will be to produce a Wairarapa Moana document setting out the vision and the aspirations for this management. It will also set out a reserves management plan and a natural resources document for the Ruamahanga River catchment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EWe often see in the headlines the dollar figures, the amounts spent on the settlements, and the financial redress, but it\u2019s the cultural and relationships redress that I think has become most important. It is the part that often places continuing obligations on the Crown and local government to make things work. So when Parliament legislates for the Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board, it does so in the expectation that the Crown and local government appointees work to make the agreement that Parliament legislates here to work in practice.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EChris Finlayson always says that if the Crown doesn\u2019t respect its obligations, Treaty settlements will not last the distance. In my humble view, \u201CNew Zealand Inc.\u201D needs this legislation, along with all other Treaty settlement legislation, to last the distance. I am very pleased to commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u002201606b6fed1e403988b42035680b60ff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002201606b6fed1e403988b42035680b60ff\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te Paati M\u0101ori) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te P\u012Bka otir\u0101 t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou i te Whare. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou i \u014D t\u0101tou tini mate o te w\u0101. Ko Kahurangi June Jackson, ko te kuia a Aunty Barlu t\u0113r\u0101, ko T\u0101 Wira t\u0113n\u0101, ko Marina Sciascia an\u014D hoki t\u0113r\u0101, ar\u0101 ko wai atu, ko wai atu. R\u0101tou te hunga wairua ki a r\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EKa hoki mai r\u0101 ki a t\u0101tou, e hika m\u0101, kua pae nei, t\u0113n\u0101 an\u014D hoki t\u0101tou katoa. Kahur\u0101naki t\u016B mai r\u0101, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu iwi, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, karanga mai whakatau mai r\u0101. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou i te \u0101huatanga o ng\u0101 tawatawainga anei r\u0101 t\u014D mokopuna, te uri o Kahakura Mihiata, e mihi nei e tangi nei. Ng\u0101 pae maunga o Ruahine, o Tararua, t\u016B mai r\u0101. Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, karanga mai, whakatau mai t\u0101. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou i t\u0101 t\u0101tou tipuna, te tipua kait\u0101 ko Rongokako. He nui ng\u0101 k\u014Drero m\u014D te tipua nei ki roto i awahau ki te Tai R\u0101whiti, \u0101, ki Te Wh\u0101nau-a-Apanui hoki. Kei reira tonu t\u014Dnu tapawae kei ng\u0101 toka t\u016B moana ki Wai\u014Drore, Te Wh\u0101nau a Hinetekahu ki Toihau. N\u014D reira ng\u0101 mihi nui ki a koutou e whakawaha nei, e haut\u016B nei i t\u0113nei ker\u0113me. T\u0113nei t\u0101tou i te \u0101huatanga o t\u0113nei taihonotanga ker\u0113me Tiriti a Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu me Rangit\u0101ne me ng\u0101 kaupapa kua poua ki roto i t\u0113nei ker\u0113me i t\u0113nei r\u0101, \u0101, te paparua i a Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, te mahi tahi m\u014D te tiaki i te moana ki Wairarapa me te awa o Ruamahanga, te whakahokitanga mai o ng\u0101 whenua t\u0101pui a M\u0101kirikiri me te Mataikona Scenic Reserves an\u014D hoki. E hika m\u0101, kei te mihi atu r\u0101 ki a koutou i ng\u0101 whakat\u014Dp\u016Btanga o ng\u0101 rawa nei.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAhakoa ng\u0101 t\u016B\u0101huatanga o t\u0113nei ker\u0113me k\u0101ore e tarea te whakatika i ng\u0101 h\u0113 o te K\u0101wanatanga me \u014Dna ture, ka roa nei e apo i a t\u0101tou. He apo whenua, he apo tikanga, he apo tangata, he apo mahara a te M\u0101ori. K\u0101tahi te taniwha whakawehewehe tangata ko t\u0113nei, whakawehewehe wh\u0101nau, whakawehewehe hap\u016B, whakawehewehe iwi hoki. Heoi an\u014D. Ko te t\u016Bmanako ka tarea tonu te whai oranga i roto i t\u0113nei t\u016B\u0101huatanga, te waihanga pakihi, te tipu mahi, te whakaora hapori, te whakaora tikanga me te reo me w\u0113r\u0101 mea katoa. E t\u016Bmanako nei e t\u0101tou i roto i \u0113nei rangi tonu \u0101, an\u014D hoki i runga i te mahi tahi. Ahakoa kotahi pai heneti noa iho kua whakahokia mai ki a m\u0101tou, me waiho ake m\u0101 \u014D t\u0101tou mokopuna te iwa tekau m\u0101 iwa pai heneti e toe ana e whawhai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHeoi an\u014D, kei roto i t\u014D m\u0101tou kaupapa here Mana Motuhake te huarahi m\u014D t\u0113nei t\u016B\u0101huatanga. Kei runga i te p\u012Brangi a Te Paati M\u0101ori hei tauawhi i \u014D t\u0101tou iwi me tahuringia i te whakaaetanga whakaatu whakataunga ker\u0113me, te whakakore i te k\u014Dpaki putea, the full and final settlement me te large natural grouping, te whakamana i ng\u0101 whakataunga a te Taraipunara o Waitangi me te whakatikatika i ng\u0101 WAI ker\u0113me e t\u0101rewa tonu ana, \u0101, te whakat\u016Bngia i t\u0113tahi komihana Tiriti o Waitangi hei \u0101ta m\u0101tautau i te K\u0101wanatanga me \u014Dna tari katoa, \u0101, me te whakahoki i ng\u0101 whenua r\u0101hui katoa ki ng\u0101 iwi. N\u0101 reira, e hika m\u0101, kua rongo t\u0101tou i ng\u0101 k\u014Drero whakaparahako, ar\u0101 a ng\u0101 p\u0101ti p\u0113r\u0101 an\u014D i a ACT i t\u0101tou me t\u014D t\u0101tou mana motuhake me t\u014D t\u0101tou tino rangatiratanga. Kia kaha an\u014D t\u0101tou i runga i te huarahi e whai nei t\u0101tou, me te mea hoki kei a t\u0101tou ko t\u0101tou mana. Waiho m\u0101 M\u0101ori an\u014D a M\u0101ori e k\u014Drero, waiho an\u014D a M\u0101ori an\u014D a M\u0101ori e rangatira.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EN\u014D reira, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, koutou ko Ruahine kei te mihi atu r\u0101 ki a koutou i t\u0113nei r\u0101, nau haramai, e hika m\u0101, ki Te Whare, ki te p\u0101nuitanga tuatahi o t\u014D kourou ker\u0113me. Ka whanga awahau ki te w\u0101nanga ki roto i te komiti M\u0101ori me te whakarongo ki ng\u0101 kaupapa katoa kei roto i te ker\u0113me nei. \u0100e tae ake r\u0101 ki te p\u0101nui tuarua me te p\u0101nui tuatoru. N\u014D reira, e hika m\u0101, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Rangit\u0101ne, maranga mai, t\u0113nei te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori e tautoko kait\u0101 nei i t\u0113nei o ng\u0101 ker\u0113me i t\u0113nei r\u0101. Kia ora t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[I acknowledge the many dead at this time. Dame June Jackson is one, the elder Aunty Barlu another and Sir Wira, as well as Marina Sciascia and others. Let the dead be with the dead.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EReturning to us who are sitting here, greetings one and all. Kahur\u0101naki who stands there, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu tribes, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, I call to you and formally welcome you. Greetings to all. With respect to our connections, I am your relative, the descendent of Kahukura Mihiata, I greet you and mourn with you. To the mountain ranges of Ruahine, of Tararua standing there. Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, I call to you and formally welcome you. I acknowledge our supernatural giant Rongokako. There are many stories about this giant in my territory in the East Coast, in Te Wh\u0101nau-a-Apanui too. His footsteps are still on the coastal rocks at Wai\u014Drore, the subtribe of Te Wh\u0101nau a Hinetakahu ki Toihau. Therefore, I acknowledge you who are carrying and guiding this claim. Greetings, everyone, to this joint Treaty claim of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne and the issues that have been established within in today, the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, the collaboration to care for the body of water at Wairarapa and the Ruamahanga river, the return of the reserved lands of M\u0101kirikiri and Mataikona Scenic Reserves as well. Well, I congratulate you on the consolidation of these properties.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EDespite the attributes of this claim, it cannot rectify the wrongs of the Government and its laws, which have for so long been appropriating from us all. Appropriating land, destroying customary practice, exploiting people and wrongly acquiring M\u0101ori thought. What a beast this is, adept at separating people, breaking up families, splitting sub-tribes and dividing tribes as well. It is hoped that it will still be possible to find benefits in this situation, to create businesses, to grow work, to revive sub-tribes, to enliven customary practice and language, along with other things. That is our desire here today, and of course to work together. Although only 1 percent has been returned to us, we must leave our grandchildren to fight for the other 99 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EIn addition, in our Mana Motuhake policy, is the way out of the current circumstances. To enable the M\u0101ori Party\u2019s desire to support our tribes, first we must overhaul the current Treaty settlement process, end the fiscal envelope, the full and final settlements and the large natural groupings, make Waitangi Tribunal decisions binding, and resolve all outstanding WAI claims, establish a Commissioner for the Treaty of Waitangi to oversee the Crown and all its departments, and to return all reserve land to the tribes. So we have all heard the disparaging comments\u2014that is, from parties such as ACT\u2014about us and our independence and self-determination. We must stay true to the path ahead, where it seems we have our own authority. Let M\u0101ori themselves speak for M\u0101ori, let M\u0101ori themselves ennoble M\u0101ori.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ETherefore, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Ruahine, greetings to you on this day. Welcome to the House, to the first reading of your claim. I await for the discussion with the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee and listen to all the issues within this claim\u2014yes, right up to the second and third readings. Therefore, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne, rise up. This is the M\u0101ori Party completely supporting this bill today. Thanks to all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022 data-id=\u0022fe5e426ab2de401280cb7422ed07529c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fe5e426ab2de401280cb7422ed07529c\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO (National):\u003C/span\u003E E karanga au nei ki ng\u0101 uri o Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua. T\u0113nei te mihi atu ki a koutou i t\u0113nei w\u0101. Nau mai, haere mai i roto i te Whare nei. Ko au Harete Hipango he uri n\u014D W\u2019anganui. Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou i t\u0113nei w\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E[I call to the descendants of Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, of Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, and of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua. This is my greeting to you all at this time. Welcome, welcome in this House. I am Harete Hipango, a descendant from Whanganui. Warm greetings to you all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EI\u2019m standing to address the House but, more significantly and importantly, the uri of those tribal peoples and hap\u016B I have acknowledged and addressed today for the first reading of Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. I was unaware that I would be taking a call on this bill until just earlier today, and so the time that I have had in preparation has been somewhat compromised, but I assure those who are gathered here, and who have travelled afar\u2014and I acknowledge you; thank you for coming\u2014and those of your people who are not able to accompany you today, that we will give this bill the due diligence that is necessary and is appropriate before the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EThis legislation is required to give effect to all cultural redress shared between, as I said in my mihi, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o Tamaki nui-\u0101-Rua, and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki nui-\u0101-Rua, as was contained within the deeds of settlement signed between Rangitane and the Crown on 6 August 2016, and the deed of settlement signed between Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and the Crown on 29 October 2021. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EWhen these matters come before the House\u2014and this is a joint redress bill to those previous Treaty settlement matters that have been locked in under the deeds of settlement, but this is a history lesson for New Zealanders, also. The people of the tribal and the hap\u016B areas who are here today are but a representation of a small part, because there are many of your forbears who are present in you today and, importantly, these bills are also about moving forward into the future\u2014the aspirations and the hopes to be fulfilled. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EThis bill was introduced to the House on 3 February 2020 and here we are on 30 March 2022 with the first reading. It will move to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee for all members to give this the due diligence and the scrutiny that it is deserved of. With that scrutiny, there will come differing viewpoints, and that has been touched on by some of the members in addressing the House today. Those differing viewpoints take into account part of the journey that has been traversed to date. There is more to traverse in terms of the settlement of the bill as it passes into law with this joint redress. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EI well know, in terms of our Wanganui River settlement, that, over the course of decades\u2014in fact, over the course of generations and lifetimes\u2014the stories, the lived experiences of our people are aired and viewed, often with agreement, often with disagreement. And the beauty is how we are able to address and redress those differences amongst ourselves. It takes time. Often this process that\u2019s imposed by the Crown can create division, but we draw deeper where we can also create unity. I look up in my blurred vision\u2014part of the blurring of the vision is the ageing of the eyes but never of the heart\u2014but also with these readings, with this k\u014Drero in the House, there is the emotion that\u2019s tinged. So I look amongst you all in addressing the people gathered here today, and I recognised one of my own whanaunga, Mavis. Mavis, you were also W\u2019anganui but, importantly today, you are Rangit\u0101ne, and I acknowledge you and everybody who is joined with you and before you, your tupuna, your father, and the journey that is being traversed over time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EWhen this bill comes back to the House, I will speak more pointedly to the detail of this bill, which is in three parts. It is a bill that has some 122 clauses and three Schedules, and with my legal eye, I will give the due diligence and scrutiny that it is deserved of. But today, I stand to acknowledge that, with the journeys, comes the challenge that we have, out of a measure of divisiveness, how we pull together and create unity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EThe timing of this, also; the last time, in fact\u2014and I\u2019m being somewhat intimate and personal\u2014that I reached out to Mavis, by text, was when I happened to view on M\u0101ori TV on Waitangi Day, episode five, a replay of The Negotiators, and it was part of the journey that many of you have been on to arrive at this point here, and further points moving forward with aspiration and hope into the future. We know full well, those of us who\u2019ve been on the journey, of these negotiations and settlements as it traverses through into law, the challenges. However, with those challenges, as I\u2019ve repeatedly said today, we draw within and look to our tikanga for the tika and the pono of getting and making things right. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003ESome of us are aware of the application to the Waitangi Tribunal. What I drew from the limited information that I have to hand is that\u2014it was noted in the reports in the media; the findings, the recommendations from the Tribunal, but what I picked up, importantly, was one of your tribal peoples, one of your own, said, \u201CWe will take this back and we will k\u014Drero further, to strive to find a solution.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EAs has been noted, there are two deeds of settlement. This bill is a joint redress bill which identifies within those 122 clauses, within the three parts and the three Schedules, the significant features and landmarks, the significant watermarks and waterways, but significantly, the aspirations that will be fulfilled moving forward into the future so that\u2014from the opportunity\u2014prosperity will grow. Prosperity will be potentialised so that, out of Te Rohe o Rongokako and this joint redress bill, with those two deeds of settlements\u2014with the differing views of others who feel that their needs have not been addressed\u2014the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee will pay due recognition and take heed of what those of you will further submit and talk to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EOn that note, the National Party supports this bill to the first reading, through to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, to hear further the k\u014Drero and the heartfelt and the lived experiences and stories of the people of Rangit\u0101ne and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu. I commend the bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022 data-id=\u002252caa27991ef4055ba9a5917bc37300a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002252caa27991ef4055ba9a5917bc37300a\u0022\u003EPAUL EAGLE (Labour\u2014Rongotai):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te M\u0101ngai o te Whare, e mihi ana nei ki a koutou kua tae mai i runga i te karanga o te kaupapa o te r\u0101. Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, kia ora koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003E[Mr Speaker, greetings to you and to all of you who have travelled here responding to the call of the issue of the day. Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, Rangit\u0101ne o Wairarapa, Rangit\u0101ne o T\u0101maki-nui-a-Rua, greetings to you all, be well.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, thank you for this honour to be able to speak to this redress bill, the joint redress bill, Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill. It\u2019s been some journey to get here, and I\u2019m a real fan of today, because it is the first reading. I want to acknowledge the members of the three iwi and those representatives who are here today, sitting with us here in te Whare P\u0101remata, our Parliament, to experience this process, which gives effect to certain parts of the deed of settlement, signed by the Crown and the iwi in August 2016 and, I\u2019ll just add, Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa T\u0101maki Nui-a-Rua and the Crown in October last year. So it has taken some time, but we\u2019re here now, and I want to acknowledge those with us but also those who are no longer with us who have been part of this process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EI know that, being a member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee\u2014and can I acknowledge all members, and particularly the chair, T\u0101mati Coffey. But these are always a learning process, because you get to hear about some horrific pain and the journey that our iwi across the motu go through.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003ECan I acknowledge those iwi negotiation teams. I know the names of the members have been read out, but I want to applaud them for one particular aspect, and that\u2019s that they saw the need to do a joint redress. I know there are other settlement claims coming through the process through Te Arawhiti M\u0101ori Crown Relations, on through into the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, and I\u2019m a fan of just ensuring that the joint redress components of these Treaty claims is put forward as soon as possible. Too often, I notice with others, is that as claims are dealt with with singular entities, there\u2019s a real overlap, and it would be far more useful, in my view, that sometimes if we did the joint redress up-front, maybe we could iron out some of those raruraru as we go through.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EBut all credit to those negotiation teams, our Crown negotiation team. Can I acknowledge the Minister the Hon Andrew Little and the councils involved, who have really helped build up this package that\u2019s before us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EWhen I look at the purpose of the bill, I said that it gives certain provisions contained in those deeds of settlement effect, and I know and in talking to people from the iwi they certainly recount their history in some pain. It goes back to 1853, where some of that land purchase and what was gifted with the intention of ending these disputes actually, with the hope of even protecting those lakes and there was going to be some return with some ample reserves\u2014these just did not happen. I heard the Minister talk about that some of the reserves provided by the Crown were, in fact, located away in Te Rohe P\u014Dtae, the King Country. That\u2019s unacceptable, and I know that those devastating effects of the loss of land that had caused this intergenerational suffering is now well documented, and it\u2019s important. We\u2019re on our history waka to ensure that it\u2019s recorded accurately, and I want to applaud those involved in this negotiation to get that history documented accurately and correctly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003ESo the redress, the joint redress over the Wairarapa Moana, the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment, to both Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne acknowledges the significance of that taonga. I know there are other sites, and there is one aspect of this that I think is worthy of mention, and that\u2019s that Wairarapa Moana Statutory Board to act, as I\u2019ve learnt in other settlements, as a guardian of the Wairarapa Moana, the Ruam\u0101hanga River catchment, and that\u2019s really for that benefit, again, of current and future generations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EWhat\u2019s significant really is the membership of that board, half being iwi members and then we\u2019ve got the Department of Conversation and the Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. This is good. It means that the partners involved in the k\u014Drero are there at the table. They\u2019re in a governance setting, so they are making decisions that have real strength and real impact, no doubt reflecting back into the 1850s and when those other deals were done. There was no certainty of whether they would actually come to fruition. There\u2019ll be a natural resources committee of that board, and they will certainly look at the sustainable management and catchment\u2014sorry, the natural resources of the river catchment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EJust in terms of the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve, which has been mentioned. I\u2019m a regular visitor. But I know that there will be what\u2019s called an overlay classification that recognises some of those traditional cultural and spiritual relationships between iwi and Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne. So this is significant. I too look forward to seeing the process come through the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee. I\u2019m hopeful, like I am with all settlements, that this is the beginning of a reset, a true partnership that allows an attempt, I guess, so that some of that suffering and pain that will be addressed in its history is actually acted upon in a positive manner for the future for the people of these iwi and shows a new respect and trust for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their principles.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022217f4585-f6ef-408d-9318-8a6b8506920b\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to speak on this and will be proud to look at the subsequent readings, and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022 data-id=\u002285dfbbdd395f45a695ed7ab4dcf574dd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002285dfbbdd395f45a695ed7ab4dcf574dd\u0022\u003ET\u0100MATI COFFEY (Labour) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te P\u012Bka o t\u0113nei Whare, otir\u0101 ki a koutou katoa Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Rangit\u0101ne kua huihui i t\u0113nei, i t\u0113r\u0101 Whare i t\u0113nei r\u0101. Nei r\u0101 te mihi ki a koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E[Greetings to the Speaker of this House, and to all of you of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu Rangit\u0101ne who have gathered in this, in that House today. This is my greeting to you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ECan I give my acknowledgments to you of Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu and Rangit\u0101ne for making it to Wellington today. Not all of us have made it to Wellington, and I acknowledge that there were a few of us missing at the p\u014D\u2019hiri today, but we\u2019re about to spend the next six months together. So that\u2019s a really good time for us to be able to drill down into the settlement, drill down into the details of the settlement, and look into how we can make sure that we make this the best legislation that we can, all things considered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ECan I say to our wh\u0101nau from Rangit\u0101ne, from Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu, thank you for honouring this process; thank you for entering into it. It\u2019s a tough process. As many speakers before have said, it can be a divisive process as well. The Treaty settlement process has been something that we have been doing for quite some time in this Whare, for better or for worse. But the overall objective is to try and make sure that everybody leaves with their mana intact, and I hope that, through this settlement, through your settlement, we\u2019ll be able to do that, as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EYou come at a very auspicious time, as well; a time when the country is talking about things like co-governance and things like co-management. It\u2019s a hot topic at the moment. There are some people in the House of Parliament who believe that it is something to be feared and something that we shouldn\u2019t be encouraging. I want to put that on the table right now as something that I hope that you can help us with, because as we traverse forward into this space, not just for your settlement but for lots of settlements, we need to put a message out there to the rest of Aotearoa\u2014as your local MP for Wairarapa, Kieran McAnulty, said earlier\u2014that co-governance and co-management is nothing to fear. We as a country have been doing this for quite some time, and in many parts of Aotearoa, it\u2019s happening really successfully.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EBut there is a darker part to this conversation and it started coming through in some of our select committee hearings. There\u2019s a very organised group of people who talk about the co-governance and co-management as not being democratic and that it\u2019s against the principles that we all stand for. \u201CIt\u2019s against the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.\u201D\u2014we\u2019ve heard that one too. So, on this journey, we\u2019re going to need some support if we\u2019re going to continue to do what we believe is right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ELet me put on record, too, that the New Zealand Labour Party are committed to settling all of our historical Treaty settlements here in Aotearoa\u2014we\u2019re absolutely committed to that. We need to stick true to things that we know work: things like co-governance and co-management. Through your bill, hopefully, we\u2019ll be able to not get some of those submissions through the select committee, but, no doubt, we will because it\u2019s a place where we hear from all sides, all opinions. You will be subjected to that, as well; to hearing some of those submissions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EAs the chair of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, I look forward to progressing your bill through the House, and, in quite a different approach, we\u2019re looking forward to actually travelling too. I know, like much of the country, that many of us have been locked down and staying in our whare. Through our M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, we\u2019ve been managing to do Treaty settlements via Zoom, which isn\u2019t really what we want; we would prefer to be there \u0101-tinana, \u0101-wairua, so that we can come there and we can actually takahi te whenua [walk the land], look you in the eye\u2014kanohi ki te kanohi [face to face]. All of that really matters when we\u2019re dealing with Treaty settlements. We\u2019ve made a decision as a committee that we were very open to travelling out to your rohe, so that we can get a bit of a tiki tour around the sites of significance of the p\u0101 in your bill. A decision was made this morning.