"\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=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002263e534f2a15e46b4883892fa36239bb9\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 23 JUNE 2022\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002266a5b34cd5d0451a87604fd72557e133\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 23 JUNE 2022\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000002\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=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002238d5375ddcf94b8b882e61d81390035a\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223ebda3a15f5d4e9d851cdc90054d0199\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022 data-id=\u00226576817b3a004518a848fce165cbba3f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226576817b3a004518a848fce165cbba3f\u0022\u003EARENA WILLIAMS (Labour\u2014Manurewa):\u003C/span\u003E E te Atua kaha rawa, ka tuku whakamoemiti atu m\u0101tou, m\u014D ng\u0101 karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga o Aotearoa. Ka waiho nei i \u014D m\u0101tou p\u0101nga whaiaro katoa ki te taha, nei r\u0101 \u0113nei e inoi atu ana m\u014D t\u014D \u0101rahitanga i roto i \u014D m\u0101tou whakaaroarohanga, \u0101, kia whakahaere ai e m\u0101tou ng\u0101 take o te Whare nei, i runga i te m\u014Dhio me te whakaiti m\u014D te oranga me te maung\u0101rongo o te t\u016Bmatanui o Aotearoa. \u0100mene.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b464a62e-d900-452a-b842-e3cf4ccc6149\u0022\u003E[Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on New Zealand. Laying aside all personal interests, we pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility, for the welfare and peace of the public of New Zealand. Amen.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220ca4e47bb86f47afb91fbcbd774ead5e\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002219da77936b9b4e1591394cbd17fba8ab\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022d3d99ae359d84e0a9122fbfd0d34e2f8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d3d99ae359d84e0a9122fbfd0d34e2f8\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E The legislation the House will consider next week will include the remaining stages of the Appropriation (2021/22 Supplementary Estimates) Bill, the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill, and the Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill, and also the first readings of bills that were introduced this week. The House will debate motions to continue the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 and to confirm orders made under that Act. Wednesday, 29 June, will be a members\u2019 day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022 data-id=\u002203fbe6b5b09e4cbb910398a52085ab61\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002203fbe6b5b09e4cbb910398a52085ab61\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I thank the Leader of the House for that update. I note that the Government isn\u2019t intending to progress the Data and Statistics Bill before the winter recess. Given that the Government intends to make a decision on whether the census next year will go ahead in 2023 and needs the legal basis to make a postponement decision, can he confirm that it\u2019s the Government\u2019s intention to do so before the end of July?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022a597b048916949399650cef69233fdf3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a597b048916949399650cef69233fdf3\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Questions around the decision-making process for the census are ones for the Minister of Statistics. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u002282367fc6e13e4373b206e4c23c9a624e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002282367fc6e13e4373b206e4c23c9a624e\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader\u2014Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you to the Leader of the House. I just wonder if he has a time estimate for item No. 8 on the Order Paper.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022bb5840c25cc04fa7a705678dc128a38f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bb5840c25cc04fa7a705678dc128a38f\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E It depends how fast the House goes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f6617a51ed3b4ed5ac439c6fd443de28\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022294f0ee975214206a09a439129574c87\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=\u002219862397948e4f718e8d412266809bf7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002219862397948e4f718e8d412266809bf7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: A petition has been delivered to the Clerk for presentation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u002202e5d9f8c2ca40948a24f1a590f02935\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002202e5d9f8c2ca40948a24f1a590f02935\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: Petition of Open Forum for Health Information requesting that the House replace the existing nutrition guidelines for schools with the requirement that all schools, including kaupapa M\u0101ori, supply healthy, nutritious food and create a duty to only provide healthy drinks and food.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022995a84c47fde48a88418ead6abbb1781\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022995a84c47fde48a88418ead6abbb1781\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That petition stands referred to the Petitions Committee. Ministers have delivered papers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022311da8d77e8e40a9bb1804e5f485c8e8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022311da8d77e8e40a9bb1804e5f485c8e8\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: City Rail Link Ltd Statement of Intent for Financial Years 2022-25 and Statement of Performance Expectations 2022-23.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022d694a4258b0f4afe8a2d2f9df57a4b8c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d694a4258b0f4afe8a2d2f9df57a4b8c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Those papers are published under the authority of the House. 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=\u0022ffcd57ec37c048b7ad8ed5465d1956af\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ffcd57ec37c048b7ad8ed5465d1956af\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EReport of the Environment Committee on the Palmerston North Reserves Empowering Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the He Puna Hao P\u0101tiki 2022 Investment Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003Ereport of the Regulations Review Committee on the Examination of COVID-19 order presented 31 May 2022.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u00220be90012370642a384c575e3471d8baf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220be90012370642a384c575e3471d8baf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The bill is set down for second reading. The reports of the Finance and Expenditure Committee and the Regulations Review Committee are set down for consideration. The Clerk has been informed of the introduction of a bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u00227290a8de8b9f48b9b9d9cb8e49b883b7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227290a8de8b9f48b9b9d9cb8e49b883b7\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill, introduction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022e80d7e8c227e4401a749b2ce14374345\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e80d7e8c227e4401a749b2ce14374345\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That bill is set down for first reading.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002251c2a8ad823d48e09a3b595e5274d3c9\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222b82a2a9bc7a42cea68020b046961566\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002233585519db604eb1beaf9a597ae60cfe\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Education\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022 data-id=\u00224826b96f85554b1a83b9452c188b1924\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224826b96f85554b1a83b9452c188b1924\u0022\u003EANGELA ROBERTS (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Education: M\u0101nawatia a Matariki, Mr Speaker. What advice has he received about the results of the Government\u2019s School Investment Package?