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ESo I did note to the committee that whilst it\u2019s our intention to travel, it also relies on our hosts wanting to have us there, as well. So that\u2019s something that we\u2019ll wait for your instruction on. If you\u2019ll have us, we would love to travel to your rohe so that we can talk through and see and meet and eat together with you, as well. We\u2019ll leave that discussion for another day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EThe whole process through the select committee is one of honour and one of mana. We as committee members completely acknowledge the work that\u2019s been done to get to the deed of settlement point, and we see ourselves as committing an administrative task in this whole Treaty settlement process, but an important part of that too. Scrutiny is good and we look forward to dissecting the bill, taking your advice, listening to the submissions, and that process will happen immediately. The call for submissions will go out. The usual time frame is a six-week process to call for submissions so that we can gather those in from around the country and tee them up so that we can listen to the k\u014Drero\u2014the good, the bad, and the downright ugly as well. We look forward to having you before the committee, but we look forward to travelling out to your rohe, as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve got nothing left on this, other than to say to Rangit\u0101ne and to Kahungunu, nei r\u0101 te mihi ki a koutou katoa. Kia kaha, kia m\u0101ia, kia manawanui.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003E[This is my acknowledgment to you all. Be firm, be brave, and be stout of heart.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226590faa0-f76b-4386-84f3-9b06296cc772\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s do this. I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022c5124ee027ac4c9f85e44111e7a18f65\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 Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill be now read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 110\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; New 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\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\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000448\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00223ff6af9f4fb746b79ea8ed2e0b1fa2a6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223ff6af9f4fb746b79ea8ed2e0b1fa2a6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That Te Rohe o Rongokako Joint Redress Bill be considered by the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000450\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EBill referred to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EWaiata\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002299620da8ec69461b8577a5a95b719e89\u0022\u003ETe Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki/Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00228649ae9d5d1049d5abb7b1a2b4311d53\u0022\u003EIn Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00223807f14f0b9744a39a8cb0a5d9f85595\u0022\u003EW\u0101hanga 1  Whakaritenga takamua / Part 1  Preliminary provisions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022422dec9c82e5448cb647af597f1070b4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022422dec9c82e5448cb647af597f1070b4\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, the House is in committee\u2014I was going to say \u201Cfor that bill\u201D, but I won\u2019t. The House is in committee on Te Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki/Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill. I remind members that they\u2019re able to participate remotely. If you\u2019re on Zoom and want to take a call, please type \u201Ccall\u201D into the chat, and I\u2019m sure you all know that. You should also use the chat if you want to raise a point of order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EMembers, a tabled amendment in the name of Joseph Mooney has been lodged. The scope of this bill is narrow. It is to provide for an additional public holiday to observe Matariki. The bill does not seek to affect any existing public holidays. The amendment would remove Labour Day from the Holidays Act 2003, which would also have the effect of turning the bill into an omnibus bill. I\u2019m ruling the tabled amendment outside of the scope of the bill. I\u2019ll permit some debate on the topic, subject to the usual rules of relevance and repetition. However, there will be no vote on this amendment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EWe come first to Part 1. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f3d65f0b0fd4eb28bd6369e471701b6\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Chairperson. If I could just clarify that it was to ensure that there are only 11 public holidays in the Holidays Act 2003. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222406555864c54123b8b5b8863e7b899e\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I understand that, and none the less that has been ruled out of order because it is out of scope of the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EWe come to the debate on Part 1. This is the debate on clauses 3 and 4, the preliminary provisions. The question is that Part 1 stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00220f14c7f3a53c4d4c8048ee1602957f4b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220f14c7f3a53c4d4c8048ee1602957f4b\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Look, obviously, Part 1, clause 3, deals with the business days of the particular days, and it specifies \u201Ca Saturday, a Sunday, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign\u2019s birthday, \u2026 Matariki Observance Day, and Labour Day\u201D. I suppose the big question is\u2014and it is a central question for the Minister\u2014why was no consideration made of reducing the days rather than adding an additional day, which means we\u2019ve now got 12 public holidays, plus the specified four weeks of holiday that New Zealanders are entitled to, which means that when you put all that together, you\u2019ve got 28, plus 12 holidays? Why was no specific consideration made of looking at reducing existing public holidays? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve talked about reducing the one, as an example, of Labour Day, which we think probably is less relevant now. But my central question to the Minister is why was no consideration made of that when the Cabinet considered this and also when working its way through the select committee process? That\u2019s a question for the Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022 data-id=\u00220acfa1613f63472f8ff282d5bbb6ddc0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220acfa1613f63472f8ff282d5bbb6ddc0\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO (National):\u003C/span\u003E So, in relation to this committee of the whole House, with questions being directed to the Minister, I\u2019m speaking specifically to Part 1, \u201CPreliminary provisions\u201D, \u201CMeaning and significance of Matariki to M\u0101ori\u201D\u2014I need to put my glasses on, not my mask. So page 5 of the bill, Minister, underneath \u201CM\u0101nawa maiea te putanga o Matariki\u201D, it goes to the explanatory that \u201CMatariki is the M\u0101ori name for Pleiades,\u201D, and further down, in the third sentence, starting \u201Cthe winter sky, during the last quarter of the lunar month of Pipiri,\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EMinister, in the specialist adviser\u2019s report, with that specialist adviser being Rangi Matamua, at page\u2014if I could refer the Minister in the House to the advice. I was talking about Pipiri\u2014the full name for that\u2014and also the explanatory of the correlation or the relativity of that period of time in the M\u0101ori lunar calendar to the common calendar as we know it, which would be for June. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003ENow, I\u2019m still just looking through the specialist adviser\u2019s report, and I will find that. But for the benefit of all New Zealanders and clarity within this bill, would it not be of, I think, clearer interpretation for the application that \u201Cduring the last quarter of the lunar month of Pipiri,\u201D it be inserted in there\u2014and I wasn\u2019t at the meeting of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee at the time this was discussed, or otherwise I would have brought it up\u2014that the full name for Pipiri is Pipirioterangi, and that it approximates or is the equivalent of the period of June in the calendar month? So I put it to the Minister and to the committee for consideration that for the purposes of clarity and understanding, for the benefit of all New Zealanders, that that be considered, as has been the advice given by specialist adviser Rangi Matamua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00228a02ddfd1a8749d8b2ca2254c91e4d86\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228a02ddfd1a8749d8b2ca2254c91e4d86\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Chair, thank you. Tuatahi m\u0101ku e tuku he mihi ki te mema o te rohe Whanganui m\u014D t\u0113r\u0101 atu p\u0101tai ki ahau ki a m\u0101tou ki a t\u0101tou o te Whare nei. Ka huri ki t\u0113nei p\u0101nuitia mai te tohunga o Rangi Matamua, kua kite au i tana p\u0101nui ki runga i te pepa nei. Ko t\u0113nei te whakam\u0101rama i runga i tana p\u0101nuitia ki a m\u0101tou. Ko te kupu kei roto i t\u0113nei ripoata ko te ingoa Pipiri anake. Heoi an\u014D ka huri ake ki ng\u0101 ripoata o te komiti nui, mai i te Komiti Whiriwhiri Take M\u0101ori, heoi an\u014D ka huri atu au k\u0101ore e kore he whakaaro, k\u0101ore i t\u0113r\u0101 he tono ki a m\u0101tou te K\u0101wana ki te huri i t\u0113r\u0101 atu ingoa ki te ingoa Pipiri o te Rangi. Heoi an\u014D koin\u0101. He whakaaro pai ki a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 tohunga o t\u0113nei pire te ingoa Pipiri, heoi an\u014D ki a m\u0101tou me whai atu a m\u0101tou te Karauna ki te m\u0101tauranga o te k\u0101hui o ng\u0101 tohunga e \u0101whina i a m\u0101tou e whakarangatira i t\u0113r\u0101 atu whakaaro M\u0101ori kei roto i t\u0113nei pire. Heoi an\u014D ko t\u0113nei t\u0101 r\u0101tou nei whakaaro, heoi an\u014D me whai atu a m\u0101tou mai i te Karauna. Koin\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the member from the Whanganui electorate for that other question to me, to us all of this House. I now turn to this statement from the expert Rangi Matamua. I saw his statement on this paper. This is the explanation to us about his what he said. The word in this report is just the one word, \u201CPipiri\u201D. However, if one goes back to the report of the main committee, of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee, I went back, and it is no doubt that was an idea, but it was not suggested to us, the Crown, to change that name to the other name of Pipiri o te Rangi. So that\u2019s that. It was a good idea to them, the name Pipiri, the experts involved in this bill, but to us, the Crown, we had to follow the knowledge of the expert group who were helping us and venerating other aspects of M\u0101ori thinking in this bill. These are their thoughts, which we of the Crown must follow.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022 data-id=\u0022bf3eef93c1fe4efca4e13813e7ad0ac8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bf3eef93c1fe4efca4e13813e7ad0ac8\u0022\u003ESIMON O\u2019CONNOR (National\u2014T\u0101maki):\u003C/span\u003E Oh, thank you very much, Mr Chair. Once again\u2014it\u2019s no disrespect\u2014it\u2019s actually a good chance to take the mask off, although I\u2019ve been inspired by the fact that a waiata was able to be sung maskless in this Chamber. I think it\u2019s a sign of good things to come.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003ELook, in Part 1 of this bill, clause 3\u2014and my colleague Harete Hipango touched on it that it is in here, around about line 7\u2014is talking about \u201CMatariki is the M\u0101ori name for Pleiades,\u201D which is fantastic. It\u2019s probably a twofold question to the Minister. One is that I understand there are various names in M\u0101oridom for Matariki, and I know Ms Hipango herself would reference one from Whanganui. How we are going to respect that, because there is not a M\u0101ori name; there are many.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003EThe second too is how we are respecting the cultural diversity of the countries, because they\u2019ve chosen to use the word \u201CPleiades\u201D. Now, that\u2019s a term particularly out of Greek mythology. I will not lecture the committee of the whole House on all the names of the gods, with a small \u201Cg\u201D, from Pleiades. Of course, the Japanese call this Subaru. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224eecc0305a6044f2bc3671547faf9bc1\u0022\u003EHon David Bennett\u003C/span\u003E: Tell me five.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022733e66d0ee76490989d0c0e7201756f5\u0022\u003ESIMON O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: No, I won\u2019t. I\u2019m not going to\u2014I\u2019m not that bad. Of course, it\u2019s Subaru, particularly to the Japanese. Those of us who are more colloquial would think of this as the Seven Sisters. Of course, in more astronomical terms, this is Messier 45. So I suppose the question, Minister, is why officials or the people have chosen to be so specific to use Greek mythology\u2014I\u2019d be biased; I like it\u2014but there are multiple, multiple names, and maybe a suggestion of why she hasn\u2019t used the neutral astrological term Messier 45, which would have kept everyone happy, and would have prevented me from having to list off the seven gods in\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c83b6fbe48784033b74daabaf188ae39\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Can you please, please\u2014just do it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f32fc62cd8644b99259f384320fc9e0\u0022\u003ESIMON O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: No, I\u2019m not going to do it. You know, as a Christian, that it would put me in a terrible position, Andrew Bayly! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022e2858017513841ab86083ebf2c4c8bd7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e2858017513841ab86083ebf2c4c8bd7\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te mema. Kua huri atu au ki te m\u0101tauranga o te k\u0101hui, o \u0113tahi kaupapa, o Te K\u0101hui o Matariki. Ko te tino whakaaro o ng\u0101i m\u0101tou o te Karauna ki te huri ki a r\u0101tou, ng\u0101 tohunga o \u0113r\u0101 atu kaupapa. Kei a r\u0101tou, ko te whakaaro rangatira i waenganui i a r\u0101tou. Ko Pleiades te ingoa t\u016Bturu e m\u0101rama ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata maha o te ao katoa te whakaaro o \u0113tahi ingoa o \u0113tahi k\u0101hui o ng\u0101 whet\u016B. Heoi an\u014D ki a m\u0101tou he whakaaro pai, he whakaaro rangatira ki a m\u0101tou, heoi an\u014D, koin\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Thank you to the member. I will now turn to the M\u0101ori knowledge of the cluster and other aspects of the cluster of Matariki. We of the Crown think strongly that we should turn to the experts who have expertise in those other areas. They are a rich source of knowledge. Pleiades is the original name, understood by lots of people in the whole world, when they think of names of clusters of stars. However, to us, it is a good idea, a noble idea, and so that\u2019s that.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022 data-id=\u0022e8e2174a3eb24bcaa7864a56c2d9ba90\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225b6b1d74-9e5e-42ba-a922-85b0ea7f5ab6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e8e2174a3eb24bcaa7864a56c2d9ba90\u0022\u003ESIMON O\u2019CONNOR (National\u2014T\u0101maki):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. If I might, I\u2019ll continue in English. While I appreciate the Minister\u2019s contributions there and, obviously, the use of the terms as we know them in New Zealand, and also respecting that there are different terms, as you mentioned\u2014the rangatira in Whanganui. Yes, just sort of wanting to follow up why we didn\u2019t use the neutral term and just keep clear of what\u2019s sort of just general parlance?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022643819f6321a4b678c4a3c9fcb1f2ff1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022643819f6321a4b678c4a3c9fcb1f2ff1\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E Kua whakam\u0101ramatia an\u014D t\u0113tahi p\u0101tai, heoi an\u014D me whakautu an\u014D ki a koe e te hoa i waenganui i te Whare nei. Ko te whakaaro i waenganui i a r\u0101tou te k\u0101hui tohunga e \u0101whinatia i a m\u0101tou. I waenganui i a r\u0101tou kei te whakawhiti k\u014Drero a r\u0101tou t\u0113nei kaupapa whakahirahira. He aha te mea whakam\u0101rama ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa, ng\u0101 iwi katoa, ng\u0101 hap\u016B katoa, ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata o Aotearoa katoa? Ko wai te ingoa P\u0101keh\u0101, ko wai te ingoa M\u0101ori, ko wai te ingoa e whakaaro ana a r\u0101tou e m\u014Dhio ana r\u0101tou pai, \u0101, koin\u0101, ko te whakautu mai ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa ko te ingoa Pleiades, heoi an\u014D me whai atu a m\u0101tou, koin\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[I have already explained this question. However, I should answer again to you, my friend, in this House. This has been thought about among the advisory committee who are assisting us. They have discussed this important issue amongst themselves. What would be the clearest thing for everybody, for all the tribes, all the subtribes, all the people of New Zealand? What is the English name, the M\u0101ori name, what name did they think, did they know, was suitable? The answer from everybody was the name Pleiades, so we should use it, just that.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022aa38167b6e2048b6a76a6f89dfa81366\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aa38167b6e2048b6a76a6f89dfa81366\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Green) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora. T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te Minita, me mihi au ki a koe ka tika, n\u0101u an\u014D i h\u0113para ana t\u0113nei pire ki roto i ng\u0101 tukanga P\u0101remata, \u0101, ko t\u0101ku p\u0101tai e p\u0113nei ana. Ki t\u014D whakaaro he aha ng\u0101 oranga he aha ng\u0101 painga m\u014D ng\u0101 tamariki ki roto i ng\u0101 kura, ng\u0101 tamariki M\u0101ori, ng\u0101 tamariki P\u0101keh\u0101, ng\u0101 tamariki katoa o Aotearoa, ki t\u014D whakaaro?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E[Hello. Greetings to the Minister. I have to acknowledge you for shepherding this bill through the parliamentary processes. My question is this: what, according to you, are the benefits and the gains for children in school\u2014M\u0101ori children, P\u0101keh\u0101 children, all children in New Zealand?]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022d2f38c4c73bb4561a87501e219576c8e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d2f38c4c73bb4561a87501e219576c8e\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te mema o te P\u0101ti K\u0101k\u0101riki, ki a koe, Teanau. He p\u0101tai rangatira t\u0113r\u0101. He aha ng\u0101 hua o t\u0113nei pire mai a m\u0101tou mai \u014D t\u0101tou nei tamariki, mai t\u014D t\u0101tou nei mokopuna, mai i ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa o Aotearoa? Me huri au ki ng\u0101 kupu kei roto i te pire nei. He aha ng\u0101 tino hua kei roto i t\u0113nei pire o Te Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKo te mea tuatahi, te whakamaharatanga. Te whakah\u014Dnore i te hunga kua mate mai i te aranga ake o Matariki i te tau o mua atu. Ko te mea tuarua te whakanuia i t\u0113nei w\u0101, te huihui tahi ki te wh\u0101nau me ng\u0101 hoa. Kei te m\u014Dhio m\u0101tou i roto i te Whare nei ko t\u0113nei te tino hiahia mai o m\u0101tou i t\u0113nei w\u0101 taumaha o te mate urut\u0101. Koin\u0101 te whakaaro pai ki a m\u0101tou ki te whakapiripiri mai ki te whakanui i t\u0113nei w\u0101. Heoi an\u014D, ko te mea tuatoru, te titiro ki tua, te titiro whakamua ki ng\u0101 painga ka kawea mai ki te tau hou. He maha ng\u0101 hua i raro i \u0113tahi wh\u0101inga m\u014D t\u0113nei w\u0101 kei roto i te pire nei, ko te aroha, ko te whakamaharatanga, ko te kotahitanga, ko te manaakitanga, ko te tohatoha, ko te mana taiao\u2014he whakaaro rangatira t\u0113r\u0101\u2014ko te h\u0101kari, ko te w\u0101nanga, ko te noho tahi, ko te atawhaitanga, ko te whakanui, ko te tuakiritanga.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EMaha ng\u0101 hua kei roto i t\u0113nei pire, heoi an\u014D, kei hea te, ko wai te k\u0101kano o \u0113tahi hua, \u0101, ko te m\u0101tauranga M\u0101ori, \u0101, ko ng\u0101 mea e pupuri ana mai \u014D t\u0101tou t\u012Bpuna m\u014D t\u0113nei reanga, m\u014D ng\u0101 reanga maha e whai atu i a m\u0101tou. Heoi an\u014D ka puta mai kei roto i ng\u0101 tamariki, ng\u0101 mokopuna, ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa, ng\u0101 iwi katoa kei roto i te reanga hou \u0113tahi k\u0101kano i waenganui i a r\u0101tou. He ng\u0101 hua o t\u0113nei pire? Maha, maha. He r\u0101, he w\u0101, he w\u0101, he w\u0101\u2014he aha te kupu? He w\u0101 kei te huria m\u0101tou m\u014D he w\u0101 hou m\u014D ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata o Aotearoa katoa. He whakaaro pai t\u0113r\u0101 he taima tika. Koin\u0101. Kei a koe, te mema o te P\u0101ti K\u0101k\u0101riki, koin\u0101 ng\u0101 hua m\u014D ng\u0101 mokopuna, m\u014D ng\u0101 tamariki o t\u014D t\u0101tou nei w\u0101. \u0100e, koin\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Greetings to the member of the Green Party, to you, Teanau. That is a good question. What are the benefits of this bill for us, for our children, for our grandchildren, and for all the people of New Zealand? I should turn to the words of this bill. What are the benefits of this bill, Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EFirstly, it is remembrance. The honouring of those who have passed since the rising of Matariki in the previous year. Secondly, it is the celebration of the now, gathering with family and friends. Those of us in the House know that this is our real desire with the burden of the pandemic at this time. That is a nice thought, that we could gather closely together to celebrate at this time. However, the third aspect is the looking to the future, to the good things we can carry into the new year. There are many benefits and purposes included in this bill. There is compassion, remembrance, unity, caring, sharing, environmentalism\u2014that is a big issue\u2014then there is feasting, studying, togetherness, kindness, celebration, and identity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000488\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EThere are many benefits of this bill, but where, what is it that seeded these fruits? It is M\u0101ori knowledge, and those that held on to it, our ancestors, for this generation and the many generations who will follow us. However, in the new generation there will be seeds appearing, from our children, our grandchildren, from everybody, from all the tribes. What are the benefits of this bill? There are many. It is a time\u2014what is the word? It is a time that is being changed into something new for everyone in New Zealand. It is a great idea whose time has come\u2014that\u2019s it. To you, the member of the Green Party, those are the benefits for the grandchildren, the children of our time. Yes, that is it.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022316eae7951954b8b9c311d4fbce9f50a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022316eae7951954b8b9c311d4fbce9f50a\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Green) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora e Te Minita m\u014D \u0113n\u0101 whakautu, \u0101, kei te whakaaro ake au m\u014D ng\u0101 tamariki mokopuna, kei te whakaaro ake au m\u014D te katoa o ng\u0101 whet\u016B o Matariki, engari ko t\u0101ku p\u0101tai e p\u0113nei ana. Ko wai te tino whet\u016B ki roto i Te K\u0101hui o Matariki, \u0101, he aha te take i p\u0113r\u0101 ai?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Minister, for those answers. I am thinking about the children and grandchildren. I am thinking about all the stars in the cluster of Matariki. But my question is this: what is your favourite star in the Matariki cluster, and why?] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00220dfc4aaf768946fd8afa45bdef208231\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220dfc4aaf768946fd8afa45bdef208231\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te mema o Te P\u0101ti K\u0101k\u0101riki an\u014D. K\u0101ore, he p\u0101tai pai, kei te m\u014Dhio koe ko wai taku tino whet\u016B, heoi an\u014D he rerek\u0113 mai i ng\u0101 kaupapa i raro i te wh\u0101inga tahi, heoi an\u014D me whakautu i t\u0113r\u0101 atu p\u0101tai i te mea he p\u0101tai pai ki ahau. \u0100e ko te tino whet\u016B i waeganui i Te K\u0101hui o Matariki, ki ahau nei, ko te whet\u016B a Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Koin\u0101 te whet\u016B me whiu atu ng\u0101 whakaaro m\u014D te tau ki mua. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003ETuarua koin\u0101 te ingoa o taku tamahine, ko ia, \u0101e, ko ia te tino tangata te whakatinana ng\u0101 hua o t\u0113nei kaupapa o Matariki, heoi an\u014D, ko ahau t\u0113r\u0101. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Greetings once again to the member of the Green Party. Indeed, it is a good question, because you know very well what my favourite star is. It is not in line with our main focus, but I have to answer it as I like that question. Yes, my favourite star in the Matariki cluster is Hiwa-i-te-rangi. She is the star where we send our plans for the next year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003ESecondly, that is the name of my daughter; she is the perfect person to embody the fruits of this Matariki initiative, so that\u2019s me.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u00220d2a14d9c1f54d4ea0d860b2cc10e351\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220d2a14d9c1f54d4ea0d860b2cc10e351\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Thank you, Minister, for engaging in the k\u014Drero this afternoon. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003ELook, in Part 1, clause 3, \u201CMeaning and significance of Matariki to M\u0101ori\u201D, it marks the beginning of the M\u0101ori New Year, also known as M\u0101tahi o te Tau. However, I note that it also says that some tribal groups use the heliacal rising of other stars as their marker of the M\u0101ori New Year\u2014in particular, the star Puanga. Other tribal groups and regions also have variations regarding when and how the M\u0101ori New Year is observed and celebrated. So my question, Minister, is how has the decision-making process been come to and how has it been formed in determining that the focus will be on Matariki and at this time of year, and not on the other markers that some other tribal groups use and the other stars that they use as their marker for the M\u0101ori New Year, and the timing that they do for that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u00227bc92d400f0e421d89b47869c884f5d2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227bc92d400f0e421d89b47869c884f5d2\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 e te mema. He p\u0101tai pai t\u0113r\u0101. Koin\u0101 he kaupapa o maha ng\u0101 w\u0101nanga i roto i ng\u0101 k\u0101hui o ng\u0101 tohunga ki te whakapu\u0101wai \u0113tahi ingoa o te pire. Te K\u0101hui o Matariki; kei raro r\u0101 he maha ng\u0101 ingoa m\u014D \u0113tahi whet\u016B, heoi an\u014D ko te tino ngako ko te w\u0101 o te tau. Ka huri ki ng\u0101 iwi o Taranaki pea, kei a r\u0101tou ko te tino ingoa o t\u0113r\u0101 atu w\u0101 ko Puanga.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKa huri ki a r\u0101tou ki te N\u014Dta, ko Rehua. Ki a r\u0101tou maha o ng\u0101 iwi ko te whet\u016B e whiu atu ng\u0101 whakaaro ki te Pout\u016Bterangi. Kei te whakawhiri, \u0101, whakawhiti k\u014Drero a r\u0101tou, kei te w\u0101nanga r\u0101tou, \u0101, kei a r\u0101tou e whakatau, e whakaea i t\u0113tahi ingoa m\u014D t\u0113nei pire, ko te mea e whakaputa r\u0101tou koin\u0101 te ingoa he maha o ng\u0101 iwi, he maha o ng\u0101 hap\u016B e whai atu nei ko te kupu o Matariki. Heoi an\u014D, m\u014D t\u0113nei pire ko te tikanga ko t\u0113nei te K\u0101hui o Te Matariki, heoi an\u014D kei raro r\u0101 ko te Puanga, ko te Pout\u016Bteranga e maha ng\u0101 whet\u016B an\u014D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Greetings to the member. That is a good question. That is an issue that took much discussion in the M\u0101ori advisory group, to develop some names for the bill. The cluster of Matariki; beneath this are the many names of other stars, but the nub of the issue is the time of the year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EIf we turn, for example, to Taranaki iwi, their favourite name for that time of year is Rigel. If we turn to those in the North, it is Antares. To many tribes, the star they send their wishes to, Altair. They discussed and considered this and they decided, and settled on a name for this bill, and the one they chose was the one that most tribes and subtribes follow, and that is Matariki. So for this bill, the practice is this, the cluster of Matariki, and within that are Rigel, Altair, and many other stars.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00229fb24c986a4448b18800b5f7f6229bb0\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That Part 1 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003EPart 1 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000501\u0022\u003EResult corrected after originally being announced as Ayes 75, Noes 43 to include Te Paati M\u0101ori\u2019s votes.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022244d4902ce304afc9a9b08d4b60450de\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022244d4902ce304afc9a9b08d4b60450de\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, we shall now adjourn for the dinner break, and resume at 7 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003ESitting suspended from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022c942b61bf2c44bc6b38e33cb1f0251e4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c942b61bf2c44bc6b38e33cb1f0251e4\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, the committee of the whole House is resumed, but before I go to Part 2, I understand that the Green Party wish to correct a vote.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u002219407a4cfc4c42538cdeb7dc41eaa146\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002219407a4cfc4c42538cdeb7dc41eaa146\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. I want to do a point of order to seek leave to correct the vote on Part 1 of Te Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki/Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill to add Te Paati M\u0101ori votes into it, to be in favour. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002283b5103dfd184fb9aa6f69da03990a5c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002283b5103dfd184fb9aa6f69da03990a5c\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Is there any objection? There\u2019s none. Leave is granted. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u0022dc574972eb514be5991257d66f3adae9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dc574972eb514be5991257d66f3adae9\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019m seeking guidance on how to express\u2014thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228c806c56f3d24967b83b0b86e6104884\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: All you need to do is ask permission to correct the vote, and correct the vote.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d1bfc9d751f4459bf3203eb0dddb034\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH\u003C/span\u003E: OK, I seek permission to correct the vote.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe1f75e21a50477d8644369538d65233\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: And the vote is?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022832fc624d1e34fbf9aa3e71d968c63ac\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH\u003C/span\u003E: To have two votes in favour on behalf of Te Paati M\u0101ori. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fecb2ef0d75f4af38eed5ea7a3a2244c\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: On behalf of Te Paati M\u0101ori? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228a0c871c207f48cc8b3afba996a40eb3\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022655f4d6f795649eeb2d9d6f7270196c5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022655f4d6f795649eeb2d9d6f7270196c5\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you\u2014perfect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220461de2f087544e784ef195d100483f5\u0022\u003EW\u0101hanga 2  Hararei t\u016Bmatanui o Matariki / Part 2 Matariki public holiday\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002229f82c053f1e42d0a88544ce4fa4a9d8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002229f82c053f1e42d0a88544ce4fa4a9d8\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: We come to Part 2. This is a debate on clauses 5 to 7, schedules 1 to 4.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00223d0615b32b0048a0b5eb0c6b06962907\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223d0615b32b0048a0b5eb0c6b06962907\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E I have to say we\u2019re having a wonderful debate. We\u2019re talking in languages of te reo, English, Greek, and we are covering a wide range of topics\u2014astrological formations, the principal stars in the group; it\u2019s a fascinating debate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EObviously, we\u2019re just now turning our minds to Part 2, and I think clause 6(2) is the first bit I want to ask about. Why was the decision made that the Matariki holiday would always fall on a Friday? Obviously, during the first stage of the debate, just before the dinner break, we were talking about how we had different days, different significance, and when Matariki actually came into existence some iwi had a different perspective on it. So what\u2019s been obviously taken and what\u2019s been written into clause 6(2) is that it would always be on a Friday.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI suppose my first question to the Minister is: why is it always on a Friday? I think we\u2019ve got to bear in mind who is bearing the cost for this. This is the not the Government writing out the cheque; this is business owners using their hard-earned cash to pay for this additional day. And, of course, it\u2019s an extension\u2014it\u2019s another public holiday; it\u2019s not a reduction or at least keeping the same number, the current number, of holidays, which is 11. This is taking it to 12, so not only is there additional cost but when a public holiday falls there is also significant impact for business owners in terms of how they arrange their staff, and what this means is obviously that staffing their business on that Friday is a very difficult issue. So that\u2019s my first question to the Minister: why always on a Friday and what other considerations were taken into account on whether it should fall where it should fall?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022059b59678b3d457f8a9a6559460fc6b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022059b59678b3d457f8a9a6559460fc6b0\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E E te Tiamana, t\u0113n\u0101 koe e te mema m\u014D t\u0113nei p\u0101tai. He p\u0101tai pai t\u0113r\u0101. Ko te tino kaupapa ki te k\u0101hui m\u014D t\u0113nei kauapa he aha ai te Paraire k\u0101re kore te Mane, \u0113r\u0101 atu r\u0101, tuatahi. M\u014D he w\u012Bkene roa ki te whakaawhina i te t\u0101poitanga o te t\u0101poi kua haramai ng\u0101 manuhiri mai i \u0113tahi w\u0101 ki ng\u0101 w\u0101hi rerek\u0113, ki te \u0101whina i ng\u0101 pakihi ki te whai p\u016Btea, ki te manaaki i a r\u0101tou m\u014D t\u0113r\u0101 atu mea. Koin\u0101 he whakaaro pai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHe whakaaro an\u014D, ko te tino kaupapa o Matariki ki te whakanuia ki te whakapiri ng\u0101 wh\u0101nau mai i ng\u0101 w\u0101hi ki te whakahokia ki te k\u0101inga. He maha ng\u0101 wh\u0101nau i t\u0113nei w\u0101 e noho ana ki ng\u0101 rohe rerek\u0113. Heoi, kei te pai ki ng\u0101 pakihi maha ki te \u0101whina r\u0101tou \u0101 te Paraire ki te hoki ki te k\u0101inga, engari k\u0101re he tino pai m\u014D ng\u0101 pakihi katoa ki te \u0101whina i ng\u0101 kaimahi \u0101 te Mane. He whakaaro mai i \u0113tahi department o Te K\u0101wana me ng\u0101 kaitono ki te komiti.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHeoi ki te whakaaro o t\u014D p\u0101tai ko wai e kawea te utu o t\u0113nei kaupapa o Matariki. He whakaaro e p\u0101tai atu ahau ki ng\u0101 \u0101piha i te r\u0101 tuatahi me h\u014Dmai au t\u0113nei pire. He aha te utu, \u0101, ko wai e kawea? Ko te whakaaro mai i te, kei roto i te regulatory impact statement mai i Te H\u012Bkina Whakatutuki. Ka huri koe te wh\u0101inga tekau m\u0101 ono ki te w\u0101hi Section 4 o te Impact Analysis, i t\u0113nei wh\u0101inga (wh\u0101rangi) he maha ng\u0101 reanga o ng\u0101 utu, \u0101, ko wai e kawea. Ko te tino kaupapa kei roto i t\u0113nei tono ko te whiu e maha ana ng\u0101 p\u016Btea m\u014D ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa o te wh\u0101 rau wh\u0101 tekau m\u0101 toru ng\u0101 miriona t\u0101ra e whakatinana kei roto i te economy pea. Koin\u0101 ng\u0101 whakaaro o ng\u0101 \u0101piha o te H\u012Bkina Whakatutuki. Tuarua, o te mea, k\u0101ore e whakautu pai t\u0113r\u0101, k\u0101ore e whakautu pai. Ki a r\u0101tou ki te kaimahi mai i ng\u0101 pakihi katoa, ko te utu ki ng\u0101 kai\u0101whina e toru rau whitu tekau m\u0101 iwi miriona t\u0101ra. Ki te taumahatanga o t\u0113r\u0101 ko te wh\u0101 rau tekau m\u0101 whitu ng\u0101 mirona t\u0101ra m\u014D \u0113tahi r\u0101, ia r\u0101, ia r\u0101 katoa. Kei roto i te ripoata e k\u012B ana ng\u0101 apiha.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHeoi, m\u014D ng\u0101 iwi katoa, m\u014D ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa o Aotearoa maha ng\u0101 wh\u0101inga pai, ko te tikanga, ko te m\u0101tauranga m\u014D te p\u016Btea hoki. Ki a m\u0101tou ki t\u0113nei taha o te Whare nei, maha ng\u0101 hua o ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata o Aotearoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Chair, and thank you to the member for this question. That is a good question. This was a big issue for the advisory group; firstly, why the Friday and not the Monday or another day. For a long weekend, to assist with tourism, to support tourist visitors who have travelled sometimes from one area to another, to help business to make money and to host them for that occasion. That was a good idea.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EAnother thought was that one of the main themes of Matariki is for families to return home from other places, to celebrate and gather together. There are many families these days that live in different places. However, many business were happy about helping them to return home on Fridays, but businesses more apprehensive about helping workers on a Monday. It was an idea from some Government departments and the submitters to the committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003ETurning to your question regarding who will carry the cost of this initiative of Matariki. It is a question that I asked the officers on the first day I was given this bill. What is the cost and who will bear it? This is covered in the regulatory impact statement from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). If you turn to page 16 in section 4 of the impact analysis, on this page the costs are listed in detail and who will bear them. The main issue contained in this report is the spending such a large amount of money on everyone, $443 million to implement this in economic terms. That is the view of the officers of MBIE. Secondly, of the thing, that not a good answer, that\u2019s not a good answer. For the workers from all businesses, the cost of support is $379 million. The burden of that is $417 million for each day, each year. This is stated in this report by the officers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EFor all the tribes, for everyone in New Zealand, there are many benefits, in terms of customary values, M\u0101ori knowledge, as well as financial. To us, on this side of the House, there are a great many benefits to the people of New Zealand.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022cd4bb91ee7eb4b18871e133897f08df1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cd4bb91ee7eb4b18871e133897f08df1\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E First of all, I just acknowledge the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage for responding to that. I\u2019m glad that she spoke about the issue of cost. So, she was saying there the cost is up to about $450 million per annum for holding this holiday, which is now specified as being on Fridays. I can accept the proposition that Matariki\u2019s very important, and, as a party, we all agree that Matariki should be celebrated in New Zealand. But the issue with the cost is where does the cost lie? The Government seems very generous in terms of wanting to impose that cost burden on small business owners, and that is who\u2019s going to have to pay the check\u2014who is, ultimately, going to have to write out the check for the $450 million. And so my issue\u2014and this is the biggest issue that National has with this bill\u2014is that if it was the Government paying and the Government wants be generous, that\u2019s fine\u2014and I see the Hon Stuart Nash sitting there, as economic development Minister\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002273cd3cbd59574a459e905204b0f6c6fc\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m also the Minister of Tourism.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022842a3f6a3e3c41d1915961b4f3c1432e\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: And tourism. If the Government wants to fund tourism activities, it should do so directly. What it\u2019s doing is requiring business owners to write a cheque out of their business account to pay for a public holiday. So the issue still remains: $450 million is a substantial amount that small business owners have to incur because the Government chooses to make an additional public holiday, as opposed to saying, \u201CLook, we will keep the number of public holidays at 11, not extend it to 12.\u201D That is the central issue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s all very well for Government to be generous spending other people\u2019s money, but this is just another case\u2014and when you line this up with the estimated $2.8 billion of additional costs that the Labour Government has imposed on small business over the last 4\u00BD years, this is just yet another cost. The assumption, of course, is that small business owners are good for it. The mums and dads who own those businesses are good for it. They\u2019re always rich; that\u2019s the assumption. So, again, the question is: why is it appropriate that the Government is so generous with the chequebooks of mums and dads that own all our 500,000-odd small businesses and employ most New Zealanders\u2014hard-working New Zealanders, working every day to try and grow their businesses and support the New Zealand economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022cb8370fbb27046a1bc665a2c49280fdb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cb8370fbb27046a1bc665a2c49280fdb\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te Tiamana, t\u0113n\u0101 koe e te mema m\u014D t\u0113r\u0101 atu p\u0101tai. Heoi an\u014D, ko te mahi o te komiti ki te tono ki ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa, ki ng\u0101 pakihi ki te homai ng\u0101 tono o \u0113tahi r\u0101, he aha te taumahatanga i runga a koutou. Heoi an\u014D korekau ng\u0101 pakihi kua haramai ki te komiti ki te k\u012B \u0113tahi kupu o t\u014D tono ki a m\u0101tou kei roto i te Whare nei, k\u0101ore r\u0101tou e k\u012B kei roto i ng\u0101 ripoata mai i \u0113tahi Departments ko te H\u012Bkina Whakatutuki. K\u0101ore a r\u0101tou i k\u012B ana t\u0113ra hoki. Heoi an\u014D e pai te \u0101hua, e pai te rangi o te p\u0101tai. Heoi an\u014D k\u0101ore a m\u0101tou e tono ki te komiti he tino taumaha t\u0113nei taumahatanga i runga i a m\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHeoi an\u014D ko wai ka haramai ko ng\u0101 pakihi o te t\u0101poi ki te \u0101whina t\u0113nei pire. He aha ai? Kei a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi, he whakaaro rangatira t\u0113nei m\u014D te pakihi m\u014D ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi. Kei a r\u0101tou he whakaaro he w\u012Bkene roa he pai rawa atu ki ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi kua neke atu ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata maha mai i t\u0113nei w\u0101hi ki t\u0113r\u0101 atu w\u0101hi. Koin\u0101 te k\u012B o taku hoa ko te Minita Stuart Nash kei kor\u0101. Ko t\u0113nei te tono mai a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi, homai t\u0113nei w\u012Bkene roa. Kei te \u0101whina ki a m\u0101tou t\u0113nei kaupapa o te t\u0101poi kei roto i a Aotearoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHeoi, ki t\u0113nei taha, he whakaaro pai ki te m\u0101tauranga, heoi ki t\u0113nei taha ki te \u0101whina ng\u0101 pakihi. Koin\u0101 te tono ki a m\u0101tou, \u0101whina mai i t\u0113nei w\u0101 rerek\u0113, te w\u0101 mai i te mate urut\u0101 heoi an\u014D, ka puta mai \u0101whina ki a m\u0101tou, \u0101, he w\u012Bkene roa he whakaaro pai ki a r\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Chair, and thank you to the member for that question. Well, the work of the committee was to ask everyone, the businesses, to give us their opinions on a proposed date, and what are difficulties involved for you. However, no businesses came forward to the committee to say a single word about your request to us in the House, nor were they spoken about in the reports from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. They didn\u2019t mention them either. However, the gist of the question is good. However, we did not report to the committee that there was a heavy burden on us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EBut who did come along were the tourist businesses to support this bill. Why? According to the tourism businesses, this was a great idea for business, for the tourism business. They thought that a long weekend was a really good idea for the tourism businesses, as many people would move from one place to another. That\u2019s what my friend Minister Stuart Nash, over there, said. This was the request from them, from the tourism businesses, \u201CGive us this long weekend. This initiative will help tourism in New Zealand.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003ESo, on one side, it is a good idea with regards to M\u0101ori knowledge; on the other side, it will help businesses. That was the request to us, help in these strange times of the pandemic, give us some help, and we think a long weekend is a good idea.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u002280bb0bcdd5544ed3a0d4bad1dd8375d6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002280bb0bcdd5544ed3a0d4bad1dd8375d6\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Kia ora, Minister. Thank you for making yourself available this evening to answer some questions about the bill. I\u2019d like to ask about the basis for the timing of the dates that Part 2 provides for. So Part 2, clause 6(2) says that the Order in Council for each public holiday must specify a date that\u2019s a Friday and that\u2019s in the calendar year following the last time we had Matariki. OK, we understand that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EWhen you look at the next part, the Order in Council must be made at least four years before the last date in the Schedule\u2014in other words, it\u2019s forecasting four years ahead\u2014we can see why that would have some benefit into allowing businesses and communities to plan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EBut that\u2019s pretty much the extent of the thinking that appears to have gone into the way that the date for Matariki is chosen to be observed, because when I go and look at the actual dates that are specified, they\u2019re all over the place. We\u2019ve got a 24 June, a 14 July, and then we\u2019ve got a 6 July and an 18 July. It just indicates that while the intention of the observance of Matariki around the appearance of a star cluster, which in the Northern Hemisphere\u2014particularly in Japan, it\u2019s actually known as Subaru. So it\u2019s the same star cluster, Subaru. That may be familiar to people who are familiar with the Subaru brand of cars, which also features on the decal. The emblem for the Subaru is actually the Seven Sisters, the seven stars that M\u0101ori describe as Matariki.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo I think it\u2019s important that we acknowledge that there is a good reason why Matariki may be observed in New Zealand, but when we look at the proposed dates and days, it\u2019s very difficult to understand what the reasoning is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EThen we need to understand what the implications are. So the implications are for the first date for it to be observed in June 2022, on 24 June 2022. That\u2019s not school holidays. That means the Friday of the day that it will be first observed is a day where secondary school students will be getting ready to play rugby the next day, and other winter school sports. Senior students and university students will be studying for exams, because this date falls a couple of weeks before the school holidays, Minister. This is the time when most families are incredibly busy\u2014students and young people are actually working hard on their schoolwork and university work, and the rugby season, netball, and other winter sports are really, really ramped up. It\u2019s an important part of the season, and that\u2019s often when parents want to make absolutely sure that their children are fit and well and attending their school sports. Schools depend on it and clubs depend on the kids being there, turning up on the Saturday to play.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EThe chances that those parents are going to decide to take a random Friday off in the middle of winter to go some place at a time of the year when New Zealand\u2019s weather is notoriously damp, even in places like the winterless North or the almost tropical Auckland where I live, where my hibiscus are still blooming and my frangipani are still in full bloom\u2014I can tell you that 24 June is still a very cold, damp time, even in Auckland.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EOne of the members over here mentioned potentially it\u2019s the ski season. Well, I can tell you from my personal experience, having spent many, many seasons at Mount Ruapehu, that there is no snow to ski on, on 24 June. [Interruption] Well, I wouldn\u2019t know about the South Island, Mr Bayly or Mr Smith, but if you\u2019re suggesting that one of the benefits of Matariki is that some very privileged people could go skiing, then that\u2019s not one that\u2019s actually mentioned in the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo there is a problem that the date that is selected and the method for choosing the date does not recognise things like is it during the school term or is it not, because it makes a material difference to the way people plan their lives, plan holidays, and choose what\u2019s important for their children, in particular, and young people attending university and school.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EI would like to compare that to Christmas and New Year\u2019s Day. That is where we need to understand how these things are chosen, because we\u2019re all aware that Christmas Day is based on the solstice. That\u2019s the time when the sun reaches its zenith in the south and its nadir in the north. In fact, we go further back, Christmas is based on an ancient festival of Saturnalia. So, look, if we\u2019re going to say we\u2019re going to pick the day of every calendar year when the star or the sun or the thing appears over the horizon or does its thing, then it would be impossible to plan for businesses, for families, for community events. You would never be able to plan with certainty when to paint the gnomes, when to get the Christmas decorations out, if Christmas moved around every year. That\u2019s one of the risks with Matariki as a holiday that New Zealand is expected to observe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIt will potentially lose its relevance when it moves around between June and July\u2014potentially a month, a month or so\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c50f36e9ce848c2b4c6b8dc640a2ea2\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: Like Easter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228a8194804b9c4d1a9d7159d49c1e11b0\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT\u003C/span\u003E: Well, and Mr Nash here mentions Easter. Look, in that Minister\u2019s role as the Minister of Tourism, he should be well aware that there is a major problem with Easter, and the problem with Easter is the Easter trading laws that prevent businesses from opening and carrying out their normal trade, as my colleague Chris Baillie has rightly pointed out, not being able to sell food or alcohol. So as the member Stuart Nash pointed out, Easter does move around. The problem is with Easter, though, that that Minister introduced into the debate, is that, in fact, it\u2019s actually not easy to do business.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EWhat this bill does is introduce another cup of sawdust into the engine that is the New Zealand economy and that is the hospitality industry and which\u2014because, of course, those businesses will still remain open on this day. This isn\u2019t necessarily going to be a day when everybody packs up the car in the middle of winter and decides to go off on a three-day or one-day holiday to visit family in other regions, in the middle of winter, when the days are extremely short and the nights are long and the weather\u2019s typically pretty poor. Actually, those businesses are going to continue operating. All it\u2019s going to be is they\u2019re going to have to pay their staff extra over salary or wages for the pleasure of operating on a day that the Minister in this Government designates as Matariki, and they\u2019re going to have to give them a day in lieu, and all of that is going to add to the cost of business that is sawdust in the engine of the New Zealand economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EIf this Government was really honest about improving productivity, as they say they are, with the fair pay agreements and all of these other things\u2014if they were really honest about improving productivity, what they\u2019d say is we\u2019re not going to pass a single law that\u2019s going to affect the ability of businesses to operate in the current environment. We certainly wouldn\u2019t impose hundreds of millions of dollars of costs on those businesses, as the Minister has suggested.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo when we come back to \u201Cthis is a Friday\u201D, and a Friday in the middle of winter, on a cold, short day close to the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, that is not going to be a day that\u2019s going to see a massive amount of economic activity in response to this day that the Government designates as a public holiday.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESo, look, while we all appreciate that there is a role to observe Matariki, the New Year that M\u0101ori observe, in our calendar, that is important to impose those costs on business and to impose this calendar that Part 1, through Schedule 1 and Schedules 2, 3, and 4, imposes on business\u2014that is completely unacceptable to the ACT Party. It is, as I\u2019ve said, sawdust in the engine of the economy. It\u2019s not going to deliver healthier communities. It\u2019s not going to deliver a healthy economy. In fact, it\u2019s disappointing, because rather than an opportunity to bring New Zealanders together, through passing the legislation now and insisting on dumping all of these costs into the economy which will force up the price of everything at a time of massive inflation, it\u2019s actually more likely to cause division than bring people together.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EThe challenge that I would lay down to the Minister and to the Government is if they wished to impose a new public holiday on New Zealand, they should choose one to remove\u2014they should choose one. The ACT Party says that should be Labour Day. We don\u2019t actually need a holiday named after the Labour Party. I mean, do you think there will ever be a holiday named after the ACT Party\u2014\u201CACT Day\u201D? Well, I\u2019ll tell you what\u2014it could be a day in October 2023, after the next election. They could be calling that \u201CACT Day\u201D, but we won\u2019t be asking for that to be made into a public holiday and forcing businesses and communities to observe it. Thank you, Mr Chair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022c2f52036903841669d80e9766dffcff1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c2f52036903841669d80e9766dffcff1\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Green) (remote): \u003C/span\u003ET\u0113n\u0101 koe e te Tiamana, me mihi Saturnalia Subaru hoki ki Te Komiti i t\u0113nei p\u014D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EE p\u0113nei ana taku nei p\u0101tai ki Te Minita i te mea i a au e rongo ana i ng\u0101 k\u014Drero m\u014D te taha o te pakihi. Ki te whakaaro o Te Minita, he aha ng\u0101 painga, he aha ng\u0101 oranga m\u014D ng\u0101 t\u0101poi pakihi ki roto i ng\u0101 rohe, ki roto i ng\u0101 takiw\u0101 i te mea kei te whakaaro ake au i a ia e k\u014Drero ana m\u014D te rerek\u0113 o ng\u0101 tikanga, Puanga ki \u014D t\u0101tou nei wh\u0101nau ki Taranaki, Puaka ki te Wai Pounamu, Rehua ki te N\u014Dta, Matariki wh\u0101nui. N\u0101 runga i t\u0113r\u0101 ka p\u0113hea t\u0113r\u0101 \u0101hua e h\u0101pai ana ng\u0101 pakihi, e h\u0101pai ng\u0101 t\u0101poi pakihi ki roto i ng\u0101 takiw\u0101?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E[Greetings, Mr Chair. I should offer my Subaru and Saturnalian greetings to the committee tonight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000558\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EThis is my question to the Minister after listening to the accounts regarding businesses: what does the Minister think are the gains and benefits for the tourism businesses in the districts and the regions? Because I was thinking as I was listening to her talk about the varied protocols, Rigel for our family in Taranaki, Rigel in the South Island, Antares in the North and Matariki more widespread. With that in mind, how will the nature of that support businesses and support tourist businesses in the regions?]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u00220fde7d1112124baea3ab4b666d4f2e3c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220fde7d1112124baea3ab4b666d4f2e3c\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB (Junior 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=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022 data-id=\u00224cd1c64e541a4bf1a7ed0e5877ac7372\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224cd1c64e541a4bf1a7ed0e5877ac7372\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. The last speaker asked a question of the Minister: what is being done in the regions to promote Matariki, and particularly those of us with tribal areas who have a regional variation and difference in terms of the dates and the timings of Matariki? In Whanganui, it\u2019s Puanga. So I\u2019m waiting to hear a response from the Minister to that question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EWhilst we\u2019re waiting for that response, I add another question to the mix. Well, in fact, it\u2019s a statement, Minister. Earlier you said in this Chamber that there weren\u2019t any submissions put to the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee from the business sector and from the business community. I correct the Minister in relation to that, because it was reported, at page 3\u2014I beg your pardon, page 12\u2014of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee report back to the House, discussing that \u201CSome submitters expressed concern about the costs an additional public holiday might present to businesses that are already facing an increased minimum wage, additional sick leave, and ongoing effects of COVID-19.