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022541f9da135b34afd8f2f8bfa2eae0281\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022541f9da135b34afd8f2f8bfa2eae0281\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS (Minister of Education):\u003C/span\u003E The School Investment Package, which we announced in December of 2019, gave all schools up to $400,000\u2014around $693 per student\u2014to bring forward and complete much-needed property projects. State schools have made thousands of site, infrastructure, and classroom improvements, as well as upgrades to sports facilities and playgrounds over the last 2\u00BD years. There are thousands of projects that are now finished, and they\u2019re making a positive difference to young people\u2019s lives. These are improvements that schools wouldn\u2019t have been able to do because of other cost pressures, and they provide significant benefit to the students, the teachers, and the wider community. The funding has contributed to make sure that classrooms are fit for purpose, that there are vibrant spaces for our kids to learn and play, and that schools have got decent sports facilities. The Government is delivering on its commitment to make schools places that all young people want to be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022171f57e39b4c415e8b103dc5e6955509\u0022\u003EAngela Roberts\u003C/span\u003E: Can he give practical examples of what this programme has meant for individual schools?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002275965ac235294c949a2912f36d3cdd2f\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: Heaps, but I\u2019ll only pick a few; I certainly can do that. Silverstream School in Upper Hutt used some of its funding to replace an old building and upgrade their learning spaces, and they\u2019ve refitted the school hall. Highlands Intermediate in New Plymouth used the funding to help complete a classroom project, remodelling one classroom and replacing two of them. East Otago High School renovated its library and refurbished one of its teaching blocks to include new teaching and breakout spaces, new heating and lighting\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229cadaf39656b4a51900bfaf58874d304\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: One more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c4c6d0d70e34120ad8705a21cb332bf\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: One more? Oh, I\u2019d give you two: Bailey Road\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263c8c9ed457b4099ac1b3cbdd8a8757d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: One. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a428a799004d4e65b07869f2c2f9cca8\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and Macleans College in Auckland both put their allocations towards new sports turfs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225cf229a9-8722-46b2-a37e-b528e075be7d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c38ecd7930a84760bcea25e5c6ff292e\u0022\u003EAngela Roberts\u003C/span\u003E: What is the range of projects the School Investment Package has supported?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022216094f3d322482694ea350e40d99df7\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: There are 4,500 projects that were made possible by the $400 million Government investment, the biggest investment in school maintenance in 25 years: 780 classroom upgrades; 737 site improvements like car parks and landscaping; 515 infrastructure improvements like drinking fountains, heating, and plumbing and drainage; 1,117 upgrades to sports facilities and playgrounds; 687 improvements to non-teaching spaces; 376 to access to shade; and 260 other learning area upgrades, including to gyms and outdoor learning areas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b68285fe09024b3e9d857e24f90afcc9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\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=\u0022711ca2346ee24de5903e5e43a24f8eed\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022711ca2346ee24de5903e5e43a24f8eed\u0022\u003ENICOLA WILLIS (Deputy Leader\u2014National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that \u201CThere will be individual households who will suffer stress as the result of interest rates going up\u201D, and in what ways does he expect this will \u201Cfeed through to the economy\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u002273390f9b347547b59e3e5b73f5913da8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002273390f9b347547b59e3e5b73f5913da8\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E I stand by my full statement, \u201CI get advice from a range of sources about the impact of the global inflation shock on New Zealanders. The Reserve Bank publishes regular material on the stability of New Zealand\u2019s financial system. What that material shows us is that New Zealand has a robust financial system. There will be individuals who will suffer stress as a result of interest rates going up. The Government is prepared to support them.\u201D, in light of that answer. In answer to the second part of the member\u2019s question, the Government\u2019s measures to support these households will provide them support and across the economy as we face this global inflation spike, which is causing central banks around the world to raise interest rates.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8b761e82a7244b794d3311cc9fa0e08\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Reserve Bank, who stated in May that the proportion of risky lending increased sharply in recent years, and is he concerned that recent house buyers with limited equity are particularly vulnerable?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d3b29898d7b442ea5d33d804e93d2fc\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I certainly accept the Reserve Bank\u2019s analysis of the numbers that came through, and they do indeed say that recent borrowers are those who will be particularly exposed, but they also say, in the same report, that most mortgage borrowers would be resilient.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f38a5a4a158348e798b913df57bef70b\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Has he seen an analysis published by Bloomberg that puts New Zealand at the top of the list of the bubbliest housing markets in the world, and does he agree with Bloomberg\u2019s analysis that there are warning signs flashing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a24cb64c63344f6bd7452193fbe8be9\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve seen that specific report, but I certainly have seen plenty of reports over the years expressing concern about New Zealand\u2019s housing market. I vividly remember reports about the fact that the previous National Government failed to build the houses that New Zealanders needed throughout their term in Government. I\u2019ve also seen reports about the fact that this Government is building more houses than any Government since the 1970s.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229720bb7272b94ae4ac608f4e8b6f0e3b\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Well, has he seen analysis published by Infometrics that says this is the worst time since 1957 for first-home buyers trying to get into the housing market in New Zealand, and does he think his Government has lived up to its commitment to give Kiwis a better chance at purchasing a home?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fde0c93d7e3f45f8a7ffc4755c95b0e8\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I have indeed seen that report, and, without taking too much time out of the House, the measure that the economists who\u2019ve written that report put forward is, essentially, about the capital gain that a first-home buyer would get from purchasing right now. In terms of what this Government has done for first-home buyers, what we\u2019ve made sure is that we\u2019ve levelled the playing field up by removing the interest deductibility for speculators, and by extending the brightline test. It\u2019s all very well to get up in the House and support first-home buyers, but, actually, this Government has taken initiatives to try to improve the lot of first-home buyers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022604eacd596c947eaa43b2885fa4274f3\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: What role does the Minister directly have in setting the official cash rate and/or commercial bank lending rates?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022077e46cf999f488c9b05ecbb2b3e8f6a\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: That is, indeed, a very good question, because, actually, as most members of the House, I expect, would know, the Reserve Bank independently sets the official cash rate, and it does appear, from the line of questioning from the Opposition, they are looking at a policy change where the Minister of Finance should set the official cash rate, or if that isn\u2019t what it is, that National, if they were in Government, would bail out people who had higher interest rates. The member might like to enlighten people as to what the policy is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002201bdb6e79f7144eca27b2882bbaa965c\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary question, Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac5d5d281e444004a1692086889579b7\u0022\u003EHon Dr Megan Woods\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, good!