\u201D So I think it\u2019s important that there is accurate factual information that the public are predisposed to, rather than a certain view that comes from the Government in maintaining and supporting this as a public holiday, which the National Party does not oppose the principle of, but we do query and question the implications in the imposition on our business communities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EI addressed this matter in the House when I spoke to the bill either last night or the night before or the day before, and a statement, again, that a Labour member of the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee made was that it\u2019s a P\u0101keh\u0101 perspective to say that the fiscal implications only comes from that whakaaro, that line of thinking. That\u2019s not the case. As a former M\u0101ori business owner and knowing current M\u0101ori business owners, the implications on our SMEs, our small and medium enterprises, our business operations\u2014they are the ones who carry the cost and the burden. So if the Government is so insistent that this bill is going through, I invite the Government to consider some form of subsidy\u2014and whether that\u2019s out of scope of this bill in the way was deemed that substitution of another holiday\u2014some form of subsidy might be imposed that comes from the Government coffers as opposed to the taxpayer coffers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003ESo again, the reason why I raise these issues is that these are the practical implications and impositions on a sector of our community\u2014of course, many of whom will support the principle behind Matariki, but let\u2019s get real. Cost of living is huge. For our members\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022033d6ba836c046ee9a4b76ceac32d70c\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Wrong bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b661ca9a4454990b090b8c08643c6de\u0022\u003EHARETE HIPANGO\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s not the wrong bill, because this is about the kai of a nation. So I\u2019m speaking to the bill, and I\u2019m addressing the Minister\u2019s answer, which stands to be corrected in terms of a misinterpretation of what the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee had reported back. There are fiscal implications, so to dismiss and dispense with that is not correct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022868f3a11-6a23-474f-a25e-6bc1d4c6e93f\u0022\u003EI also, in speaking directly to the bill\u2014I\u2019m trying to find a copy of it. Regrettably, I wasn\u2019t sitting on the M\u0101ori Affairs Committee at the time of these matters, because I had other duties calling me to important issues, which is about the wellbeing of our children. But coming to Part 2, a clarification please, because the wording of this is not clear. Clause 6, \u201CRegulations\u201D: \u201C(1) The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations adding to Schedule 1\u201D, and Schedule 1 details the dates for the next 30 years that Matariki as a holiday will fall. So \u201Cmake regulations adding to Schedule 1 a date in a year on which the public holiday will be observed to acknowledge Matariki in that year.\u201D\u2014could we please have some clarification as to what that actually means?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022516b132cb1f64889a9e62be535984a1e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022516b132cb1f64889a9e62be535984a1e\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te Tiamana, t\u0113n\u0101 koe e te tuakana mai i te rohe o Whanganui, otir\u0101 ki a koe e Simon Court m\u014D t\u014D p\u0101tai hoki, otir\u0101 ka huri ki e wh\u0101 ng\u0101 kaupapa kua tono mai koutou. Me whakautu an\u014D ki t\u0113nei kaupapa o ng\u0101 utu. Ko te kaupapa o ng\u0101 whakautu ki ng\u0101 pakihi, ko t\u0113nei he tono mai i ng\u0101 pakihi, maha ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi ki te \u0101whina ki a r\u0101tou me tono mai me maha ng\u0101 tono mai i ng\u0101 rohe o Rotorua, Waiariki. Harikoa r\u0101tou m\u014D t\u0113nei w\u012Bkene roa. Rerek\u0113 te whakaaro o te tangata mai a Simon Court o te P\u0101ti ACT.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKi a r\u0101tou o te rohe o Waiariki, o Rotorua, \u0101e. Ka huri ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata mai i T\u0101makimakaurau i te waenganui o te tau, o te t\u012Bmata o te tau M\u0101ori, heoi i te waenganui o te Gregorian tau. Kua haramai maha ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata i waenganui i te tau ki te haramai mai i T\u0101maki Makaurau ki ng\u0101 rohe o Rotorua, Waiariki, ki taku rohe o Te Tai R\u0101whiti, ki te rohe o Whanganui pea o te pito o te ao o T\u016Bwharetoa ko Ruapehu. Maha ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata kua wehe atu, \u0101, koin\u0101 ki a r\u0101tou, ng\u0101 pakihi t\u0101poi, e pai ana te tono ki te \u0101whina i a r\u0101tou. Heoi, me whakahoki an\u014D te whakautu an\u014D ki t\u0113r\u0101 atu p\u0101tai.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKa huri ki te tono mai a taku tuakana mai i Whanganui, \u0101e e tika t\u0101u e te tuakana, kua haramai e rua rau tekau m\u0101 wh\u0101 ng\u0101 tono mai i ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata katoa kua whiu ki te komiti, \u0101e tika tau. E rua ng\u0101 tono anake e k\u0101re e pai te utu o t\u0113nei pire i runga i a r\u0101tou, k\u0101re e kore e rua anake, ng\u0101 tono mai i ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata kua whiua atu ki te komiti, mai i te katoa o te rua rau tekau m\u0101 wh\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKa huri, ki te p\u0101tai m\u014D taku hoa a Simon Court an\u014D. He aha ng\u0101 whakaaro o te h\u0101ngai o \u0113tahi ng\u0101 r\u0101? Tuatahi, ko te matauranga M\u0101ori e \u0101whina i a m\u0101tou mai i Te K\u0101wana m\u014D \u0113tahi ng\u0101 r\u0101 m\u014D ng\u0101 tau e toru tekau, ka haere. Heoi, \u014Drite pea, ki te w\u012Bkene o Ahurei [Aranga], n\u0101 wai e tono mai ng\u0101 r\u0101 m\u014D te Ahurei [Aranga]? Ko te Vatican, ko te Vatican e whiu ana ng\u0101 r\u0101. Kei a r\u0101tou te mana, kei a r\u0101tou te tikanga e piki ana ng\u0101 r\u0101 m\u014D t\u0113r\u0101 atu hararei ko te Ahurei [Aranga], heoi, m\u014D t\u0113nei pire, m\u014D t\u0113nei w\u0101, o te w\u0101 o Matariki, ka tahuri ki t\u014D t\u0101tou nei tohunga.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EKa tahuri ki t\u014D t\u0101tou nei tohunga, he maha te m\u0101tauranga kei roto ki t\u0113r\u0101 atu k\u0101hui e \u0101whina ki a m\u0101tou, te Karauna m\u014D te hai i mua m\u014D \u0113tahi ng\u0101 r\u0101. Kei te huri a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 tohunga ki te m\u0101tauranga o \u0101 r\u0101tou ng\u0101 hap\u016B o iwi. Kei te whai a r\u0101tou t\u012Bpuna mai i ng\u0101 whet\u016B mai i ng\u0101 whet\u016B o te Matariki, mai i ng\u0101 whet\u016B o te Puanga, mai i ng\u0101 whet\u016B o te Pout\u016Bterangi, mai i ng\u0101 whet\u016B o te Rehua i ng\u0101 w\u0101 o mua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHe tino m\u0101tauranga t\u0113r\u0101, he science, he tino science t\u0113r\u0101, \u0101, kei te pupuri a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 tohunga o te K\u0101hui o te Matariki, kei te pupuri a r\u0101tou ng\u0101 hua o \u0113tahi m\u0101tauranga, \u0101, kei te puta mai a r\u0101tau mai i maha ng\u0101 w\u0101nanga i t\u0113r\u0101 atu tau ka huri ki te pupuri ng\u0101 m\u0101tauranga kei roto i te pire nei. K\u0101ore ko te Vatican, k\u0101ore ko \u0113tahi r\u0101 i \u0113tahi t\u0101ngata. Ko ng\u0101 tohunga e pupuri ana t\u0113tahi m\u0101tauranga, \u0101, koin\u0101 te tino tikanga m\u014D ng\u0101 r\u0101 kei roto i t\u0113nei pire m\u014D ng\u0101 tau e toru tekau e haere ake. Koina ng\u0101 p\u0101tai katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Chair. Thank you to my sister from the Whanganui electorate, and also to you, Simon Court, for your question. I now turn to the four issues you have raised. I will return to the issue of cost. As to the issue of costs to the businesses, this was a request from the many tourist businesses for help, there were a large number of submissions from the Rotorua and Waiariki districts. They were very happy about this long weekend. Simon Court, of the ACT Party, thinks differently.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EAccording to those from the Waiariki and Rotorua districts, yes, people will travel from Auckland in the middle of the year, at the beginning of the M\u0101ori year, well, in the middle of the Gregorian year. Many people will travel in the middle of the year from Auckland to the districts of Rotorua and Waiariki, to my district of the East Coast, perhaps to the Whanganui district, to the centre of the world for T\u016Bwharetoa, to Ruapehu. Many people have left their region, and that, according to the tourism businesses made it appropriate to ask for help.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EHowever, I should get back to answering the other question. I now turn to the request from my sister from Whanganui. Yes, you are right, 214 submissions were received from all the people who presented to the committee\u2014yes, you are right. There were only two submitters who were not happy with the costs imposed on them for this bill\u2014only two\u2014from all the people who presented to the committee, out of the total of 214.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EI now turn, again, to the question from my friend Simon Court. What was the thinking behind the appropriateness of the dates? Firstly, M\u0101ori knowledge helped us, of the Government, to set the dates for the next 30 years. However, perhaps it is similar to the weekend of Easter, who sets the dates for Easter? The Vatican\u2014it is the Vatican that sets those dates. They have the authority, they have the procedures to pick those dates for that holiday at Easter. However, for this bill, for this time of Matariki, we turn to our own experts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EWe turn to our experts\u2014there is much M\u0101ori knowledge held within that group to help us, the Crown, regarding the selection of the dates. The experts turned to the M\u0101ori knowledge of their own tribes and subtribes. Their ancestors followed the stars of Matariki, Rigel, Altair, and Antares in times past.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003EThat is real knowledge, it is science, real science, and the experts on the Matariki cluster have held on to this knowledge and they have talked about it in the many conferences held in the last year, so that this knowledge is retained in this bill. Not by the Vatican, nor were the dates chosen by certain people. The experts held firmly to M\u0101ori knowledge, and that is the real reason for dates included in this bill for the 30 years ahead. That\u2019s all the questions.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022aed1a948a7044f4cbdcdffb416d08cf3\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That Part 2 be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003EPart 2 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00222bce51ec8dbc43819a6d790041cf3027\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 Schedule 1 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003ESchedule 1 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002240fe0079c5be4beea45ccd6825dd621a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002240fe0079c5be4beea45ccd6825dd621a\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Joseph Mooney\u2019s tabled amendment to Schedule 2 is ruled out of order as being out of scope of the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022d52b53f0542242e9be9e91ca45abdb7e\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 Schedule 2 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003ESchedule 2 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002253d4ae1729b3453386c606e3354154d0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002253d4ae1729b3453386c606e3354154d0\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: We now move to Schedule 3. Joseph Mooney\u2019s tabled amendment to Schedule 3 is ruled out of order as being outside the scope of the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00227a90f2d0fdac4e13b6a764fe99cf68f0\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 Schedule 3 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 65; Green Party of Aotearoa 10; 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\u003ESchedule 3 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022ea5fce64a4a14b71b8df28e1739dbc32\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ea5fce64a4a14b71b8df28e1739dbc32\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: We now move to Schedule 4. Joseph Mooney\u2019s tabled amendment to Schedule 4 is ruled out of order as being outside the scope of the bill. The question is that Schedule 4 be agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00222fca920dbf9e49639feb4025333b778b\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 Schedule 4 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003ESchedule 4 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000582\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b94a8cdf0a4a4513a5ff7374682b39f4\u0022\u003ENg\u0101 \u0100pitihanga 1 me 2 / Clauses 1 and 2\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u002247c74fa7edd64279848afae5a0e9ff1e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000583\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002247c74fa7edd64279848afae5a0e9ff1e\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, we now come to our final debate, clauses 1 and 2. This is the debate on clauses 1 and 2, \u201CTitle\u201D and \u201CCommencement\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022b31ecfd1bdc7476d853f9ab741e2ceac\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That clause 1 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003EClause 1 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002219064d47974b462fbddece9071731b07\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000584\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002219064d47974b462fbddece9071731b07\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That clause 2 stand part. All those in favour say, Aye\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac413e6e99b64a1c83f247b9e0eef822\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Chair, point of order. Is this a debatable motion?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000586\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c1217f1a78942839d58411fbee25962\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: It is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000587\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c2a9b91c1bd49cfaa127b3f422abee4\u0022\u003ESimon Court\u003C/span\u003E: I would like\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000588\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209c246828725474ebd34adad4c961b07\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Hang on. I call Simon Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u00220bbe2a034d03468db56512a897f8cc05\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000589\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220bbe2a034d03468db56512a897f8cc05\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. In terms of commencement, clause 2, we have a major problem with the New Zealand economy and our social conditions right now. There are enormous costs being imposed on business, which is struggling to get staff\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000590\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d457ba9e3fa34fe6a2ae2cc29c16c380\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! I have put the question. As I put the question that clause 1 as amended stand part, that, effectively, ends the debate. So I apologise to the speaker that I gave the call to, but that ends that debate. So I now\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022175885c914b848fd80ce8e9a7f47c68b\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. Given that the debate will be short, I seek leave that a debate be held on clause 2.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022982e95be16d242128ba5067ab0007e92\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Leave has been sought that a debate be held on clause 2. Leave\u2019s not been granted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022d7abf885ff6c478f8185010c589f7b2e\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That clause 2 be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 77\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; 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\u003EClause 2 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000593\u0022\u003EBill to be reported without amendment.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000594\u0022\u003EHouse resumed.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002271b2ad2998aa422089e28bba448d0d7f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002271b2ad2998aa422089e28bba448d0d7f\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: The committee has considered Te Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki/Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill and reports it without amendment. I move, That the report be adopted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EReport adopted.\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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229a0451a78f664ea48c0ee631cf854183\u0022\u003ENatural Hazards Insurance Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00226fbba06c812542bea03cf6a7669d8887\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000600\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 29 March.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u0022699d1d6e26604d819942582388255b87\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022699d1d6e26604d819942582388255b87\u0022\u003EDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Madam Speaker. After such a notable bill it may seem that this is perhaps not as important, but I must say I am very happy indeed to be speaking on this Natural Hazards Insurance Bill. You know, strange as it may seem, we all come to this place with some ambitions. One of mine was not particularly glamorous, but it was to make sure that the maltreatment of New Zealanders after natural disasters, that I saw in Christchurch and elsewhere, never happened again. And I actually said in my maiden speech that insurers, and the Earthquake Commission (EQC), didn\u2019t look after people. They didn\u2019t look to their legal obligations; they looked to their risk exposure and they used a law not as a guide but as a weapon. This bill is an important step to address that change. The Earthquake Commission as it is today is a wildly different thing than it was then, and this bill takes it this step further. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe Labour Party, when it took office in 2017, committed to a public inquiry, and Dame Silvia Cartwright undertook that inquiry and reported back in March 2020. This implements large parts of that inquiry. I would also note we established the Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service, the earthquake tribunal, and the EQC On-sold programme\u2014just part of the raft of things that this Government is doing to right the wrongs of the past that happened in Canterbury. So this bill is a further step in making sure that the heartbreak and unfairness that happened in Canterbury is not repeated, and it further meets those requirements in the Cartwright review. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s really important to note that, at the heart of this bill, the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill, is collectivism. Whilst the insurance market works well most of the time for most of the people, the fact is that in some cases it fails. It fails when the catastrophe is so large that the balance sheet of even the largest insurer can\u2019t manage it, such as AMI showed us, and Western Pacific, and Ansvar\u2014all failed insurance companies after Canterbury. The insurance market also fails when it simply refuses to insure on commercial terms because their actuary tells them that it\u2019s not economic to underwrite those risks. But here in New Zealand, we think that the insurance of homes is too important to leave to the market alone. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003ESo, since the Earthquake and War Damage Act 1944, we\u2019ve had a social contract that across New Zealand we will share the risk of loss to homes, and after the Abbotsford slip in \u201979, we also insure the land underneath them. Our land is subject to many hazards, and it\u2019s entirely reasonable that we spread the risk of those hazards evenly across all homeowners. And with that cushion, there is the expectation, an important expectation, that insurers will step up and offer comprehensive natural disaster insurance to all homeowners at an affordable price. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe Canterbury earthquake insurance sequence showed that EQC badly needed updating, and the most obvious update here is the significant increase in the amount of natural hazard insurance. In 2011, it was $100,000, and this will raise it to $300,000. Still not enough\u2014importantly to note\u2014to replace entirely an average home. But it is a substantial sum, and it\u2019s likely that the new entity Toka T\u016B Ake\u2014the Natural Hazards Commission\u2014will bear far and away the greatest part of any underwriting cost after a natural disaster or catastrophe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe other thing, that might slip past some, that struck me about this bill, is a real shift in accountability. The culture of EQC in 2011 was to use every device to limit their exposure and liability. Now, Toka T\u016B Ake will have a code of insured-persons\u2019 rights, a complaints management procedure for breaches of that code, and an independent review process if that isn\u2019t resolved correctly. And also, an independent dispute resolution scheme for what are, essentially, insurance disputes about the settlement process itself. This is an absolutely seismic shift from the wall that homeowners faced when they were unhappy\u2014often justifiably so\u2014with EQC. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EAs someone who worked through a raft of detail of EQC claims, a lot of the other changes are also very, very welcome\u2014like, for example, the difficulty in measuring land damage when land subsides. The bill puts into legislative form the diminution of value framework\u2014evaluation based not just on the costs of repair to land but on the value that it\u2019s lost. And of course, multi-unit dwellings were an absolute nightmare, where there\u2019s shared areas and common areas, party walls, and the like\u2014can be very problematic\u2014and the bill clarifies that as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EHaving said that, this is not absolutely perfect. I am sure we will get lots of submissions, and I admit I lobbied the Minister David Clark that this gets sent to the Finance and Expenditure Committee because I take a personal interest in it. One issue that I\u2019m looking forward to exploring is the standard of repair\u2014a familiar framework is used to costs reasonably incurred to replace or reinstate the property to a condition substantially the same as when it was new, using current materials and meeting current building standards. That can throw up some tricky situations\u2014for example, where a house was dilapidated, or where it\u2019s a very old house using older materials, or even a modern house using unusual architectural techniques, or where the damage is minor but the costs of repair are wholly disproportionate. So those are some of the issues we may need to explore. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s also changes to cover for bridges, retaining walls, and culverts. It used to be depreciated value, which was very unfortunate if you had a perfectly good 100-year-old stone wall whose depreciated value was pretty much zero but it was perfectly sound, but the insurer would not pay out on it, or EQC would not pay out on it. The bill clarifies this by using replacement cost, but it does cap the value at $50,000, and at $25,000 for bridges. That also needs to be understood, because $25,000 won\u2019t pay for a significant bridge, or even a small one in many cases, and certainly $50,000 won\u2019t pay for a significant structural retaining wall. So we need to understand how that will fit in with private insurance, and explore where we need to go with that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003ELook, for some people these matters are exceedingly dull, when you\u2019re considering them in advance in a technical manner, but I can tell you that, if you have a broken home and you can\u2019t rebuild it without fixing the retaining wall and you don\u2019t have the money to fix the retaining wall, it is heartbreak. It is a personal catastrophe. So getting this right now isn\u2019t just about crossing t\u2019s and dotting i\u2019s, it\u2019s about getting it right to cushion the blow for homeowners and ensuring we\u2019re prepared for the next\u2014and absolutely inevitable\u2014catastrophe. I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022 data-id=\u002229db6960920349ccadb8c05d10b0938b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002229db6960920349ccadb8c05d10b0938b\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH (National\u2014Kaik\u014Dura):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It is a pleasure to speak on this Natural Hazards Insurance Bill. As my colleague Gerry Brownlee said yesterday, the National Party actually welcomes this bill. I too have had quite a bit to do with the earthquakes and the Earthquake Commission (EQC) over the years, and I think the one thing that we can all agree on is that EQC didn\u2019t do a stellar job. There were a whole lot of issues that occurred during, certainly after, the Christchurch earthquake series. There was a lot of change that occurred between then and the Kaik\u014Dura earthquake, and it worked very well, but it was a much smaller event. I\u2019ll put it to the House that, actually, the next time there\u2019s a really large one, we will end up with similar issues, because there will be gaps and these things don\u2019t get tested until there is a really big event. Each event has its own characteristics and it causes damage to a community in different ways. This bill is going to go a long way to fix all the gaps that we\u2019re aware of, but I\u2019m certain that we will be back, or the House will be\u2014it might not happen for 50 years, or longer, who knows, but it could happen tomorrow. So getting this done is a really good step forward. We support that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EMy colleague Gerry Brownlee said there were over 700,000 claims from the Christchurch series of earthquakes. It\u2019s a massive undertaking. There were certainly some big issues because of the managed rebuild and the way that was managed, and there was some bad behaviour by contractors, which has come back to bite a lot of homeowners, and that\u2019s certainly a very serious issue. In fact, I\u2019m working on a member\u2019s bill that might actually avert some of those issues in the future. But that\u2019s another story.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThis bill goes to set up new definitions around land damage\u2014where the barriers lie. I think that\u2019s a really important thing to do. That caused a lot of issues in the Christchurch one and, indeed, in the Kaik\u014Dura earthquake. I do note in clause 42 that the maximum land cover amount for residential land\u2014and it goes down into \u201C(1)(b)(ii) the number of dwellings in the residential building multiplied by $50,000 plus GST;\u201D, and then damage to bridges and culverts in residential buildings, the lesser of \u201C(1)(c)(ii) the number of dwellings in the residential building multiplied by $25,000 plus GST.\u201D I look forward to understanding, through the select committee process, where these numbers came from, how they were calculated, and if they are adequate. What really worries me about this, and the cap that\u2019s gone from $150,000 to $300,000 under this bill, is we\u2019re in a cost of living crisis in New Zealand at the moment, with rampant inflation. It\u2019s only going to get worse. How long are these numbers going to remain valid? Should they be linked to the Consumers Price Index, or the building cost inflation at least? I don\u2019t know the answers to those, but I\u2019m sure that we will hear quite a bit about that during the select committee process. These things all need to be teased out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000614\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThe bill allows the new Natural Hazards Commission to raise reinsurance against different hazards other than earthquakes, and I think that\u2019s a really interesting proposition for several reasons. One, if we can just\u2014the $300,000 rise in the cap is significant. The Christchurch earthquake sequence was\u2014private insurers paid out $21 billion, EQC paid out $10 billion. EQC were already the largest single reinsurance buyer in the world for these types of events, and now they are going to go up by three times, effectively. So that is a massive amount of reinsurance. How will the reinsurance market react to that? I don\u2019t know. I suspect it\u2019s a big buy. They\u2019re going to have to look for a much wider spread of reinsurance than they perhaps have at this stage, but most of the reinsurance goes through one centre. So, I mean, I really look forward to learning more about that during the committee stage, because it\u2019s a really important issue. And it has been raised when we did these other series of legislation in the last term. That was an issue. And so there must be quite a bit of information about that, and I certainly want to hear about that. That is a really important area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EExpanding EQC to other natural hazards does raise some questions with me. There is a scheme in the UK called Flood Re, which is to deal with flood-prone housing in particular. It\u2019s, effectively, what EQC is doing: socialises the cost of insurance across the whole market. The problem that they have with is that is that it, effectively, locks people in to areas which are flood-prone when, actually, the better long-term solution would be, in the really worst places, to have a managed retreat from those areas. I mean, we can think of Westport, where we\u2019ve had several floods there recently. That\u2019s a very serious issue, and maybe we should be looking at that. I don\u2019t want to see EQC expanding their mandate to cause people to be locked into those homes\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002248f5e07b252a4aa1a4fcde923b6a4d53\u0022\u003EDr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: We already cover floods. It hasn\u2019t changed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000617\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022111f1c8e6d2e4eda8bc9ba4705417256\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014that have already dealt with several floods and will have to deal with that again. I think that\u2019s a real issue, and I\u2019m surprised it hasn\u2019t been raised by the member on the other side, because he certainly had a bit to do with it. I thought he\u2019d be all over that. But it is a serious issue, and I think that\u2019s something we have to consider.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000618\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s quite a lot of information-gathering powers here, and we just really have to know and understand whether the unfettered access to information that the commission will have\u2014is that really necessary? I don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t see any justification, in the information provided, for that amount of information being gathered. And where is it going to be spread out to? I don\u2019t know. And who\u2019s going to get it? It is, as I said, unfettered in the bill as it stands. I look forward to debating that. So that\u2019s an important one. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000619\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThis is a minor one, although it could be quite important. I think it\u2019s clause 23 where it defines the events that would be covered by the commission. It doesn\u2019t include meteor strikes\u2014a very unlikely event, but it is something that can and does happen. Meteor strikes, actually, are covered by reinsurance, and most\u2014not all, but some\u2014existing insurance policies do cover meteor strikes. If we are going to have a sort of socialised insurance cost, surely that would be one of the things that should be covered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000620\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThe other important issue, about the increase of the cap from $150,000 to $300,000, is the impact it\u2019s going to have on people\u2019s insurance bills. Particularly in this place here, where we are, in Wellington, there is going to be a significantly lower cost for people living in high-risk areas. However, far more people are going to be affected by having higher insurance costs, because they live in lower-risk areas. The reason for this is because the private insurance area which is covering the cost currently from $150,000 upward is based on a risk-based pricing model. Therefore, the risk is assessed in the premium, and, from my information, those people living in a low-risk area\u2014say, in Northland\u2014could be saddled with up to a $200 increase in their premium. So we\u2019re socialising that cost across New Zealand. Yes, the people in Wellington Central will benefit from that, but I would put it to the House that the people in Northland will be disadvantaged. So I\u2019m looking forward to teasing that out in the select committee, because\u2014I\u2019m sure the people of Northland won\u2019t feel too bad about me saying this, but, actually, they have much lower incomes than people in this part of the world, and there are already social difficulties in that part of the world. I have great concern for that, being in the National Party. We do care about these matters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000621\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s with that that I do commend the bill to the House, with the caveats that I have just laid out before you. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u00225bec4f0c9a9a428fbf5312cb5de347c3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225bec4f0c9a9a428fbf5312cb5de347c3\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just leading on from the previous two speakers, I think it\u2019s important when we look at the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to look at what it doesn\u2019t cover currently. It takes a disaster for people to get rather nasty surprises. For example, it doesn\u2019t cover intangible property\u2014for example, information stored on a computer; motor vehicles, or parts or accessories of motor vehicles; trailers, or parts or accessories of trailers; boats or other vessels, or parts or accessories of boats or vessels; aircraft or anything in or on an aircraft; bushes, forests, trees, plants, or lawns; growing crops; explosives; animals; roads; streets; drives, or paths. Well, of course, we\u2019ve already heard one of the previous speakers say that some of that is going to be addressed now\u2014drains; channels; tunnels or cuttings; dams; breakwaters; fences or poles; reservoirs; swimming pools; baths; spa pools; tanks or water towers; tennis courts; jetties, wharves, or landings; paving or other artificial surfaces.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo one can imagine that after a disaster such as that which struck Christchurch, that which struck Kaik\u014Dura recently\u2014although, I do have to say the Kaik\u014Dura earthquake was as much the Wellington earthquake as it was the Kaik\u014Dura earthquake; just, of course, Kaik\u014Dura claimed it much earlier. But when one looks at those things, rather than guaranteeing a surprise following a disaster, it is absolutely appropriate that we look at the legislation, look at what we\u2019ve learned. After all, New Zealand is a country that, in many parts, is actually defined by its earthquakes. We have the member for Napier in front of me. The Napier earthquake caused a whole city to be rebuilt\u2014the fact it was rebuilt quickly so Hastings wouldn\u2019t get a start on them is neither here nor there, but, of course, the Napier earthquake is something that looms large. I know, growing up on the West Coast, the Murchison earthquake was something that loomed large. The \u012Anangahua earthquake, and, of course, Christchurch and Kaik\u014Dura latterly. In fact, just while I do speak about the Wellington earthquake, the fact that there was so much damage in Wellington\u2014I know that I was offshore when the Kaik\u014Dura earthquake occurred. I had no idea of just how much damage had been caused to Wellington, and still today there are buildings which are being affected. That list which I actually read through\u2014people are getting nasty surprises.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000624\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo it is apt and timely that we now look at the lessons that we have learnt, and, of course, the inquiry recommendations, we\u2019re now putting them into practice, because now the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill will cover damage covered by landslips, volcanic eruptions, hydrothermal activity, and tsunami. What is interesting, of course, is that what started out as the earthquake and war damage\u2014war damage has actually dropped off. Now, as the world looks at the possibilities of us slipping into another world conflict, it\u2019s time that we did have a look and make sure that we are actually included. So, of course, it was actually the War Damage Commission up until the 1940s. It was the Wairarapa earthquake that actually did bring about the need to ensure that those houses that weren\u2019t able to fixed following that 1942 earthquake\u2014there was requirement for a bill like this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo it gives me great pleasure to be\u2014knowing the generosity, the eagerness of our committee chair to stand and wave his hand when the decisions were being made about where this bill would go. I think such is the gravitas of the Finance and Expenditure Committee chair that he was able to ensure that it does come to our committee. I look forward to having it, and I\u2019m sure that with our collective experience we can send this back to this House in an improved, relevant, and, more importantly, in a state that New Zealanders\u2014knowing that it is only a matter of time before we get the next big one, then at least this aspect of it will be covered. So 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=\u0022e101e0ed884f41d694e92e38f939963e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e101e0ed884f41d694e92e38f939963e\u0022\u003EHon EUGENIE SAGE (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Mr Speaker; thank you. The Green Party is pleased to support the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill. At 89 pages, it\u2019s reasonably complex and technical, and it replaces the Earthquake Commission Act 1993. Having lived through the Canterbury earthquake series, this bill seeks to learn the lessons, takes on board quite a number of the recommendations\u2014around 10\u2014from the very thoughtful and accessible report that Dame Silvia Cartwright did in her inquiry into the whole way the Earthquake Commission (EQC) had operated, and also the 2015 public consultation that was done then. So there\u2019s been a really good basis of policy analysis and development to come to the House with this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo anyone who insures their home or other residential building, such as a rental property, against fire can access EQC cover in the event of a natural disaster because the levies that they pay to the insurance company are then passed on to EQC and into the Natural Disaster Fund. It\u2019s this point\u2014which Duncan Webb also made\u2014that because EQC is taking that first loss with the private insurers picking up the balance, it makes insurance against natural disasters much more affordable in New Zealand Aotearoa and much more certain than overseas, where people are often having to rely on their Government after a natural disaster to provide funding, support, and assistance. Because it\u2019s much more affordable, the insurance cover is that much more widespread here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo this certainty, and the fact that we have EQC, does really improve the ability of people and communities to recover from natural disasters. As Dame Silvia Cartwright said in her April 2020 report, regardless of people\u2019s views of how EQC had performed in the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquake sequence, New Zealand is very fortunate to have a natural disaster insurance scheme backed by the Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo, as others have said, there were more than half a million claims to EQC after those Canterbury earthquakes, and even though the commission took on board an extra 1,000-odd staff, it was totally overwhelmed by both the number of claims and also the efforts to roll out a managed repair process where EQC took all the responsibility for managing those repairs and doing it on a mass scale. That led to some pretty horrendous experiences for homeowners, long periods of negotiation with EQC and insurance companies, and as Dame Silvia also noted, previously EQC had been regarded as being a helpful and supportive face of the Government, but after the earthquakes, it was seen to be\u2014and I quote\u2014\u201Cuncaring, miserly and inefficient\u201D, and people saw it often as being sort of dominated by financial objectives, seeking to minimise the costs for the Crown in claims management and settlement. Since then, of course, there have been a number of quite significant operational changes by EQC and how it works, both with claimants and with private insurers: the transfer of contents to private insurers; it\u2019s developed a toolbox of options for recovery; it\u2019s established a hub for claimants to access information; it\u2019s sought to ensure that there\u2019s one point of contact for people making claims and resolving their claims; and it\u2019s developed a much better partnership with private insurers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo this bill makes some really significant changes, and one of them is that it took the Labour Government in the first term to establish a Greater Christchurch Claims Resolution Service because otherwise people were being forced to go to the courts. This bill makes sure that there is an independent dispute resolution service so that people don\u2019t have to go to the courts, and it requires EQC to participate in that standing dispute resolution scheme. It also provides certainty around matters that a claim to the commission can be assigned if the house is sold. It provides a very clear statement of the commission\u2019s repair standard for both buildings and land cover, and again, that will help address the issues that arose in \u014Ctautahi Christchurch around EQC\u2019s performance. It also deals with things like mixed-use buildings. How do you decide, when you\u2019ve got an apartment, maybe on floors two and three of a building and then a retail premises on the ground floor, who covers what in relation to repair of the foundations or the roof? The equity issues for owners of mixed-use buildings mean that those claims were often very complicated and took quite a while to resolve, and would sometimes have required court action. So the bill does make some more consistent guidelines around that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EProbably the biggest thing that householders will appreciate about the bill is the increase in the cap from the present $150,000 plus GST to $300,000. That means that the Government is taking on more risk from private insurers, and it also recognises the much higher costs now for building repair. That\u2019s beneficial because, again, it makes insurance more affordable. Stuart Smith raised the point of making sure that this was tied to the Consumers Price Index, but as I understand the bill there are some new provisions in it around financial governance to make sure that premiums are reviewed so it will keep up to date. The levy wasn\u2019t reviewed between 1944 and 2012, and the insurance cap wasn\u2019t reviewed between 1993 and 2019. So, of course, those got completely out of date. So the bill is setting in law a process for this to be regularly updated at least every five years, and some criteria that the Minister must use in going through this updating process, making sure that it is transparent by requiring a funding and risk management statement to be released after each review of the financial settings, and this is all based on something similar that applies to ACC\u2014so, again, much more accountability and transparency around financial governance and ensuring that EQC is adequately resourced, able to seek reinsurance, and is in a sound position to respond to further natural disasters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003EThis is an area where, as others have noted\u2014and I think the National Party was slightly mistaken in thinking that, by changing the name of the commission to the Natural Hazards Commission Toka T\u016B Ake, the range of hazards which are covered is being expanded. My understanding is that the range of hazards stays the same, but this is where the issue potentially arises with things like sea level rise. There will be pressure on the Crown to expand the range of hazards which can be covered, because how do we as a community ensure, as we\u2019ve done with EQC, that that cost of recovery is shared across the community and doesn\u2019t just fall primarily on those who are affected. Things like the increased risk of flooding\u2014yes, EQC covers damage to land from flooding, not damage to buildings from flooding. There will be more conversations, I think, around this and how that risk is shared. This again is an area where the commission has a critical role because, with the seismic research that it has done in Canterbury and elsewhere, it has a much better understanding of risk, how buildings can be modified and better built to protect against seismic hazard. This research function of the commission is quite critical, and that\u2019s also dealt with in the bill in making sure that the commission is adequately resourced to do that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e122e0e6-61c6-4d17-9a79-6ad2ac7d127e\u0022\u003ESo there is a lot of work that the Department of Internal Affairs is pulling together around a multi-agency community resilience programme in the face of the disasters that we\u2019ve seen on Tair\u0101whiti, on the East Coast, in Westport, and increased stormwater flooding in Auckland. It\u2019s about how, as a country, we have the key conversations about policy issues like managed retreat and how, as a wider community, we ensure that people can survive those disasters. We deal with the stress of people having to repeatedly worry whenever heavy rain is occurring. What will happen to their homes? What will happen to their communities? The huge social and economic disruption and dislocation that occurs with those disasters. So that\u2019s a bigger conversation, but the Green Party is very pleased to support this bill and looks forward to it being considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022 data-id=\u002245cd0657ecb743edae00934f2a57a080\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002245cd0657ecb743edae00934f2a57a080\u0022\u003EDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. We\u2019re approaching this bill with cautious optimism. The evolution of the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and how it operates and how people make claims and what it covers has evolved over quite some time, but I think there is a general consensus that something does need to change, that it needs to continue evolving. As we discovered with the Canterbury earthquakes, the system just wasn\u2019t up to scratch and couldn\u2019t function well under great pressure. That, as we all know, resulted in great pain and frustration and a lot of lessons learnt.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003ENow, as others have said, legislative changes like this, in this area, notwithstanding amendments, don\u2019t happen very often, so there\u2019s a bit of a feeling out there that it could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity we\u2019ve got here. That might be a bit dramatic, but it does have to be done right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003ENow, there is a fair amount of confusion out there when speaking to stakeholders and getting information, and what I\u2019m hearing here in the House tonight as well, in terms of cover and range and exactly what we\u2019re getting into. It would have been very helpful, I think, for the sector to have had an exposure draft and actually had a bit of upfront consultation here, because we absolutely do need to get this right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m hopeful that this bill is the right way to go about it and that there is a thorough process, which means a full select committee. They need to spend a fair amount of time getting stuck into this, listening to the sector and those who have experience in dealing with this system. Again, I stress the importance of this, because stakeholders, insurance companies\u2014they did not get an exposure draft, as I noted. They are still reacting to it. The bill is considerably larger than the one it is replacing in terms of pages and clauses, and it\u2019s pretty technical.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003ESome of the initial feedback I\u2019ve received is there\u2019s questions about raising the cap to $300,000, which is locked into this bill, and there are concerns about how much risk the Government wishes to take on, and therefore away from the private sector, despite their confidence in actually being able to insure and their ability to do so. There are questions about the financial settings over time\u2014the cap itself and the levy. It seems logical that it will increase, but some more certainty around that would be helpful. The overall feeling, the overall direction of this bill out there, is positive but it\u2019s cautious. Again, I stress that a lot of that could have been solved by a bit more communication with the sector previously.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EAs others have noted, the name of the commission, including \u201CNatural Hazards Commission\u201D, runs the risk of causing a bit of uncertainty about what exactly is covered and to what degree. There\u2019s certainly been some different commentary out there, so we need to absolutely make sure we unpack that in the select committee. One could argue it\u2019s just semantics and operationally it will be fine, but I\u2019m very keen to hear that discussion. I agree there is probably justification for a name change. The EQC brand has taken a bit of a beating over the years, so it\u2019s understandable there\u2019s a wish to move on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EThose covered by this need confidence that the fund itself has solid oversight and cannot be tapped into inappropriately, and that running costs do not get out of hand given they rely on that fund. Overall change is needed because there has been too much inefficiency and too much heartache, but we should always be mindful that there needs to be sufficient or substantial justification for Government intervention in a market, and when there is, for the State to not get carried away, because when it does that, that is when unintended consequences come along\u2014or very foreseeable ones, in many cases\u2014and we have to come back here and fix things. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003EThat\u2019s why the select committee is so important and the Government should give this bill its full hearing that it deserves and not rush the process like it has for pretty much everything else. So, with that, we commend this bill to the select committee. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022 data-id=\u002218e67c10a10d428baeee4f1d04911ec7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002218e67c10a10d428baeee4f1d04911ec7\u0022\u003EHELEN WHITE (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak in support of this bill, and I will be part of the select committee that gets to hear the submitters. I recognise that that will probably be a very interesting but quite emotional experience because we\u2019re, no doubt, going to hear from some of the people who were really hurt by the previous iteration of this legislation\u2014the culture that surrounded it\u2014those people, particularly, of Christchurch who suffered in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. I have a great respect for Silvia Cartwright; she is one of the most interesting people I\u2019ve had to meet, because she\u2019s a very independent person and she has great structure in her thinking, and she brought us an inquiry and a report with a lot of detail in it, and a lot of lessons to be learnt. And, while those lessons have begun to be learnt and have been adopted, this bill will actually clarify and crystallise a lot of them in the law. So I welcome it coming.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI wanted to comment on a few things I\u2019ve heard from the other speakers, just to clarify them. I went through the legislation that we have, and it is quite right that there is a concern about the cap being $300,000, but actually that\u2019s subject to a review, so, according to the draft, that would be looked at every five years, as would the levies. My friend in the Green Party has talked about the process that would be adopted in that area, and I can see quite a lot of resonance, in what I\u2019ve read so far, that goes to the methods that are used in accident compensation. So that happens both in that area, and it looks like the proposal is that we adopt quite similar ways of handling claims, and there\u2019s a lot to be learnt in those areas, because what we\u2019re dealing with here is actually a piece of legislation that\u2019s a key part of our safety net in this country. It really is going to provide an underpinning security to not only people but also business in our country, because we all rely on being able to actually know where we stand in terms of this very important asset in people\u2019s lives, which is their home.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI also wanted to comment on another issue that was raised, about whether in fact it was progressive enough in a time of climate change, in terms of movement of people from hazardous areas. I noticed, also, a provision which was about relocation of homes, and allowed for equivalent relocation\u2014either on the land itself or on another piece of land. That seems to me a very sensible part of the legislation, so there\u2019s obviously a looking forward to a time when there are going to be much greater challenges than we have had. After all, we do live in a country that is\u2014I noted when I was looking through the material\u2014the second-most dangerous country in the world apparently, in terms of natural hazards; so add to that climate change, and this is one we have to get right. I fully intend to work hard, alongside my colleagues, in terms of listening to submissions and listening to the lessons learnt, and making sure that we do get that right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI think another important part of the bill, with regard to that, is that it does focus on three subsidiary purposes, and the third of those is actually education, research, and information. So it\u2019s a bill that\u2019s looking towards the future in that way, and it\u2019s very much trying to build the resilience of our culture in these situations. The other subsidiary purposes of this legislation that are being introduced in this piece of legislation are claims management and fund management. With regards to claims management, I think that\u2019s worth a pause, because I think that\u2019s a lot of where the heartbreak came in the Christchurch earthquakes. We have to get that right. We have to have a system where people can actually engage in a process that doesn\u2019t go on and on, and doesn\u2019t try and actually break their spirit in order to break the cost of a repair.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EThis is a piece of legislation that I can see has so much to offer in terms of clarity, of people knowing where they stand, but also a process where they might be able to resolve their dispute, where they know where they stand, and where there\u2019s a code of conduct that\u2019s not all about driving people down, and is actually accessible to people\u2014hopefully, without lawyers. I belong to that lovely profession and, actually, a lot of money was made by lawyers in the Christchurch earthquakes at the expense of a lot of people\u2019s agony. So that is an area where I\u2019d like to see a lot less involvement of lawyers and a lot more proactive, good faith resolution of claims at the earliest possible stage, and I can see that this bill has that potential. With that, I will finish and will say I\u2019m looking forward to the learnings that will come out of this for me personally, and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022 data-id=\u0022b05f917a8ffb40108065d60e9bb07d74\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b05f917a8ffb40108065d60e9bb07d74\u0022\u003ENICOLA GRIGG (National\u2014Selwyn):\u003C/span\u003E I was one of the hundreds of thousands of Cantabrians who hid under the dining table on 22 February 2011, and I really did think my number was up. Then, of course, five years later I was hiding under the doorway in my flat in Wellington, and I really thought, \u201CI\u2019m not going to get away with this a second time.\u201D But luck thus far has been on my side.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EThe disruption and the destruction and the distress that was caused on both of those occasions has been long felt and continues to affect the Canterbury region in particular to this day. What the earthquakes, I think, highlighted in part was firstly the ability of New Zealanders, and Cantabrians especially, to pull together but it also brought to the surface a number of shortcomings in the way that the Earthquake Commission (EQC) was able to respond to major events like those quakes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EThose shortcomings have been well traversed in Dame Silvia Cartwright\u2019s public inquiry into the Earthquake Commission, which the National Government set up in 2011. It was clear following the Canterbury and Kaik\u014Dura events, as well, I think, as the floods and the scrub fires we\u2019ve seen in the past 10 years, that natural disasters are very much part and parcel of life in the \u201CShaky Isles\u201D, and as a result the functionality and range of EQC\u2019s reach does need to be clearly defined and managed. I would agree with the member from the Greens Eugenie Sage, who spoke earlier and said that the range of events like this likely to hit our nation needs to be canvassed widely. This is our opportunity as a Parliament to take a good hard look, and we can do it once, we can do it right, and, yes, with a view to revisit these things every five years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EThe bill seeks to deal with, among other things, the key issues and recommendations outlined by Dame Silvia. The National Party supports aligning the cover under the bill with that of standard private insurance practice, and if it means that the commission and insurance firms are all working from the same playbook, then that, I have to say, is a very good thing. It is so important to reduce the opportunity for dispute between the different interpretations of the bill, because we have seen that go on and on and on for 11 years in Christchurch particularly. And, because insurers are going to be acting as agents for EQC, it is critical that these two sides, so to speak, are not operating to different standards.