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e010cf5a41ed4ba4b51e283d7de8da86\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002241c890e870e741ab995d40e6c29dd4eb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Ms Allan, was that\u2014it was Megan Woods. Stand, withdraw, and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e205070802ca4536a0ed2ab01aa82a92\u0022\u003EHon Dr Megan Woods\u003C/span\u003E: I withdraw and apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229184657d4b6144f48dd6445dda1d7cba\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree that the rapid interest rate hikes occurring now are much more painful for the economy and New Zealanders than in the past because house prices under his Government are so much higher?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002207b0dab07a2b4e64ba1dd0a66fa02640\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What I do know is that if the National Party, when they had been in Government, had built houses at the rate that this Government was building them, we would not have the housing crisis that we have.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284531e46a01c40249004fa152b0e9881\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: What does he say to New Zealanders who are now lying awake at night worrying about how they will pay for the growing cost of their mortgage, as inflation persists and interest rates continue to climb, and is it really his position that they shouldn\u2019t worry because he thinks it\u2019s all National\u2019s fault?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f408d21f30e74b31b4f1553bc185174b\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: What I would say to those members is that they have a Government that is looking after New Zealanders, that has invested significantly in supporting households and businesses through COVID-19, and is making sure that we have a more level playing field in the housing market for first-home buyers, and is making sure that we\u2019re building more houses.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022713ccc5b-7ff0-4fa5-ab58-4780620184fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e2e2eaa70a92418c8faee86e2266eb90\u0022\u003ESimon Watts\u003C/span\u003E: No, you\u2019re not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4a053a82a6942b6b84aa61b6ed13e11\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m certainly not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221e06a53bfb5647438d82e3b501be2ca9\u0022\u003ENicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: Does he stand by his statement in Parliament this time a year ago that New Zealand has seen a \u201Cspectacular economic recovery\u201D, and how does he reconcile that analysis with the cost of living crisis and the growing instability in the New Zealand economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eead7170c25e4bc38db32d2db922e18a\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I stand by the statements I have made in this House, and we have had the OECD, the IMF, Moody\u2019s, Standard \u0026amp; Poor\u2019s, all of the international agencies, say that New Zealand\u2019s economic recovery is indeed among one of the best in the world. We also live in the real world, and in the real world we\u2019re seeing inflation go over 9 percent in the United Kingdom, just overnight. We are seeing the impacts of global inflation everywhere in the world. Of course, New Zealand is not immune to that, but what this Government has done is stepped in to support low and middle income households to make sure that they can get through this, as opposed to the member, whose party wants to give tax cuts to the wealthiest New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00221868cba9c4fc426ebdf5000fb0551e0d\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Health\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022 data-id=\u0022e76359a4f616456f96569f7805102bff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e76359a4f616456f96569f7805102bff\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE (Labour\u2014Palmerston North)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Health: M\u0101nawatia a Matariki. What recent announcements has he made about the expansion of Te Ara Oranga?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022 data-id=\u0022d2c0c7c7a7f34b3890ea5da55a96cbfb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d2c0c7c7a7f34b3890ea5da55a96cbfb\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE (Minister of Health):\u003C/span\u003E On Friday, I announced the roll-out of the free methamphetamine harm reduction programme Te Ara Oranga to the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with services now available in Murupara. In addition to services rolling out in Murupara, $3.5 million of funding from Budget 2022 will enable Te Ara Oranga to expand and cover a geographical area from Whakat\u0101ne to Rotorua, and include \u014Cp\u014Dtiki and Kawerau. Te Ara Oranga was successfully piloted in Northland and has been acknowledged as a game-changer in the fight against methamphetamine and drug-related crime. Demand for addiction treatment services has grown steadily over the past decade, and we need to do more to support people in communities struggling with drugs to get the wraparound support that they need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228056edd206864e2193fb0cbdfef71a9f\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Te Ara Oranga programme consist of?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c34d698b701a4913b0512e8b33f02651\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: Te Ara Oranga is a unique partnership between police, mental health and addiction services, community groups, and iwi service providers. It gives methamphetamine users the opportunity to get culturally appropriate therapeutic help, with an approach specially tailored for the local community. It\u2019s an example of a community-wide and -led programme that works and changes lives, and we want more New Zealanders to benefit from it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a56c4f6f55e46baa2f0ae39a5dc05de\u0022\u003ETangi Utikere\u003C/span\u003E: What are some of the benefits of Te Ara Oranga?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022106966ef-8cc3-434a-9dbe-dd76b708c2a1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279557e2bee3a4fdc9323bfd268799f22\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW LITTLE\u003C/span\u003E: More than 3,000 Northland people and their wh\u0101nau have now been helped since the programme was first started. For every dollar spent on the programme, there has been a return of between $3 and $7 and a 34 percent reduction in drug-related crime. The Eastern Bay of Plenty region has been identified as a community experiencing a high level of drug-related harm. It has higher than average methamphetamine use and possession-related offences, waste-water testing results, and the proportion of people seeking help to get on top of drug addictions. This Government is committed to a health-based response for those who experience drug addiction, and making the benefits of Te Ara Oranga available in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is part of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229764a6b0529b4fc298d4eaa9a238dfac\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Justice\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u00226044cb37563a4e89b5f09b08997483ea\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226044cb37563a4e89b5f09b08997483ea\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Justice: Does she stand by all her statements?