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EWe would also support improving the consistency between the rules used to determine if a building is mixed-use, and the resulting cover of that building. We\u2019ve seen complex cases involving bodies corporate still running through the courts today. If you ask any resident in Christchurch, I am sure they would agree that in the past there has been much difficulty trying to determine whether EQC cover is available and, if so, what the homeowner is entitled to. I personally have reopened a case 11 years after the fact; after I was given a $200 settlement to pull down and rebuild an entire brick wall. This bill will, hopefully, clear up things like that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002293272d4e-6912-4148-8b35-c9622e18b814\u0022\u003EThere are some common-sense changes, like extending the damage period of volcanic activity\u2014we joke about it a little but we have seen it occur with devastating consequences in this country\u2014and I am particularly pleased to see that, given the amount of advocates who have emerged since 2011 purporting to act on behalf of claimants but actually pocketing often sizable commissions. There are some aspects of the bill which would require more clarification and review at the select committee, and we look forward to supporting this bill as it progresses though its stages in the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022 data-id=\u002213bc1e469b08499b8e9182b27c0c7ffb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002213bc1e469b08499b8e9182b27c0c7ffb\u0022\u003EANNA LORCK (Labour\u2014Tukituki) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I must say, as a member of the Finance and Expenditure Committee, where a lot of the work we do is in the tax legislative space, which is of course excellent and full-on work, I am however very pleased to learn that our chair, Duncan Webb, has lobbied hard to make sure that this bill is coming to us. It\u2019s going to attract incredible interest from right across New Zealand because it impacts on every one of us. It will create good, robust policy, which I\u2019m looking forward to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003EEvery one of us lives in New Zealand knowing that a major earthquake can strike at any time. As the member for Tukituki living in Hawke\u2019s Bay, the memory of the 1931, 7.8 earthquake lives on, where we remember every year the 26 people who tragically lost their lives, along with the thousands who were hospitalised. But then, through the art deco architecture, where a city was destroyed to rubble it was able to be rebuilt. I find it incredible that 111 new buildings were constructed in the downtown area between 1931 and 1933, in just two years, and yet we\u2019ve heard tonight from the struggles of people in Canterbury and the unfair challenges they faced in trying to get paid out so that they could just get on with rebuilding their homes and lives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003EIn Hawke\u2019s Bay, we\u2019ve also witnessed just last year a one-in-200-year flood, which left flood-prone, low-lying areas covered, sections of housing in metres high of mud, as well as those suffering from slips on Napier Hill. It was a massive dark cloud that literally poured down on a very isolated area, reminding us once again that at any time mother Nature is an incredibly strong force, leaving destruction in her wake, and now no more closer to home than in the past week, where again parts of our region from across the East Coast have been left a sodden, washed-out mess.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003EWe all know the cost of insurance is going up, but we need to make sure that we all help in making sure that there is security in knowing that people will be paid out in a timely and fair manner. As we see storms and cyclones coming at us faster year on year, we also know that New Zealand has the world\u2019s second-highest natural disaster costs in the world as a proportion of GDP. Our natural hazards insurance scheme supports us to have one of the world\u2019s highest rates of residential property insurance, so it is extremely timely that this Natural Hazards Insurance Bill enters its first reading. It will modernise the Earthquake Commission Act 1993 and its associated natural hazards insurance scheme and governing Crown entity, the Earthquake Commission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003EThe bill makes the following key changes. It makes rules for mixed and multi-purpose buildings clearer; clarifies regulations relating to repairing buildings and land following a landslip or other land damage; simplifies the excessive calculations for retaining walls, bridges, and culverts; introduces a claimant code and a standing dispute resolution service; and changes the name to the National Hazards Commission to reflect the broad range of hazards covered by the Act and dealt with by the commission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224b53c8fa-5ba4-4150-98be-dd23e49cf0bb\u0022\u003EI am looking forward to working on this bill, one that I believe many, many New Zealanders right across the country\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022f4ab2af86e174050862f1d9ba578f024\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f4ab2af86e174050862f1d9ba578f024\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member\u2019s time has expired. Can I remind the member that, while she is coming in from a remote source, speeches are not to be read in this House. The member\u2019s been around for long enough to be able to speak from notes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022 data-id=\u00228c825e2318c04bc6bbc3bd0f4dbd549f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228c825e2318c04bc6bbc3bd0f4dbd549f\u0022\u003EINGRID LEARY (Labour\u2014Taieri):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Christchurch earthquakes touched everyone in New Zealand, I think. On 22 February 2011, Dr Dominic Bell, father of three, 45-year-old, larger-than-life character, who happened to be my brother\u2019s best man at his wedding, went into the CTV Building, to his surgery there, and never came out alive. A few years later, I was shooting a documentary in Christchurch and I was just noticing the devastation at the red zone, and the higgledy-piggledy roads, the paint on the roads that still went everywhere, and to me they were a visual metaphor of how people\u2019s lives had changed and become higgledy-piggledy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ECertainly, after that second earthquake, I knew a couple of sisters who were very close. They wanted to get out of Christchurch. They threw a dart, and they moved to the city where the dart landed. They had a little boy with them, who stayed at the noho marae with my children. A happy little boy during the day; at night time, we could hearing him crying, thinking another earthquake would strike. He actually went on to become a very good scholar and athlete. He was resilient, but others weren\u2019t so lucky, and, really, that trauma was incredible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EOn top of the trauma of the quakes came the trauma of the insurance claims. We\u2019ve heard various numbers in this House\u2014half a million; I think 700,000 was mentioned by the Hon Gerry Brownlee last night; I\u2019ve seen between those numbers in media\u2014and it just shows, actually, the complexity that the earthquakes caused, which speaks to what this bill is trying to help to resolve.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EAnd then, of course, after that came the royal commission and Dame Silvia Cartwright\u2019s work. Amongst the almost 1,000 submissions, there were some positive submissions from people who were deemed vulnerable; they got their claims dealt with quickly and they were lucky. But there were many, many others, as we\u2019ve heard, who spoke of the lack of operating procedures; poor communication; the repeating of details of their case over and over to different people, which was re-traumatising; and the delays in getting things resolved. One person in their submission said, \u201CThe earthquake didn\u2019t break me. EQC almost did\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ESo there were high stress levels, reports of suicidal feelings, and post-traumatic stress\u2014the effects of living in quake-damaged homes for months, or, as we\u2019ve heard from Nicola Grigg, even for years, and ongoing injuries that happened. There was one claimant who said that they had experienced asthma for the first time in their life by living in a damaged home; another one who sustained a serious injury from slipping on cracked floor slabs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EThe inquiry heard about the pressure on assessments, of quantity over quality, that assessors sometimes had to assess up to five dwellings per day, and people admitting that they had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on lawyers and sometimes given up trying to get the claims that they were entitled to, because they had given up the battle with the Earthquake Commission (EQC).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ESo what this bill does is it tries to change all of that, and, really, this is about changing the culture of claimants, and putting claimants back at the centre rather than the process, which was so damaging to so many people. It simplifies and clarifies the Earthquake Commission Act. And, as we\u2019ve heard, it incorporates many of the recommendations that Dame Silvia Cartwright made.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EThere are three main streams of work: it\u2019s the claims management; the fund management; and the education, research, and information that goes with that process, and also keeping that up to date as things move on as the country experiences climate change and the different types of disaster and the different challenges that they present.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EWe can see a significant change in the title. EQC has become Toka T\u016B Ake\u2014or the Natural Hazards Commission. So it covers not just earthquakes now but volcanoes, tsunamis, landslips, geothermal events, also fire as a result of any of these, and land damage caused by flood or storms. We\u2019ve heard some discussion tonight about the need to have more thinking done around flooding in particular, and I\u2019m very interested in this as the MP for Taieri, having seen people in my electorate traumatised by the floods of 2015. So I look forward to a public conversation where we can look at climate change adaptation and social insurance for flooding as we move into the new climate-adaptive future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EWhat the bill does is it has clarified mixed and multi-use buildings; it clarifies the regulations around landslips\u2014it simplifies calculation, the excesses and certain structures around that\u2014and, very importantly, it introduces a standing dispute resolution service.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to just focus on the claims management, because what it does do is codify the commission\u2019s participation in a code of conduct and dispute resolution process, which is something that was clearly needed after the Christchurch quakes. It codifies a process for independent reviews of unresolved complaints. And it also extends delegation of claims to private insurers, and that\u2019s about speeding up the process for claimants, because, as Nicola Grigg has said, 11 years on there are still people churning through the system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019d like to commend Minister David Clark, who comes from the best part of the country\u2014Dunedin and South Otago; just a little Facebook joke we\u2019ve got going on\u2014for his work on bringing the Cartwright recommendations to life.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EThis bill, it won\u2019t bring Dr Dominic Bell back to life and it won\u2019t bring back lost time or undo the stress for those who had to deal with the EQC after the Christchurch quakes, but I do hope that it brings reassurance to them that others won\u2019t experience the same thing. Therefore, I look forward to hearing the submissions at the Finance and Expenditure Committee, and I strongly commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u0022d1fa5256b9714b7b9341b87f8667015b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d1fa5256b9714b7b9341b87f8667015b\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN (National\u2014Pakuranga):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to take a call on the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill. I just want to acknowledge all of the people who\u2019ve spoken before me, particularly those who have a far more personal connection to the issues behind this piece of legislation, and particularly colleagues who are from the Canterbury region who have been at the forefront of some of these issues in New Zealand over recent years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI think this is an incredibly important piece of legislation to many New Zealanders, and I\u2019m pleased that the National Party is supporting this piece of legislation, because it is critical that after such significant events, such as what did take place during the Christchurch earthquakes, the impact of it is assessed and the systems and processes and the insurances which New Zealanders have in place and the Government has in place are assessed to ensure that that is all happening and all taking place in a way which actually means that New Zealanders are looked after through that process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000675\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI do just want to acknowledge the report done by Dame Silvia Cartwright and the 70 recommendations, which have helped to feed into this particular piece of legislation, and the work that has been done to ensure that the voices of New Zealanders who did have to go through incredibly challenging and difficult processes following the earthquakes to be able to be heard\u2014to be able to get their claims assessed and to be able to ensure that they could get on with their lives following those incredibly serious events with their homes damaged, lives disrupted, and then being able to, effectively, rebuild or have their homes fixed and being able to navigate that system. All of these things are things that we don\u2019t hope anyone has to go through. These are not the types of situations we wish upon people, but, unfortunately, this is part of living in a country which has many natural disasters and which has many risks that we have to manage and we have to deal with. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EThis piece of legislation makes a number of very important changes, not only updating the legislation, the name of the earthquake agency to the natural hazards entity, but also about ensuring that it has a wider scope over the types of activity or natural events which take place and which it is able to respond to, about ensuring that there are improved systems and processes for New Zealanders, as they go through this process, to be able to make their claims, have those claims assessed, and for them to be, effectively, put more towards the centre of that process. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000677\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003EI note that a large part of this legislation deals with how complaints are managed, about having a code of insured persons\u2019 rights, and having complaint procedures and then dispute resolution to ensure that those processes are managed in a timely manner. But there will be a number of areas which I think will be of interest to the committee. I won\u2019t be on that particular committee. I\u2019m sure the Finance and Expenditure Committee will be\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000678\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022132aaa12235147259609546b5a82fab1\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: The august body!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000679\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e0b201e70d484d0cb112f42a1947d684\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014doing a lot of work. What was that, Mr Andrew Bayly?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000680\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221fad55ebc6340c89f0491e605d6f731\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: August.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000681\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022402ec78654c842b39e784541daac859b\u0022\u003ESIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: August body. They\u2019ll be doing some great work. And, in terms of looking into the issues, I think a number of these issues have already been traversed in the debate. But, in terms of the issues of multi-level buildings, bodies corporate, and how that is managed, I think, as we see more intensification in our cities, more multi-level buildings being built, more New Zealanders are choosing to live in these types of buildings, that that becomes a bigger issue in a number of areas. And, obviously, it\u2019s not just this bill which is addressing that issue, but the unit titles reform legislation, which is making changes there as well. It is an important issue for many New Zealanders to ensure their rights and that they also have their property rights protected if, in the case of a natural hazard, they\u2019re requiring some form of assessment and pay out\u2014and how that is managed to ensure that they have their rights protected.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000682\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003ESo the final point I\u2019d make is around the $300,000 limit, which has been increased. I\u2019m pleased that there are review mechanisms, but I understand that is every five years. The point has been made, I think yesterday, by my colleague the Hon Gerry Brownlee, around the rapidly increasing costs in building materials and other issues to do with the cost of building. That is something which needs to be, I think, considered in more detail by the committee, because these are real issues facing New Zealanders, and what the adequate amount will be\u2014and then, of course, what that means in terms of the impact it has on people\u2019s levies. There will be some parts of the country which will have improved levies; there will be other parts which will go backwards. Having a good understanding about how those costs are shared across New Zealand, I think, is something which needs to be looked at in detail to ensure that that fair balance is being struck.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000683\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003ESo, Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this bill, and I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022 data-id=\u00222d4779edfe464f75b90d045cf2dbee76\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000684\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222d4779edfe464f75b90d045cf2dbee76\u0022\u003EBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour\u2014Mana):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good to be able to take a call on the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill and to support it through the first reading. There are two certain things, they say, in life\u2014that\u2019s death and taxes. I believe insurance is actually not far off it. If you look at history, there are records going back to 4,000, 3,000 BCE of insurance\u2014of merchants going off to sea and the goods that are on board those ships being insured from land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000685\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EBefore I went into the scintillating area of tax and tax law, I was a claims assessor for a fire and general insurance firm, and I was also a private medical and travel insurer claims assessor. So I\u2019ve had a little bit of history in the insurance industry. Anybody that\u2019s worked in the claims industry for the insurance industry, you know that Monday mornings are always going to be difficult if it\u2019s been a wet and rainy weekend. I can recall very clearly being able to advise on particular claims on Monday mornings, when all you see are people on the phones\u2014your claims adjustors and claims advisers on the phone\u2014and you see them put their hands up, which is basically when a claims assessor and negotiator has to go on to the call and be able to work through a contract with people on the spot.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000686\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s no surprises that New Zealand does have a high insurance rate. Again, many speakers in the House tonight have gone through why we do, and that\u2019s obviously for a lot of the natural hazards that we\u2019ve had. One of the areas that is always difficult when you are assessing claims is when you come to areas of what we call total losses. Total losses is where an insured has, for whatever reason\u2014whether it be due to a car accident or due to a fire; sometimes due to floods\u2014absolutely lost everything for that insured property. It\u2019s not just around the actual physical loss of that house or that physical loss of whatever that property is; it comes with a big package of emotions. Most people here have some sort of sentimental connection to whatever the property is that they have or that they own. Particularly for New Zealand, you can\u2019t get a mortgage without insurance, so one of the biggest items that you\u2019re going to have in your entire life will be your house. It needs to be insured. If you go through the process of a total loss, there are a lot of emotions that come with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000687\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EI was not in the insurance industry in 2011, during the Canterbury earthquakes. I was in the tax industry at that time. But I remember, when those earthquakes happened, I thought of my former colleagues, and I thought of the stress that they would have to handle, and to be able to support people that would come to them with insurance issues at that time. That\u2019s why it\u2019s really important for this bill that the Earthquake Commission\u2014that a lot of the lessons that were learnt from those earthquakes have been brought forward through this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000688\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EOne of the areas that I\u2019m going to be really interested in looking at and scrutinising, as well as when we get submissions from the industry and from insured people themselves, is clauses 55 to 83 in the bill, and those are the clauses in relation to assessing, deciding, and settling claims. For example, in clause 55, it requires the commission to decide whether a claim is valid and, if it is, to assess, decide how to settle it, and then settle the claim. This is a really good improvement on the previous policy, because actually what it means is that the commission can now actually make a decision. Previously, it was really difficult to. You\u2019d need to go to court for it. What is also really good to see in this bill is that there\u2019s going to be some dispute resolution. Clause 58\u2014again, whether the claim is valid is a really important question which now the commission will have the authority to be able to decide on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000689\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m really looking forward to being able to sit down with submitters to see what they say\u2014whether the draft legislation meets the intention that is set out in the explanatory note of this bill. There\u2019s not much more that I want to say on this bill, because actually I\u2019m looking forward to it coming through to the Finance and Expenditure Committee. I\u2019m looking forward to being able to see where we can improve this bill, and I\u2019d like to commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000690\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000691\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022575476cf15cd4db58b0831a813ac3f67\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000692\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022575476cf15cd4db58b0831a813ac3f67\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the Natural Hazards Insurance Bill be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000693\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000694\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000695\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022eeec2b6733a844a89639a757e442a34c\u0022\u003ECommerce Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000696\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002221c8ab59581a448ab18fa9efed8c38f9\u0022\u003EThird Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000697\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 17 March.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022b6094b1261884e60a33505dac5cc77bd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000698\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b6094b1261884e60a33505dac5cc77bd\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: When last we considered this bill\u2014the National Party has the call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022 data-id=\u002257dabc29f4694be2add576ce853b08e0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000699\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002257dabc29f4694be2add576ce853b08e0\u0022\u003ECHRIS PENK (National\u2014Kaipara ki Mahurangi):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a call on the Commerce Amendment Bill. It\u2019s one that I\u2019ve not had a particular history with, so it\u2019s with fresh eyes and great enthusiasm therefore that I get to join the debate at this, the third and final reading. In doing so, I\u2019ve taken note of other comments that speakers before me have made at various stages of the bill, and acknowledge too the legislative statement that\u2019s been put forward by the relevant Minister, who joins us in the House now. I acknowledge the work that he\u2019s done, that others throughout the process have done, including the select committee, the EDSI, or the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee\u2014the very well-known body that I\u2019ve just had to remind myself of its name. Of course, it\u2019s so well-known as to be referred to, usually, simply, by that acronym. Of course, they\u2019ve done some serious work, some serious consideration, of the bill on the way through, and those comments have, largely, been reflected in the second reading, so I don\u2019t intend to rehearse those, except, perhaps, to touch on them in passing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000700\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EBut I did want to speak about the fact that there are four main areas in which the bill is going to bring change in the area of commerce, and, more specifically, the area of competition and anti-competition law. The way that it mostly does that is by, first, strengthening the Commerce Act\u2019s prohibition against the misuse of market power; second, repealing safe harbours in the Act; third, by allowing a balance to be conducted between the public interest on the one hand and situations that would otherwise be considered contravention of the Part 2 of the main Act, or the Act as it currently exists; and then sort of various miscellaneous changes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000701\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003ESo, to go through each of those four areas in turn, the first, I think, is actually really interesting, because that\u2019s clause 14, the section 36 prohibition against the misuse of market power. There\u2019s a philosophical distinction, I suppose, oftentimes between the left and the right about the way that we ensure competition, the way that we seek to decide how it is that different players in a marketplace can perform to the maximum potential, because that\u2019s good for them and, of course, that\u2019s good for the consumer. That allows the market as a whole to function. But I think the good news is\u2014and I do want to acknowledge it, because it seems that the bill is attracting bipartisan support. I do want to acknowledge that we have, at least in this matter, a fundamental starting point that is the same, which is to say that in a market such as the New Zealand economy, let\u2019s say\u2014roughly speaking, just to simplify grossly\u2014that we do believe that allowing competition is a mechanism for ensuring the best outcomes overall. We assume\u2014again, somewhat of a simplification, but\u2014the consumer\u2019s a rational beast and will make decisions in their best interests, and so the way to ensure that the best possible outcomes occur in an efficient manner is to allow the most possible options in front of that consumer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000702\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003ESo we let the market decide as best we can, but we do at the same time acknowledge that there are barriers to entry in the market. And so we don\u2019t want to take an approach that\u2019s completely laissez-faire, attractive as that may be to those of us on the right\u2014for example, the ACT and National parties. But we would say that there are distortions in the fact that the market exists with barriers to entry, oftentimes, so we want to acknowledge those and we want to prohibit the misuse of market power in a way that would distort the market, reflecting some of the barriers to entry, as I\u2019ve said. And so it is that the Commerce Commission will be able to publish detailed guidelines within the 12-month period following the passing of the Act, or, rather, it receiving its Royal assent. So with that period of time, there is the opportunity not only for those guidelines to be made but also for the relevant key players to make adjustments in their own thinking, their own behaviour, if needed, to avoid this misuse of market power in trans-Tasman markets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000703\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThe second point is the repeal of safe harbours. As someone who\u2019s spent a bit of time in literal harbours, in a previous life I had before coming to this House, the idea of safe harbours is very attractive, superficially and in the literal sense. The idea of repealing safe harbours is worrisome to a former sailor. But, actually, of course, we\u2019re talking in a figurative sense of areas in which those who might seek to exercise intellectual property rights could take refuge from scrutiny under competition law. So the bill is really, I think, taking quite a sophisticated approach. It\u2019s a modern approach that says, actually, while it might be counterintuitive, we are enhancing and protecting the idea of competition by allowing those who own intellectual property to have rights to exercise in that space. And the reason that\u2019s counterintuitive is because, of course, it would be possible to argue that if there are property rights and intellectual property that are held by one entity, that precludes others from joining in and using and developing those. But, of course, there\u2019s incentives and the mechanisms that we want the market to employ, which is to say that there is profit, both in that economic sense but also, again, more generally, to be gained, to be obtained, by entities developing intellectual property. It\u2019s a valuable thing. It\u2019s worth investing in. It\u2019s worth investing time, energy, and capital.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000704\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EAnd so by preventing the erosion of those intellectual property rights, we\u2019re actually saying that, overall, in time, society, the economy, the market, the community will be better off for that. Again, a 12-month transition period applies, according to the bill, and the select committee\u2019s commentary and, indeed, the legislative statement, which I\u2019ve already acknowledged, states that the reason for this is to allow those who will be affected by the repeal to come to agreement, to make adjustments that are necessary, and so forth. And it\u2019s expected that the Commerce Commission, which is, of course, our public body that monitors such things\u2014and, indeed, it does more than merely monitor; it actually actively intervenes at times\u2014just at the risk of going into the next area that I wanted to talk to, the idea there is that they\u2019ll be able to produce or amend existing guidelines so that interested parties can understand the effect of the repeals and adjust themselves accordingly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000705\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThe third, then, was to allow on an interim basis restrictive trade practices to take place, notwithstanding that they are restrictive. And the rationale for that is that the Commerce Commission is to be empowered to allow practices that would otherwise be prohibited to be allowed, if they assess it to be within the public interest. Now, there\u2019s an application of judgment\u2014I suppose to some extent it\u2019s subjective, but one would hope that it would be exercised in a way that is reasonable. And so I suppose the Parliament is saying, really, to the Commerce Commission and all those who are affected by its exercise of power, that the principle involved is that if it\u2019s in the public interest overall to allow, for a certain period of time, the application of or conduct that would otherwise be anti-competitive, then that would be allowed within terms defined and determined by the commission.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000706\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EI understand that the commission has already published guidelines setting out its approach to these decisions\u2014and that\u2019s important\u2014in a way that promotes at least some measure of accountability and allows some measure of certainty. So even though we might not be able to predict in any individual case with 100 percent certainty how the Commerce Commission would land, so to speak, on any given decision in the space, we can say at least that if we understand the factors in those guidelines as to how it would make those decisions, then there is a measure of predictability. And so the Commerce Commission has that power entrenched, they say, and confirmed and clarified. So I\u2019ll state for the record, in this the third reading, that the National Party agrees with the bill overall, but also understands and acknowledges the purpose of that, at least as an interim power, where it is appropriate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000707\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThe final category of changes that are being made\u2014there are a number of different ones within that, but one is, for example, allowing the authority, in black and white, for the Commerce Commission to exchange information with other Government agencies and regulators, including New Zealand Police. And the reason for that is, of course, we want them to be able to fulfil the duties and the functions that we as a Parliament and the executive Government and society expect and hope that it will fulfil. Of course, there\u2019s always a question about privacy rights, so it seems that it\u2019s appropriate that there are safeguards relating to the use and storage of that information. We hope that those will be taken seriously and that power exercised very carefully, because, of course, the privacy of information\u2014it\u2019s not only individuals but other entities who have the right to that privacy, and that right should be respected.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000708\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003ESo, in conclusion, the National Party continues to support the legislation and congratulate those involved in its passage.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022 data-id=\u002268f1dc5652604ff2a1edb534f2b2ac3f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000709\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002268f1dc5652604ff2a1edb534f2b2ac3f\u0022\u003ENAISI CHEN (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. In third readings, we tend to give thanks to many people who have helped us work on this bill, but can I just start my contribution by thanking the member who\u2019s just resumed his seat, Chris Penk, for that really comprehensive review of this bill. And may I add, because we\u2019ve got the Minister, thank you to the Hon David Clark. This is a wonderful piece of bill that really modernises the Commerce Act to what we need it to do in this modern-day history. Right now, in this day and in this context that we\u2019ve given, we\u2019re walking out of the economic effects of a post-pandemic era. We\u2019re looking at competition. Our Commerce Commission has just come out in the recent month with a market study on our competition in our supermarkets and our grocery sector. We\u2019ve looked at fuel prices, we\u2019re going to look at building supplies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000710\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003ECompetition is in peril in our little country of New Zealand. Our economy is small, so that\u2019s why we are very susceptible to anti-competitive behaviour. It\u2019s really important that we choose as a Parliament to uphold competition in our economy to the best of our abilities. I do want to quote our capable chair, Jamie Strange, in, I think it must have been another bill that he contributed to, saying that competition breeds innovation. I think that is exactly why we are doing all of this\u2014is that we need to make sure that we also have an innovative economy to be driving us forward in the 21st century. So that\u2019s why I think it\u2019s incredibly important that this bill addresses section 36, and that we make sure that in this commerce Act that we actually are able to give our courts the full power of not only constructing a scenario of hypothetical analysis but also we\u2019re able to just look straight into the intention of these cartel behaviours and actually be able to give them the full suite of tools to prosecute, for those who are harming competition in different markets.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000711\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve seen in Australia that they have also adopted similar frameworks in terms of how they judge and they rule in their competition law. I think it\u2019s really important that we look at the benefit that it has brought on, including the effect that it\u2019s had on their concrete market, from what I understand. So I think that\u2019s really important in New Zealand that while we\u2019re looking at things like the building supply industry we know competition law will lay the good foundation to ensure that we have a healthy market so that we can recover our economy from the pandemic as well. I\u2019m also really pleased that we\u2019ve been able to address the safe harbours in our intellectual property law as well, to make sure, as the chair has said, that we are looking to make sure that that sector is innovative so that we can bring technology to actually push on innovation in our economy as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000712\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022cc477162-e622-4c94-add7-36a586729e51\u0022\u003EFinally, my thanks goes to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee. We\u2019ve definitely had a very busy period with all of these laws coming in, but I also thank especially a member, Todd McClay, for working really constructively with us as the National spokesperson on this issue. I\u2019m glad to hear that the other party is supporting this bill, and I think that we are really looking forward to seeing that this bill will breed better competition in our economy. So on that note, I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u002202336b00314e40309e50181f9a82aa89\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000713\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202336b00314e40309e50181f9a82aa89\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Madam Speaker. I have lost count of how many sitting nights I\u2019ve been waiting to give my speech on this bill, and so it\u2019s a great pleasure to be able to give a brief contribution, noting that previous speakers have done a very lengthy and thorough running of what the bill actually contains. From a Green Party perspective, we really do want to encourage an Aotearoa where competition is fair. And, echoing the sentiments from our previous speaker regarding unfair competition, particularly in a duopoly of supermarkets, I think this bill is really timely so that the Commerce Commission feels far more empowered\u2014particularly with the delay of this bill coming into effect, having the Commerce Commission empowered to give proper advice to people in the market, or who wish to enter the market, is deeply, deeply important.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000714\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EMy thanks also goes to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, to the people who have provided submissions on this bill, particularly those who have given feedback around intellectual property (IP) laws, as well as the people who have contributed to feedback on protecting M\u0101ori IP laws. We hope that this bill has some effect in ensuring fair competition in Aotearoa. I look forward to this bill coming into effect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022 data-id=\u00228a7397eeac714db29b1df7fc3a1ae080\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000715\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228a7397eeac714db29b1df7fc3a1ae080\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Competition is an amazing thing. As we\u2019ve seen tonight with Air New Zealand, the charade has cost each member of the team of 5 million a thousand bucks each. It should be going into their hands, not the Minister of Finance. So I just wanted to expose the highs and lows of competition, and that this has been a gift from the Labour Party to the rich, at the expense of the working class. Well done to Labour. You can see why sometimes we get frustrated on this side of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000716\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EOn 14 December 2021, the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee recommended this bill with certain amendments around the effects of competition and market power; intellectual property rights and leveraging, and safe haven aspects of those; and increasing the realities of anti-competitive mergers and cartel behaviour. For most of this part we\u2019re not going to stand in the way of that as a bill. But we would like to point out that from an intellectual property rights point of view, it does have the potential to mirror some of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act problems that we\u2019ve experienced\u2014in the sense that we should be encouraging businesses to be innovative, to commercialise, to actually leverage the strength that they\u2019ve thought about, through their teams, through their companies, and through their capital investment in making and bringing a product to the market. The impact of this is now likely to make owners reticent, sometimes even getting to the point where we may suffer in New Zealand in terms of product development, because they\u2019ll think the size of our market isn\u2019t worth it, isn\u2019t worth the investment, and are we going to get challenged by the Commerce Commission, as somebody who wants to grow market share, or who has market share and actually wants to manage that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000717\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003ESo the merit of this bill is to increase competition, but it is also to take a look at one very simple aspect: does it grow the economy of New Zealand? At the moment, there\u2019s only two cases that have come up where, sort of, the elements of this law have been applied. It makes me think that the Commerce Commission, in its empire-building status, would like to create more case law, which, obviously, the lawyers will love, to actually justify this. But I\u2019m predicting now that in the area of intellectual property rights, we will have competition issues where lots of challenges and money will be expended in an unregulated market.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000718\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EWe are all for competition and minimum regulation, in the ACT Party. But we also respect the philosophy of the bill, which is behavioural, in terms of making sure that the competitive playing-field is standard size between Australia and New Zealand. It is likely to follow that the Australian benchmark has application here. But also other applications could be received from the United Kingdom and other various countries. So the majority of coverage on the bill has focused on the market powers section, and there is a fine balance here between market power, competition law, and intellectual property rights. If people, companies, and organisations, especially in the era of new technology, are afraid to innovate in this country because of a Government department, then we have a serious a problem.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000719\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003ESo we\u2019ve been asking to reinstate the safe harbour intellectual property (IP) section and give business confidence that they can invest in their IP, and license their IP. If you take an example in the horticultural industry, you could have packaging equipment that would work for avocados, it could work for apples, but they are two different markets, and you can\u2019t get transfer knowledge or IP. So with regards to the Minister\u2019s bill, there will be an impact we feel\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000720\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002216f6344c64d64303a1178f16d96966f2\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! With apologies to the member, could the members on my left, if they\u2019re going to have a conversation, could it not be for the benefit of the House. So just if you could keep your voices down it would be appreciated.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000721\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293b2ec9e009c4897b8eb3b9f49a7a4b1\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you very much. The point we make is that competition and intellectual property right leverage is a mixed area, and we do not have the confidence that this has been fully thought through, that there\u2019s enough case law yet. So we would recommend that the Government takes a view on reviewing this bill as that case law comes through.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000722\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003ESo ACT will be supporting this bill, but we wanted to point out the inherent weaknesses around intellectual property right leverage, and that some of the Supplementary Order Papers did cover this off and should have been passed to add value to this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000723\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EThank you very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022 data-id=\u0022c9be8bbaa99740faa1b3cc18ccaa20ac\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000724\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c9be8bbaa99740faa1b3cc18ccaa20ac\u0022\u003EGLEN BENNETT (Labour\u2014New Plymouth):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Madam Speaker. Thank you for letting me, as others have said, finally take a call on the third reading of the Commerce Amendment Bill. As a member of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, we have been busy but probably not as busy as our Minister, actually, and I would acknowledge the Hon David Clark, our Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. I mean, this is another bill yet again tonight that you are, you know, pushing through the House at great speed and doing a lot of work. So we acknowledge you, Minister, for your hard mahi ensuring that New Zealand is a fairer place, ensuring that we are set up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000725\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003EObviously, as has been said, we are a very small nation. I often talk to people about us very much being a large, narrow, spread-out city of 5 million people. And because of our remoteness, because of the way we live and operate down here in our remote economy, we can be susceptible to the concentration of market powers. So it\u2019s important for us as a small nation to have effective protections against firms with substantial market powers who may be able to engage in anti-competitive conduct. So this piece of legislation very much is around protecting consumers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000726\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003EBut I think, as actually my colleague Naisi Chen said and as the chair of our select committee, Jamie Strange, said, competition breeds innovation. I really think that\u2019s true and this piece of legislation, hopefully, helps with that innovation. Because competition between firms can be intense, it can also lead to some losing out. But in all of that, it delivers better products, it delivers better innovation, and it often delivers lower prices for our consumers. This competition law that we talk about is not about protecting individual businesses as such but it\u2019s about protecting competition as a whole. For us here in the bottom of the world, protecting competition is important to us and that\u2019s why we\u2019ve worked hard with our colleagues across the floor to get this piece of legislation to where it is today and to pass it tonight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000727\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221cd33f16-add4-4363-a2d4-f457841a5c4c\u0022\u003ECompetition law very much aims at promoting and at protecting the competitive process. Again, it\u2019s not about individual competitors. It\u2019s about protecting the process. So tonight I want to again come back and thank a few people: the advisers and the officials who steered us, who supported us, who answered all of our curly questions; our select committee, and as I\u2019ve felt we\u2019ve worked really well together to get to this place tonight, our competent and on to it chairperson, Jamie Strange. Thank you for holding us together and bringing us along the way. I also want to acknowledge the Hon Kris Faafoi, who was in this role in a previous Government and began this process and again acknowledge the Hon David Clark for bringing good legislation to this House\u2014good legislation that works for competition in New Zealand, that works for innovation, and that works to ensure that those of us consumers get a fair deal and a fair go. I 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=\u00228727057925e44b53a0b2e28fcb4f9704\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000728\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228727057925e44b53a0b2e28fcb4f9704\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: The Hon David Bennett\u2014a five-minute call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022 data-id=\u0022d90e5463f6414a31937dac97d79b0881\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000729\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d90e5463f6414a31937dac97d79b0881\u0022\u003EHon DAVID BENNETT (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate the chance to talk on this bill, the Commerce Amendment Bill, third reading. Although I\u2019m not a member of the committee of the House that discussed it, National does support this bill. We see that there are some parts of the legislation that are important.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000730\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EProposed new section 36, \u201CMisuse of market power\u201D moves away from the intention test to a purposed effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition. That is something that is a change in our law and probably under that clause isn\u2019t so much of an issue, but when it comes to the actual effects test, the National Party has some concerns around the nature of that test and how it will actually work out in practice for companies that may then be subject to that test.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000731\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment\u2019s regulatory impact assessment supports the National Party\u2019s view, stating that there is a genuine risk that some businesses may act overly conservatively and compliance-focused to avoid any risk of contravening the amended section 36\u2014\u201CThis would impose some costs, and could lead to some firms not engaging in conduct that is ultimately pro-competitive.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000732\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EEffectively, the risk is that this achieves the ultimate difference in purpose from what the bill is actually there for, which is to enable competition. It would actually potentially mean that businesses take an overly conservative view and potentially could be liable for any unforeseen reduction in competition.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000733\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EThat\u2019s where one of the key fundamental parts of our law is enshrined, in most legislation\u2014is an intention test. There needs to be an intention to commit an offence. I\u2019m going back to the legal system days, and I\u2019m sure Mr Chris Penk will understand this very well\u2014the mens rea of intention. I can\u2019t actually believe I can remember that, those days, but even a non-lawyer myself that did study it\u2014[Interruption] Yes. Remember the lectures on mens rea and how important that is, especially in the criminal justice system. Here we are moving away from that to any unforeseen reduction in competition as being sufficient.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000734\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003ESo when we have the words \u201Cpurposed effect\u201D or \u201Clikely effect\u201D, and it\u2019s now \u201Cpurpose\u201D or \u201Clikely effect\u201D, that actually then creates\u2014well, that should be the change in the amendment that the National Party is looking for, which would actually give a little bit more comfort to those businesses that could potentially be in the position where, without any intention, they are ultimately responsible for unforeseen consequences.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000735\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EAlthough the bill is generally in the right intention, you could say, the actual nature of the test that is being used could actually lead to a situation where some businesses are not in a position that they would have endeavoured to have themselves in. We understand that some companies have written to the Minister to that effect, and there hasn\u2019t been that response from the Minister to be aware and change this law to make it more satisfactory for those that are in business.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000736\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022eaf79431-1033-44f1-a633-22633da52c0d\u0022\u003EWe will support this legislation but we have some concerns around it, especially around those unforeseen circumstances and possible options that it could create for business, and we would encourage\u2014it\u2019s a bit late now, in this reading, for the Minister to make those changes, but it\u2019s important that the Minister looks at how this law is actually implemented through the various mechanisms that he has or she has to make sure that we actually get to a situation where it is not an unjust law that\u2019s being passed through this House. So we look forward to the Minister actually implementing this law in an appropriate way through the relevant departments rather than in a very strict way, which potentially could happen, too, under this legislation as it stands at this time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u0022d66bc0a8bac8417d9204b1e5ea0f7c26\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000737\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d66bc0a8bac8417d9204b1e5ea0f7c26\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: I call Ingrid Leary\u2014five minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022 data-id=\u002278af40e18d1542dcad6f7fcf3b2f4867\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000738\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002278af40e18d1542dcad6f7fcf3b2f4867\u0022\u003EINGRID LEARY (Labour\u2014Taieri):\u003C/span\u003E This is a great piece of legislation because it\u2019s consumers who will benefit. So it\u2019s another really good law that\u2019s been brought to the House by my good friend and colleague the Hon Dr David Clark, who\u2014like me\u2014represents the best part of New Zealand: Dunedin. And I wanted to commend him for having the best interests of consumers at heart. He has brought in a suite of laws that really look at relevelling the playing field and making sure it\u2019s as competitive as it can be. Last year, it was an amendment to the Fair Trading Act; we\u2019ve had the recent review into consumer credit laws, and I believe that there are some more likely to come; there\u2019s been the review into the supermarket duopoly\u2014I\u2019m looking forward to his responses to that; and now we have this Commerce Amendment Bill, which is about protecting consumers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000739\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EAnd to get a bit geeky on it, I just want to sort of do a little forensic on section 36 in clause 14, because it\u2019s such an interesting part of this bill. Section 36 is basically New Zealand\u2019s anti-monopolisation provision, and it has four elements which need to be established. First, one needs a relevant market. Secondly, there must be substantial market power in that relevant market. The firm in question must have taken advantage of that substantial power. And fourthly is around motivation, or acting with one of the prescribed purposes\u2014and over on the other side of the House, they referred to it as mens rea, although that\u2019s actually more attributable to the criminal legal system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000740\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EWhat\u2019s been interesting with this is that there\u2019s been a hypothetical test rather than an actual test, and the question becomes whether the defendant has engaged in a particular activity in a hypothetical market\u2014which is a really difficult question. The problem is that it fails to capture categories of conduct which deserve condemnation. An example might be where an importer of a particular product prevents other importers of that product from, say, having access to the ports. So one can see the disadvantage they\u2019d be placed at, and yet the way that section 36 stands, it currently would not capture that anti-competitive behaviour. So what this amendment does is it introduces the effects test, and it makes it an exercise about looking at actual intention and an actual market\u2014which, to my mind, is a much more sensible way to proceed when looking at competition law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000741\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EThe arguments levelled by Damien Smith and David Bennett about unintended consequences and being anti-competitive don\u2019t really stand, because\u2014as Glen Bennett said tonight, my colleague\u2014this law is not about protecting individual businesses. It\u2019s not going to stifle competition by deterring firms with market power from lowering their prices or innovating. Competition law is aimed at protecting the competitive process, not individual competitors. So it\u2019s all about becoming more efficient, introducing better products, lowering prices\u2014and they are all legitimate and pro-competitive practices.