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022a6a50e4f2bf142048d96d95a2e784303\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a6a50e4f2bf142048d96d95a2e784303\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Minister of Justice):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. In particular, I stand by my statement that my priorities include working to prevent and deter organised criminal activity, including progressing changes to the criminal proceeds legislation; advancing the implementation of the Government\u2019s response to the royal commission into March 15; advancing electoral reform changes; building on the work of the previous Minister to provide greater access to justice through significant funding for legal aid; working to continue to reduce case backlogs in the courts; and ensuring a victim-centric approach to the portfolio, so that all New Zealanders are treated fairly and appropriately within the justice system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022504047b8d0344442a238f5fe7523fbaf\u0022\u003EHon Paul Goldsmith\u003C/span\u003E: Does she stand by her statement that reference to the Government being soft on crime is \u201Cabhorrent\u201D, in the light of a recent Newshub poll which indicated 68 percent of Kiwis agreed with the proposition that Government Ministers were soft on crime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d75ce55d9d344688ab345d6e37a6a2c\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: I stand by my statement that the Opposition\u2019s framing is unhelpful. This is a critical issue for all New Zealanders. Our side of the House is committed to focusing on making sure that the right settings are in place when it comes to our criminal justice system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac285dfa682344b0bf42e90e85c7e821\u0022\u003EHon Paul Goldsmith\u003C/span\u003E: In her mind, was Newshub being abhorrent by asking if a Government Minister was soft on crime, or was it the 68 percent of respondents who agreed that Ministers were soft on crime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002279ff2c27ae574b889a674f985c4661bc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not sure she has responsibility for either, but the Minister can answer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284aad21a10c64a158c6ecdc420f37d51\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: I was just going to point out that I don\u2019t have responsibility for what Newshub thinks.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002259a3fd602a90423bb0ddbd2891d6ac6f\u0022\u003EHon Paul Goldsmith\u003C/span\u003E: Rather than denigrating widely held opinions of Kiwis, wouldn\u2019t it be more constructive if she, as Minister, focused on changing her\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ad2dd79aec62465395925b42585e7056\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Right. Order! Order! I\u2019m going to get the member to start the question again without an assertion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229809bd8198224f37bae556e1a7671da7\u0022\u003EHon Paul Goldsmith\u003C/span\u003E: Wouldn\u2019t it be more constructive if she, as Minister, focused on changing her Government\u2019s justice policies so that they were no longer soft on crime, rather than referring to people who criticised them as \u201Cabhorrent\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221bf51f86a49848929504cb9596ac7ac6\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: What would be constructive is focusing on our side of the House and what we\u2019re doing to tackle rising violent criminal rates by ensuring that the system settings are correct. Working alongside my colleague the Minister of Police, the Hon Chris Hipkins, we are working with the Police to ensure that they have the right tools to ensure that we are able to ensure that New Zealanders are kept safe at night. Further, what I would add is that in the week or so that I\u2019ve held the warrant as the Minister of Justice, the number of written questions that we\u2019ve received from the Opposition member, with respect to my social media and Facebook posts, would indeed suggest that, actually, our side of the House is focused on making sure New Zealanders are kept safe at night\u2014not trawling through social media posts. We\u2019re focused on the task at hand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c18095977c2448268011cb256b3f39d0\u0022\u003EHon Paul Goldsmith\u003C/span\u003E: With regard to that statement right then, is it not the case that we are trying to find out whether she liked a page that was electioneering on election day, in breach of the electoral finance laws, in her first week as the Minister of Justice?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002250c1b390a9974776b037a72b78d428a3\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! The Minister can answer in respect of her role as Minister of Justice.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002247b10def8f3448088f3309817abced5c\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: I can confirm to this House that I personally did not thumbs up, thumbs down, heart, or any other emoticon any social media post on the Tauranga by-election date endorsing any political candidate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022bbded2ec-ac25-4a73-a380-3f4d87693084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228bd51711bac643ab82daca57be8d13e4\u0022\u003EHon Stuart Nash\u003C/span\u003E: What role does the Minister have in sentencing people who come before the courts?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002275ad8ff7a768427c8ad1b4b087395b62\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no; I\u2019m actually going to rule that that\u2019s ironic. Yeah, if it had been another member who asked it, I might have thought that they didn\u2019t know and they weren\u2019t being ironic; I think this member does know. It\u2019s not whether the public knows.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b769cecf616040c4a3d39b59329b22ad\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022 data-id=\u00226a3b8d9243274b1cb269a1644c8cf337\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226a3b8d9243274b1cb269a1644c8cf337\u0022\u003EGOLRIZ GHAHRAMAN (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Will he give effect to New Zealand\u2019s commitment to assist in the global refugee crisis with resettlement policies that are safe and inclusive, in honour of World Refugee Day this week?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u0022aebabed155fe49a6b6ef2303c063d7f5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022aebabed155fe49a6b6ef2303c063d7f5\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Immigration) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E Firstly, I acknowledge both the member asking the question and Ibrahim Omer as two former refugees who now play an important role in this House. Our Government has shown a strong commitment to providing ongoing safe and inclusive pathways for refugees to come to New Zealand and to settle in to our communities. From July 2020, New Zealand\u2019s annual refugee quota increased to 1,500 individuals; however, due to the impact of COVID-19, the quota was only partially met in 2020/21. We\u2019ve also expanded the number of refugee families able to be reunited with their loved ones, by doubling the refugee family support category from 300 to 600 places as of July 2022\u2014that\u2019s next month. Since then, we\u2019ve also responded quickly to support people fleeing conflicts by opening up over 1,600 places to refugees from Afghanistan, and creating the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa to provide a safe pathway for those seeking refuge from Ukraine following Russia\u2019s invasion. We stand by our commitment to provide the best possible refugee resettlement experience, by ensuring that we\u2019re providing certainty, stability, and wraparound support for people being resettled in Aotearoa New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ec01ca09996f4dea87e4add6f8e9aa9c\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister commit to ensuring New Zealand resettles 1,500 people\u2014our full annual refugee quota commitment\u2014in this year\u2019s resettlement round for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022324c7a8dd2d54e08885d11ea246ae4d9\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: As I confirmed at the World Refugee Day event at Parliament earlier this week, that is indeed the Government\u2019s intention, and we will be very pleased to be able to reach that target after two years of significant disruptions due to COVID-19. Of course, it is always the case, in the challenging international circumstances that we find, that there could be disruptions, but that is absolutely our intention.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264edbdcfb6e049db8af3f3a79b5d633c\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister commit to us filling all 600 annual placements for family members being reunified with their refugee loved ones here, who are separated by war or persecution\u2014a Green Party win in doubling that number last term\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222105322b91a149af8114d7b6ac616871\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Order! The member\u2019s just used her supplementary by being out of order. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d09829c870f243b89121fc095be14b51\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a74d22667a6c4198a1781ab7dadb44e7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: If the member wants a further supplementary, she can have it now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c71e068b551b4431a6ebaaa03036d82b\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister commit to filling the 600 annual placements for family members separated by war or persecution, including using the funding set aside last term, and will he commit to backfilling those numbers left behind due to the COVID pandemic, both in the quota and the family reunification programme? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f9947bd6c3474825a69efbcf83807898\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: In respect of family resettlement, I expect that that will be somewhat dependent on the number of applications that are made within that category, although it\u2019s a reasonable assumption that it will be somewhere near the maximum cap that we are providing for. So we\u2019ll just have to see how that goes, but I do expect that there will be a large number of applications made through that process. In respect of backfilling, I have to be somewhat more cautious in that one of the key things about New Zealand\u2019s resettlement programme is that we do focus on a quality resettlement outcome\u2014we fund that, we provide that through the M\u0101ngere resettlement centre and other support services, and were we to effectively increase the numbers coming in over the coming years, yeah, we would potentially compromise on the quality of that resettlement. So we don\u2019t expect to be doing that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222f5797052bd448818b48092edd1dd679\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Will the Minister commit to extending the same legal rights and resettlement support to convention refugees who arrive here as asylum seekers, as those arriving as quota refugees?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f37dea1ab38549b9877f89cafd3a8fe1\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: As the member will be aware, there are different processes that apply to both of those groups, but we in New Zealand do ensure that we have an appropriate response that is cognisant of our human rights and international obligations in terms of how we respond to requests for asylum in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022abf27403-4392-47c9-9af0-6773753e95cb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221088c393d9df49f28289e334fcbd346a\u0022\u003EGolriz Ghahraman\u003C/span\u003E: Will he commit to implementing the recommendations of the recent Casey report by banning detention of refugee applicants who then become convention refugees in criminal prisons?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b763f97c4d04f15afac092909a1479c\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: That report is being considered by myself and Cabinet colleagues, and I hope to be able to confirm our position in the near future. I would note that in recent years the number of detentions has significantly reduced, and I believe that\u2019s positive. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022439a10d16aad475a88f0a64b48a38a67\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Trade and Export Growth\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022 data-id=\u00221ada8046804c4323b50a6ae607161e88\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221ada8046804c4323b50a6ae607161e88\u0022\u003EINGRID LEARY (Labour\u2014Taieri)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: What recent announcements has he made following the WTO meeting in Geneva?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022 data-id=\u00221336b90a50834f25904db5967c05f1d7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221336b90a50834f25904db5967c05f1d7\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR (Minister for Trade and Export Growth):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. After over 20 years of advocacy from various New Zealand Ministers and officials and five days of tough negotiations, I was pleased to be able to announce a new World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on fisheries subsidies. New Zealand has been at the forefront of calling for a binding WTO agreement to discipline harmful fisheries subsidies for over 20 years. I\u2019m proud to be part of a Government that is continuing to advocate for sustainable fisheries practices globally. This agreement is significant. It includes prohibitions on the granting of subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; prohibition on subsidies for fishing of over-fished stocks; prohibition on subsidies for fishing in the unregulated high seas. The agreements will have real impacts for the protection of fish stocks and will also benefit New Zealand\u2019s unsubsidised fishing industry. I\u2019d like to thank all New Zealand and World Trade Organization officials who made this progress possible\u2014in particular, Vangelis Vitalis and his superb team; my fellow chair, ambassador Santiago Wills of Colombia; as well as all those who have worked hard on this area for over 20 years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e17352a12c6d48f8818d2d94d24b781d\u0022\u003EIngrid Leary\u003C/span\u003E: What other progress was made at the conference?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cf9af83b499a4c4c90f69be25f6f3cfd\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: I was also pleased to announce significant progress on a range of topics, including a package of response to future emergencies, including pandemics, which build on the lessons of our respective experiences in responding to COVID-19. This includes a partial Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights waiver on COVID-19 vaccines, which is designed to facilitate the production and distribution of vaccines in developing countries. This was a priority for New Zealand and should see us make further progress on ensuring vaccination rates are lifted around the world. I was also pleased to announce that New Zealand contributed to a positive outcome in renewing the e-commerce moratorium until the next ministerial conference. This continues a longstanding practice of not applying tariffs or duties to electronic transmissions and is a key enabler of predictable global digital trade, particularly in times of the pandemic.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022394442e046ee4205954d64c801e6da6b\u0022\u003EIngrid Leary\u003C/span\u003E: Were all of New Zealand\u2019s goals for the conference achieved?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220833052a197d4ab5aac465a91d7fc157\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: As I\u2019ve said, there were significant and positive outcomes. However\u2014[Interruption]\u2014negotiators were unable to find agreement on all disciplines.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223bb4bd28ed07436f8380b2b729a7ab96\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Some of us are interested.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227cc73885b3c6464e915c659331445b60\u0022\u003EHon DAMIEN O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. We were disappointed with the failure to make significant progress on agricultural subsidies reform, but WTO members have agreed to continue negotiations on these important issues ahead of the next WTO ministerial meeting, which is expected to be held next year, where New Zealand will continue to push for the removal of harmful agricultural subsidies. The negotiations took place at a time when the world is emerging from a global pandemic, as well as dealing with rising geopolitical tensions, and all 164 countries were pleased that outcomes were achieved, and this does provide a much-needed boost for multilateralism.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ab3b1cc891d840f2a27e16c1d288a386\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022 data-id=\u00228e87ca588ea347fba88b4e1f2e266427\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228e87ca588ea347fba88b4e1f2e266427\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON (National\u2014Taup\u014D)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the percentage increase, if any, in the number of people in receipt of jobseeker support for three to five years in consecutive duration when comparing the March 2022 to the September 2017 quarter?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u0022fbf1658baebd43ccb149e5ed61a09ccd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fbf1658baebd43ccb149e5ed61a09ccd\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E As the member has been made aware, there was a minor administrative error in WPQ 12331. The correct number of people who have been receiving a main benefit for three to five years, as at September 2017, was 11,955. Of those, 6,900 received the health and disability exemption and 5,058 were considered work-ready. As at the end of March 2022, there were a total of 23,001 people receiving jobseeker support for between three to five years. Of those, 12,948 received the health and disability exemption and 10,056 were considered work-ready. The percentage difference is around 92.4 percent and represents 11,046 people, of which 4,998 were work-ready. In Budget 2020 and consecutive Budgets, we have invested heavily in work-focused case management and additional front-line staff. We are now seeing record numbers of people moving off benefit and into work. We have come through the pandemic in better shape than Treasury predicted and have been working hard to ensure people on jobseeker are supported into employment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223fc6512a0fd34807bf7c0e01362f3275\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: If the Minister still thinks that COVID-19 is to blame, why has the number of people stuck on the jobseeker benefit for three to five years increased by 92 percent, when every one of these people would have gone on to the benefit before the pandemic?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281a648acbd9f4b28874099924922f5df\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: If we keep it in context and reflect on what we\u2019ve seen over the last couple of years, currently we have just over 100,000 people on jobseeker benefit. That\u2019s 11,000 fewer people than were on this time last year. With regards to the increase of people who may have been on benefit for three to five years, we saw that trend starting between 2016 and onwards, under the previous Government. Part of the reason for that\u2014a big part\u2014was the lack of investment in front-line, work-focused case management. We saw that when we came in and we started that investment in 2019.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222b15d7fdf2ec4ec3a3ba2769e04a3978\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Why, when most industries are suffering from a labour shortage, has the number of people on the jobseeker benefit for two to three consecutive years increased by 112 percent, or 24,000 people, under Labour?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022990fd0ea5a7e4a1e930ce6ec33155e43\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s really important that we look at the full number of people that are on a benefit. What we are seeing are more exits off benefit into employment than we have seen since electronic records were kept. We\u2019re also seeing some very promising results with our front-line staff being able to work effectively with those that come on to benefit, getting them into work as quickly as possible. What we know is that long-term welfare dependency is more likely the longer that you are on benefit. What we\u2019re doing is investing to work with people as soon as they come on benefit. We\u2019re seeing the results and I think that sets us in good stead for the longer-term trajectory.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d6021c4b1d742138112a958d3d04150\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Can she explain why, at a time of record job vacancies and businesses begging for staff, more people are stuck long term on the jobseeker benefit under Labour?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002242c58fe23c4441a79e34a45e2946a994\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! I\u2019m going to let the question go, but the suffix that is beginning to occur in the member\u2019s questions is to cease.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ab22f7e5744f4f00910408fd826851e8\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: Yesterday, we had Estimates and we got to interrogate some of these numbers a little bit more fulsomely. There are some results that are giving me some relief and surely us as a Government, and we should feel some relief as a country as well. I think 25 percent of those in the last year who have gone off benefit and into work were on a benefit between one and three years compared to a year ago when it was only 14.7 percent. The investment that we are putting into work-focused case management and into upskilling and training opportunities, and into the broader context with regards to employment across Government agencies is paying off and will mean that our people are better placed with the skills that they need to remain in, and sustain, employment, and that\u2019s what was not focused on by the previous Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002290810f5a49cb44eaa1827c49325ee068\u0022\u003EHon Louise Upston\u003C/span\u003E: Isn\u2019t she concerned that the legacy of this Government\u2019s six years in office will be thousands more children growing up in benefit-dependent homes and thousands more people consigned to a life of long-term benefit dependency?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002261228df1e56b4a6f8ce142245060487b\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI\u003C/span\u003E: When this pandemic hit, Treasury forecast that we would see 487,000 New Zealanders on benefit by January 2021. We got to 397,000 at the worst, and now we are on a trajectory downwards, currently at around 345,000. We continue to make the investments where they matter, and we are absolutely prioritising this as a Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aeda63d6b400481480cc4bd459e54c51\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. I just wanted to wait until the end of that question to come back to the rebuke that you made, which I absolutely accept, but I would also just point out that if many of the Government\u2019s answers both today and on previous days flowed very close to breaches of Speaker\u2019s rulings 191/1-3 and have similar party-focused references to them, so, as a good referee, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll be consistent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c15325e56745416fb6798db35f469e7f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. I have been watching that matter really carefully. The member is aware it is a matter for judgment for me, and not for a point of order. The other point that I will make is that I\u2019m trying to get a balance between length of answers and these have been, I think, a bit long, but also we had, yesterday, people who were missing out on supplementary questions, basically because the original answers were too narrow. So it\u2019s a matter of just trying to get that balance right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222f36dfd10558418abb3bcf260d3038d8\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Wh\u0101nau Ora\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022 data-id=\u0022c5d9d88f96f44a63a2a26b050c42c988\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c5d9d88f96f44a63a2a26b050c42c988\u0022\u003ESHANAN HALBERT (Labour\u2014Northcote)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Wh\u0101nau Ora: E te M\u0101ngai, m\u0101nawatia a Matariki. How will Budget 2022 ensure that Wh\u0101nau Ora can continue to provide support to wh\u0101nau as Aotearoa recovers from the impacts of COVID-19?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022 data-id=\u0022637ecbb4d9834c8cb7e3df2ac55bcbd2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022637ecbb4d9834c8cb7e3df2ac55bcbd2\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE (Minister for Wh\u0101nau Ora):\u003C/span\u003E Wh\u0101nau Ora will receive $166.5 million over four years through Budget 2022 to help wh\u0101nau maintain and build their resilience as Aotearoa moves forward from COVID-19. This funding secures the future of Wh\u0101nau Ora and it represents a 50 percent baseline funding increase per year for the commissioning agencies. This Government is committed to Wh\u0101nau Ora and we recognise that in communities they know what\u2019s best for community and we\u2019re here to support that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002222fa7437d5e14806b1feea4e1a62f51f\u0022\u003EShanan Halbert\u003C/span\u003E: Why was this funding boost important in the context of the COVID-19 recovery?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022acf27b6b2a4a4d28b15d8602344a4d6a\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE\u003C/span\u003E: As I noted, this funding is to boost baseline and to help wh\u0101nau maintain and build their resilience on a longer-term basis as Aotearoa moves forward from COVID-19, rather than being tied to a specific period as we responded to COVID-19. This ensures that Wh\u0101nau Ora commissioning agencies and their providers can continue to help the tens of thousands of wh\u0101nau they provide support to every year, including those who receive support during the pandemic and who are now regularly engaged in Wh\u0101nau Ora services. I acknowledge all of the providers for the work that they\u2019ve done. The commissioning agencies received specific additional funding throughout the COVID-19 response, including the Delta and Omicron outbreaks, which allowed them to take on significantly more wh\u0101nau during the pandemic. In fact, during the Omicron outbreak, our commissioning agencies distributed more than 70,000 support packages to wh\u0101nau in need\u2014an uplift of approximately 40 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1eb27b412e545918bb64ab3689e69a6\u0022\u003EShanan Halbert\u003C/span\u003E: What does the baseline increase in funding mean for wh\u0101nau?