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000742\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EI would note that Australia has already introduced a similar law. And given the proximity of our markets, and the way that our markets operate sometimes as, effectively, one market, it just makes sense to align our legislation with the Australian legislation so that we don\u2019t need to rely on the courts to reach the same conclusion\u2014which is much more expensive and onerous for everybody.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000743\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EThe other thing, I guess, is just noting that the New Zealand market is made of mainly small and medium businesses. In that environment, small firms arguably do need more protections. Therefore, it stands to reason that we would see a section 36 change like this to afford that extra protection from market dominance by the big players.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000744\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ESo it\u2019s great to see the enthusiasm from across the way. I think we\u2019ve dispelled the notion that there are risks to anti-competitive behaviour, because clearly this is about the process of competition not individual companies and the impact it would have on individual companies. It sends the right signals to the market, and I\u2019m really proud that it has reached the third reading, and I look forward to the next piece of legislation that my good friend the Hon Dr David Clark might have to make sure that consumers are getting the best deal that they can. I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u0022c9890ad8e88943e78fe2c2c05cfb5f4c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000745\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c9890ad8e88943e78fe2c2c05cfb5f4c\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. Tonight, there\u2019ll be many people sitting at home around New Zealand who will be very worried about getting ripped off. They\u2019ll be worried about losing their hard-won money. A lot of their concerns will be focused on what\u2019s going on out on the street, what\u2019s going on downtown, because that\u2019s what they hear and that\u2019s what they\u2019ll be watching on telly. But, actually, they\u2019ve got more chance of actually losing their money or being dissuaded or persuaded out of their money by what happens during the day, during their interactions in business, etc.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000746\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EWhat sort of things are we talking about? One thing in the debate tonight, I think there\u2019s a general agreement that we\u2019ve got to do something. But these are the type of things that do happen, that do mean that well-meaning people, honest people, hard-working people that we\u2019re all trying to define here in the House at the moment, over with various other things, are parted from their money. Things like consumers being sold insurance policies that they are ineligible to claim on. Now, who hasn\u2019t been to buy a new product, who hasn\u2019t been to a bank, who hasn\u2019t been to an institution where the person who they\u2019re dealing with is incentivised to actually sell them another product, a value added, where that person\u2019s remuneration is quite dependent on them selling? So they sound good, they look good, and it\u2019s only later on when they come to claim that they realise they\u2019re actually not eligible. Sales incentives leading to customers being sold products they don\u2019t need or that don\u2019t suit them. Again, quite an advantage on behalf of the seller. Not bad people, not criminals in any way, but just people who, in order to make sure they make a living, have got a highly contestable part of their income in actually ensuring that they can get customers to part with their money for products they clearly don\u2019t need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000747\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EOr life insurance companies: being churned from one policy or provider to another, which again can result in the loss of cover. The old days of the door-to-door insurance salesmen are relatively a thing of the past. But, of course, with the advent of these machines\u2014to those that are listening at home, I refer to the cellphones and social media\u2014we are metaphorically being door knocked every day for these products.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000748\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EAlso, and this is probably one where I think this will be welcomed by the industry: poor accountability at senior management and governance level for conduct. Anyone who\u2019s sat on a board will know that if you\u2019re on a board, a commercial board, your job is to look after the share price, your job is to ensure that you give a return to the shareholders. Well, of course, if that\u2019s the only thing that was governing you\u2014and we\u2019ve seen a lot of that; we saw that particularly in 1987, we saw it in 2008, we generally see it whenever there\u2019s a downturn. People get away with a lot when the market is climbing upwards; it\u2019s only when there\u2019s a downturn, if the swamp drains and the stumps are left exposed\u2014or the monsters, some might say, are left exposed\u2014that we actually understand what has happened. So this actually gives a protection. If you are board member\u2014which, of course 95 percent of our people sitting around boards are decent people trying to do the right thing; legislation like this, or guidelines, if you like, ensures that those people are not going to be dragged down by a rapacious adviser, maybe even a CEO, whose own salary might be dependent on taking a certain course of action. So this gives the protection that these organisations need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000749\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ENew Zealand\u2014it\u2019s no accident that we do measure very highly on all international surveys on honesty, on integrity, and on corruption. These things don\u2019t come by accident. Actually, I don\u2019t always stand and disagree with my colleagues here, but I think we need to be very careful when we do compare ourselves with Australia. They might look like us, they might sound like us, but anyone who\u2019s sat on boards or done a lot of business with the Australians would know they\u2019re quite different from us. And even though the behaviour that was exposed during the Australian royal commission was at a level that we would like to think we don\u2019t see here, there\u2019s certainly been hints of it over here. So that\u2019s why legislation like this is very good. So I would caution those that would start to compare ourselves too closely with Australia, and just know that they can be quite different people governed by different cultures and different rules, and, of course, they are different states very much.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000750\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo this is, I think a very good piece of legislation. I think the people who will welcome this are the very, very large numbers of good, honest people on boards, who are working in the institutions that this will refer to, who now know that they won\u2019t be punished, they won\u2019t be disadvantaged for keeping to the rules, because those cowboy players out there who may not have been quite as, shall we say, honest as they were or as determined to keep to the rules as they were, won\u2019t get the commercial advantage. So I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022 data-id=\u0022df875312450541399cc477528b20d297\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000751\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022df875312450541399cc477528b20d297\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS (National\u2014Papakura):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. This is legislation that the National Party has decided to support. We decided that proposed new section 36 Misuse of market power was important, in particular, in relation to changing or amending the provisions around taking advantage of that power for an anti-competitive purpose.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000752\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s be real about this. Supermarkets have been doing this stuff for years, and this Government actually hasn\u2019t done anything about it, and nor did ours, but what we didn\u2019t do was shut down small businesses during the COVID lockdowns and force everybody to go and use the two big supermarket chains, which is what happened. And so the very people who are now saying, \u201COh, we\u2019re going to do something about it.\u201D I\u2019m sorry, you didn\u2019t save the small butchers, you didn\u2019t save the small grocers, what you did do is you helped the big supermarkets\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000753\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb69875fc1e947ae9814f29b2892545a\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: You would have left it all open, would you? Is that what would have happened?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000754\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228435d547c3104ffda21b6cfec3741bbc\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014become even less competitive. And yes we would have fixed it because we\u2019re not a bunch of incompetents when it comes to business.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000755\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b029a5de7c64daabbabb574366b0ffe\u0022\u003EHelen White\u003C/span\u003E: And people would have died\u2014a lot more people would have died.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000756\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dbd10ab171754882aeb4ac19c905695b\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS\u003C/span\u003E: When I look at the Commerce Act\u2014I have no idea who that person is speaking through the mask because I can\u2019t see who it is. But what I know is that the Commerce Act\u2014I was actually practising law when the Commerce Act was brought in. It\u2019s not that old, you see.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000757\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a36f0ba181de4e7a973fff5c9c6f0fbd\u0022\u003EHon Dr David Clark\u003C/span\u003E: 1986\u2014not so long ago.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000758\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022599b38240ab043d2b1da716820bfcaf4\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS\u003C/span\u003E: Exactly, 1986, and I did a paper for my air and space subject for my masters in this, and I did it on what the Commerce Act was going to do to the airline industry, and it was absolutely right, which was it was going to increase competition in a market that had been absolutely devoid of competition. You might have noticed more competition brings prices down, better customer service, brings people to understand that the customer is right, not the business itself. And that is why we do need to change some of this behaviour.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000759\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003EBut we also see this behaviour happening in the Resource Management Act in terms of the behaviour of supermarkets and others\u2014the big giants who object to some competition anywhere near them. What other industry gets away with this\u2014what other industry? And the answer is there isn\u2019t any. This is a piece of legislation that is needed, but do not think for a moment that it is going to solve all these issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000760\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003EWe need a competitive nature in this country. We\u2019re sitting around as a country competing against ourselves when we should be competing against the world. And there are only a few industries where we really do compete against the world. Even then we become complacent. Even then we think that market\u2019s always going to be there. Even then we don\u2019t understand that we are paying in New Zealand far more than what people are paying in, for instance, Australia.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000761\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003EI read just recently about a woman who went online and she had Amazon deliver her groceries to her at less than what they are in New Zealand to go down to the supermarket. And that\u2019s the next thing that I\u2019m going to try, because, frankly, if that can happen, then it\u2019s simply not good enough to continue to rark up the prices. And I understand, the minimum wage has gone up, all of this affects the profitability of the supermarkets. All this affects the profitability of every business, but I\u2019m fully aware too that we shouldn\u2019t be taking ourselves as fools on this. It is simply not good enough.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000762\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003EAnd this Government is now saying, well, they\u2019re going to do something about it finally. We started off the process of it; they\u2019ve finally decided to do something. We\u2019re happy to support them to do it, but let\u2019s not kid ourselves. This is not going to be the game changer we think it\u2019s going to be. The Commerce Commission is under-resourced, it is not high powered enough to take on some of this work, and we do need to actually sit back and say, \u201CWhy are we continuously going down this path of enabling big players to take out the smaller players in the market to take away all the competition that there is?\u201D And we turn around and say, \u201COh, well, this is going to fix it.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000763\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003EIt ain\u2019t going to fix it until the Government stops doing things like shutting down small businesses. Treating the local butcher\u2014and I\u2019m thinking about the butcher that we use. Treating that local butcher during that Auckland lockdown as though he is the problem, and yet you can go along to the Australian-owned supermarket and go in and buy their meat. Now, what was wrong? What was going on there? And the answer is big Government thought it knew how to deal with this because it had no wish to deal with small players, it had no wish to treat those people as though they are responsible people. They have to already follow hygiene procedures, they are all licenced, they have to do all these things well, and yet the big Government just like talking to the big business, because they can shut out the little people\u2014didn\u2019t have to deal with them, didn\u2019t care about them. That\u2019s why small businesses are saying they\u2019re never going to vote Labour again.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00229aadc7623b4b428fac910632ca46718f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000764\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229aadc7623b4b428fac910632ca46718f\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to take the last call on the Commerce Amendment Bill. It is a real privilege as the Minister in charge of the bill to have the opportunity to take the final speech in a third reading. It\u2019s normally the case that the Minister in charge of the bill takes the first speech in the final reading, and unfortunately, due to IT issues with some of our systems here and some challenges I was experiencing from my home base, I was dependent on the Minister, Andrew Little, reading from the material I had prepared to take that speech. I do want to put on record my thanks to him, and I do also want to also acknowledge that the hybrid House system has worked incredibly well through this challenging time. It\u2019s good, though, to be back in the House, as I was discussing with my colleague the Hon Dr Megan Woods just a moment or two earlier. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000765\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI do want to acknowledge around the House the support for this bill and the constructive speeches that have been made through this stage. I know along the way there has been some disagreements about parts of the bill and some Supplementary Order Papers put forward by other parties around the House. But actually, people have swung in behind the bill in the final stage, recognising that it\u2019s important to have a consensus around these things, and recognising that ultimately this is good law and good change and important to update our competition law. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000766\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI do feel passionate about competition law. I don\u2019t mind admitting that to those assembled here today. I want to acknowledge the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, under Jamie Strange\u2019s leadership, that\u2019s brought this through. I want to just speak a little about the section 36 change, which is, I think, the big, important change\u2014the most important change\u2014we\u2019re making here. Section 1A of the Commerce Act 1986 says that \u201CThe purpose of this Act is to promote competition in markets for the long-term benefit of consumers within New Zealand.\u201D It\u2019s very plain. It\u2019s focused on the actual state of competition in the market. It\u2019s not a theoretical state; it\u2019s the actual state and the actual benefit for consumers. Up until now, unfortunately, although section 36 was intended to strengthen the prohibition against anti-competitive unilateral conduct\u2014as we heard from the Hon Judith Collins, when it was introduced in 1986 it was supposed to prevent firms with substantial market power from harmful competition\u2014it\u2019s been clear for a long time that it simply has failed to live up to that. There have been five cases taken by the Commerce Commission since 1986, and only two of them have been successful. I think the very fact that they haven\u2019t trusted themselves to take more than five cases since 1986 speaks volumes in and of itself. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000767\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI, in Opposition, actually worked with some competition lawyers to begin the drafting on a member\u2019s bill to change section 36 of the Act. It went into one of my colleagues names, ultimately\u2014the Hon Clayton Cosgrove\u2014and became a bill in his name which never, I don\u2019t think, got drawn from the biscuit tin, from memory, or if it did, it got voted down at the time. But it\u2019s an issue that I have been passionate about for some time because we\u2019ve seen in other jurisdictions, and particularly across in Australia, stronger tests that have ensured better competition in their markets and therefore better outcomes for consumers. So that is part of the reason why, for me, it\u2019s such a pleasure to see this go through the House, to make sure that we are improving and promoting competition in our markets for the long-term benefit of consumers right here in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000768\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI do want to make it clear that the bill doesn\u2019t penalise dominant firms for out-competing their rivals through superior practices, better offerings, or efficiency in the market. That is not the intention, and the test will be high here still. But it is a bill designed to improve competition. I don\u2019t want to prolong the debate, but I do want to thank members around the House for the vigorous debate through the various stages and the committee stage. It is important to debate these ideas. I want to thank them, though, also for their support as the bill passes through, and celebrate that this important piece of legislation will now pass into law. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000769\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000770\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EBill read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000771\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002295cf1fc1c22b4d6a9f451e172ef62511\u0022\u003EIncorporated Societies Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000772\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022868832098296401a9999ad33eace3f38\u0022\u003EThird Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022e0ebf306605b4cd095131e79570680b3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000773\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e0ebf306605b4cd095131e79570680b3\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Incorporated Societies Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000774\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bed889591b1b462a965343b88721e109\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: That legislative statement is published under the authority of the House and can be found\u2014[Interruption] Order! Order!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000775\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb3c2c17d8884052b9ff29082a28f45c\u0022\u003EHon Judith Collins\u003C/span\u003E: They\u2019re very frisky over here, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000776\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f6cfa0308284c72a0a558083da36bea\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, if the members could just\u2014while the Speaker is presiding over some procedural stuff, if members could just keep silent. Very excitable tonight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000777\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThat 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=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000778\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf19e9e53b6d4e7785a400f6f6b4e1c7\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Incorporated Societies Bill be now read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000779\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to start by thanking the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, again. There\u2019s much legislation in the House that they have worked on this evening. It\u2019s a pleasure to speak to the third bill I\u2019m progressing this evening in the House, but that committee worked on the Incorporated Societies Bill in a really bipartisan way. They worked in a way to develop a collaborative approach to achieve legislation that we will be passing through this House which will be enduring.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000780\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI want to thank also the officials who have advised on this work stream since its genesis in around 2010, including the now retired Geoff Connor. I want to thank the public from the outset, who submitted on this work stream, whether it was in a submission to the Law Commission in their 2011 process, to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2015, when the exposure draft was published, or to the select committee in 2021.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000781\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThere are around 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand, and that number is rising. They do great work. They speak up for workers, they teach our children sports, they raise money for good causes, and, frankly, they deserve a governing statute that is up to date and fit for purpose. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000782\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe current statute that they\u2019re operating under is 114 years old, and that is why it is so good to be updating it in a way that I hope will be enduring for perhaps another 114 years. While world leading at the time, the current statute has a real focus on the creation of societies and on their winding up. It has a whole lot less to say about how they operate during their life cycle\u2014how they should conduct themselves in the interim. Really, if we look at the issues that we see as MPs\u2014and electorate MPs up and down the country will be familiar with this\u2014it is really important that this Act is reformed and that it speaks to those issues which come in through our electorate offices, often in the form of conflict, when it comes to unclear guidance as to how those institutions should conduct themselves.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000783\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ENow, I would like to cover the three main aspects of the bill as I see them. First, the bill lists the matters that must be included in a society\u2019s constitution, and that includes procedures for resolving internal disputes. Those are the things, as I\u2019ve just mentioned, that we see as MPs and electorate MPs up and down the country too often, sadly, where a dispute has emerged in one of those incorporated societies, and too many constitutions don\u2019t currently contain dispute resolution rules. That leads to unnecessary and damaging delay and confusion in addressing internal disputes, and this bill provides a remedy by requiring societies to have dispute resolution rules that meet natural justice standards. That change will help societies to focus their efforts on what they\u2019re about\u2014on their purpose\u2014rather than on internal disputes, and on serving society on the very purposes they\u2019ve been set up with, instead of spending their time in the courts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000784\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESecondly, the bill provides a basic set of duties for society officers, similar to company directors\u2019 duties. Until now, company directors\u2019 duties have been buried, really, in old case law. So they\u2019re not apparent to most people who are putting themselves forward to volunteer into a role to offer their services to their community, and setting them out in primary legislation means that people who are taking on roles as officers in incorporated societies will know very well before they take on the role what it is likely to entail. They can make informed decisions before accepting a role as a society officer, and if they do accept a role, it will help ensure that they understand better what conduct in their role is and is not lawful.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000785\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI\u2019d like to quote Emeritus Professor John Burrows in this regard. In his 2003 Harkness Henry Lecture, he stated that \u201CIt would be good if ordinary members of the community could consult the law that affects them, and understand it, particularly if it imposes duties on them.\u201D, and the bill seeks to do exactly that. It provides those people who hold the community together with their volunteering, with accessible legislation that explains their duties in accessible terms.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000786\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe third point I\u2019d like to cover off is that the bill requires larger societies to prepare their financial statements in accordance with the accounting standards issued by the External Reporting Board (XRB). That will improve the quality, reliability, and consistency of financial reporting, and, in turn, will help creditors, donors, and ordinary society members to understand the society\u2019s financial position and performance, and easily compare it with other similar societies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000787\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ELastly, I need to point out that my own work on the incorporated societies area will not end here today. The bill provides for a period of up to 18 months for the necessary regulations to be prepared and consulted on before the new regime will enter into force. Then, and only then, will the reregistration process begin for our 24,000 incorporated societies. I look forward to cracking on with that work, of course, as we get this long overdue process underway.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000788\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo in conclusion, I do think we really are making history here today. I want to thank all of those who do serve on our incorporated societies across New Zealand for the work that they do in our communities. I want to place on record my thanks again to those who served on the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, ably chaired by Jamie Strange, for the way that they worked together to produce enduring legislation that has support across the House. Thank you for that. I certainly hope that I am not around when this law is likely next updated, perhaps in another 114 years. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022 data-id=\u00227cf15bfc5adf454bbd0cdde557b3a4e7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000789\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227cf15bfc5adf454bbd0cdde557b3a4e7\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jacqui Dean)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, the time has come for me to leave the Chair. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. tomorrow.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000790\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20220330246e29237bb845f58c2dd054994fe6fe000791\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00224a25943b-cb3b-49c3-bd10-74316fae17f1\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 9.57 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"