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f86ccb14244e4b2b8e6c12602c544ba3\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE\u003C/span\u003E: This funding enables continuity of support and provides certainty for wh\u0101nau who engage with Wh\u0101nau Ora. Baselining also secures security of workforce, which is important to acknowledge. Since 2018, the number of navigators has increased by over 100, and this positively impacts thousands of wh\u0101nau across Aotearoa. This includes several new navigators who joined Wh\u0101nau Ora during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the South Island alone, the number of navigators has increased from 61 to over 116 since the pandemic started. This funding will secure that employment and also the future of the families who engage with Wh\u0101nau Ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e9cdf6c863584444918a7fd71cd2af29\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022 data-id=\u00222898d555b6fe4ef993069b4ac6fea13f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222898d555b6fe4ef993069b4ac6fea13f\u0022\u003EDr JAMES McDOWALL (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Does he agree with the Prime Minister\u2019s statement yesterday that nurses \u201Care on a fast track to residency\u201D, and does he further support her statement that nurses have \u201Cguaranteed residency\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u00224923a7907a63438abab5600559514f08\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224923a7907a63438abab5600559514f08\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Immigration) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E To the first part of the question: yes. To the second part of the question: also yes, provided the criteria are met, which will be set out in immigration instructions fairly shortly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022201e631c8a35442cbf5c3e568598a1d9\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister understand that there is no such thing as guaranteed residency, and, if so, how can he possibly support the Prime Minister\u2019s statement? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fc209120976d44e3acd0d824d8261322\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, no\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022200b05c2fab347239574e1e27545d25f\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I can support\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b3caab7296a482fab6e6b95506ccb7d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The Minister can answer the question, even though it started with an assertion that it shouldn\u2019t have. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022214413d988024a518c9e023b06183df2\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I can certainly support the Prime Minister\u2019s statements and the policy at hand because we\u2019ve taken a policy decision here to provide a far quicker and more certain pathway for nurses than has previously been available, including under the last Government, of which that member\u2019s party was a member.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022deca0903acd34da59b7f2abf372f12b7\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: If it is guaranteed residency, does that mean neither the nurse nor any family members on the application will be subject to character or health requirements and that the policy won\u2019t change at all within two years?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221459bbd89d884168b6b73e7b2ad45206\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: Well, as I\u2019ve said in my answer to the primary question, this will, of course, be subject to immigration instructions and basic and reasonable expectations. I\u2019m sure, for example, that the member wouldn\u2019t expect that we would provide residency to people who engaged in criminal activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d03f87b63e74404dbc5a4aee96f1d91e\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Prime Minister\u2019s view that migrant nurses should be bonded to nursing, and, if so, why won\u2019t he use section 50 of the Immigration Act to accomplish this whilst simultaneously granting nurses fast-track residency?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022875e7821e65b4d189bd3a4aba960d7e9\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I think that with these matters, it is always a sensible place to start to determine what the problem is that we\u2019re trying to overcome, and, in this case, it\u2019s trying to make sure that we have sufficient nurses to meet New Zealand\u2019s needs. Therefore, it is a reasonable and rational policy to ensure that when people come here to work as nurses, for at least some period of time they do work as nurses. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022702cd4713e5940bfafa84a97ac8709f5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Question\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ff1ad5a3-e02a-4ffe-a961-ef69bdaee1c9\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002208c2d1ad543941d0ba875d3dfa69c85f\u0022\u003EDr James McDowall\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266821ceef5e14101aa8807bbb1f91639\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. The member\u2019s leader has used quite a few questions over the last couple of days.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022aa8d4da0ce764c728889b118a1a56d85\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Immigration\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022 data-id=\u0022bd8334cea8e74a888c55ae916e51d037\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bd8334cea8e74a888c55ae916e51d037\u0022\u003EERICA STANFORD (National\u2014East Coast Bays)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Immigration: Why are nurses on a two-year Work to Residence pathway, when multimedia specialists specialising in game development are on the Fast Tracked \u201CStraight to Residence\u201D pathway, and when will the immigration instructions containing the criteria for the Green List Work to Residence pathway be released?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022 data-id=\u00228a42a15c61a34c67b289d79cb6b3bab8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228a42a15c61a34c67b289d79cb6b3bab8\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Immigration) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E In response to the first part of the question, the rationale for nurses being on a two-year work-to-residency pathway has been well traversed in the House this week and in previous weeks. For the first time in recent history, our Government has put nurses in hospitals on the fast track to residency or asking, as a part of that, that there is a commitment to work as a nurse for up to two years and then residency is achieved. We\u2019ve set up our immigration system for long-term sustainability. The immigration rebalance is about striking an appropriate balance to meet New Zealand\u2019s workforce needs across all sectors. In response to the member\u2019s second question, the straight-to-residence pathway will be available for migrant workers from September 2022. Green List immigration instructions will be available from approximately the end of July.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c83012b4-3939-4753-80fc-1956a3e2bd1e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022591766386f004ac3b59c43b60f370097\u0022\u003EHon Michael Woodhouse\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point or order, Mr Speaker. The first part of the primary question, in my view, wasn\u2019t addressed because the Minister simply re-articulated the criteria for nurses. The part of the question asks why is that criteria for nurses and not for multimedia specialists\u2014and that bit wasn\u2019t addressed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb700df70eec479190eff879b9dad22f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is whether the question was addressed, and it certainly was.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002212b08ba094fd41fab68242c704f5b06d\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Minister explain why nurses are on a two-year wait-to-residence to keep them nursing, and yet there is no requirement for doctors to work as doctors for two years on a work-to-residence pathway?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ea56e6787adf408e87a23d96c238166f\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m very happy to elucidate for the member because she and her colleagues and others\u2014quite rightly\u2014have pointed out that there is a need to supplement the nursing workforce in New Zealand. As such, and as I covered in my primary question, we think it\u2019s a reasonable and rational approach to say to those nurses, who might seek residency in New Zealand, that we would require that they work in that profession for that period of time to give New Zealand that particular benefit. I think the member shouldn\u2019t also undersell what a significant step forward it is to provide residency after just two years through a very, very simple process\u2014much simpler than most other countries and certainly much simpler than was previously in place, including under the previous Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002250651f5c21584fe5a3c82d6d69a32f60\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I don\u2019t believe that he addressed the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002216f535532ed444d795bf5b75015657a3\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s a pretty simple question and it was around \u201Cwhy this?\u201D, and the answer was almost certainly far too long, but the beginning of it was because the member and her party asked him to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b50d056089994e588115c176e4083de8\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: Who has the more attractive immigration policy for nurses: Australia, who has an immediate residence pathway with policy criteria on their website; or Immigration New Zealand, with a two-year wait to apply for residence, and a website that six weeks after the policy announcement still reads \u201Cwe will provide more detail on this residence pathway\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bf3516e51ed45a6a01d949a959a5d57\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD:\u003C/span\u003E As I\u2019ve outlined in previous answers, immigration instructions will be confirmed by approximately the next month. But I would caution the member against over-simplifying the differences between different countries\u2019 immigration regimes\u2014she did get pulled up by Jack Tame about that over the weekend when she got details wrong. For example, in New Zealand, there\u2019s an age limit of 55 under this pathway; it\u2019s only 45 in Australia.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f1f4aa4c145a472db3bcd87484fdfde2\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: How many migrant nurses could we have attracted if the Government had released the detailed Green List residency visa criteria in the 10 weeks from the policy to next month?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022098b8334-57f8-4062-bac6-bfbc3474e88e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022636eb145950347ab96619b4db367dea8\u0022\u003EHon MICHAEL WOOD\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s a purely hypothetical question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022275c91f8-c6b8-42fd-b3ab-d8fc000dd41f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222a9f0b8bdcf344209adfb4467c217f50\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u003C/span\u003E: What responsibility does he take for this Government\u2019s inability to prioritise nurses on a fast-track, immediate residence pathway, resulting in our hospitals being dangerously under staffed?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d2ef7b0c38b14aed9c54d6114e6cad4b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! Does the member have another supplementary?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226a8f3d3b055e46a0a89ff5aba29f7c9a\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Arts, Culture and Heritage\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022 data-id=\u002292fb3e02519c4872a4972bb0cc89c77b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002292fb3e02519c4872a4972bb0cc89c77b\u0022\u003EWILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour\u2014Northland)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What is the Government doing to mark the first Matariki public holiday?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022 data-id=\u0022ae641f0de2114b9ebaac0cd149302c8d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ae641f0de2114b9ebaac0cd149302c8d\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN (Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage):\u003C/span\u003E M\u0101nawatia a Matariki, Mr Speaker. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister and the ministerial delegation will attend a traditional hautapu ceremony to celebrate Matariki at Te Papa, and many of my other colleagues will be attending Matariki events around the country. There will be a live broadcast of Matariki festivities at Te Papa across almost all media channels, beginning at dawn with the hautapu ceremony, and giving all of Aotearoa the opportunity to understand the traditions and to be a part of creating our new own ones right here at home. Te Arawhiti\u2019s Matariki Ahunga Nui fund is also supporting 60 groups undertaking Matariki kaupapa across the motu. They range from marae-based w\u0101nanga that explore traditional Matariki ceremonies, to albums promoting Matariki waiata that tell the stories about connection to this place, our stars, and our relations across the Pacific.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e206f95453a456a933be62953f8c949\u0022\u003EWillow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: How will the Government support Matariki celebrations in future years?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2fb4ea79eb34e2bbbb1fd1943a7de71\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Budget 2022 made available more than $8 million over four years to embed celebration of Matariki into Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s national fabric over the long term and to support community celebrations for Matariki across the country. With the many events across Aotearoa to mark this first Matariki public holiday and with the high level of enthusiasm for Matariki across the land, our collective knowledge and celebration of Matariki will develop and grow each year, and I look forward to the Government taking an active role to support this kaupapa and m\u0101tauranga M\u0101ori - based event.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225bfab45d2be3463a91c98c2e99da1447\u0022\u003EWillow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: In her capacity as the sponsor for Te Pire m\u014D te Hararei T\u016Bmatanui o te K\u0101hui o Matariki/Te K\u0101hui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill, can she confirm what stars Matariki is comprised of?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a8cab3e3-b023-4ce7-9f4b-2c4137029057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278e8bff9ce3b4c5ba39d4be5d78178e6\u0022\u003EHon KIRITAPU ALLAN\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, I can: Wait\u012B, Wait\u0101, Waipunarangi, Tipu\u0101nuku, Tipu\u0101rangi, Ururangi, P\u014Dhutukawa, Hiwa i te Rangi, \u0112i Matariki. T\u0113n\u0101 koe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225d014829d8cd46fea5079ba2d37b2baf\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Building and Construction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u002287a88669c5014bec84e90a2ffd2589fd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002287a88669c5014bec84e90a2ffd2589fd\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Building and Construction: Does she stand by her statement that the Government began working on the plasterboard shortage \u201Cmonths ago\u201D; if so, why did the Government only appoint their reported high-level taskforce at the start of the week?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022 data-id=\u002247a5f9d74c184f54b8f6282897ab8e25\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002247a5f9d74c184f54b8f6282897ab8e25\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Building and Construction):\u003C/span\u003E Yes. In answer to the second part of the question: because this was the logical next step in a series of Government actions ongoing since 31 August 2021.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231456ee1eaf5494fb5889a307286a6df\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Why, if imported plasterboard meets NZS 2588 standard, can\u2019t she instruct the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to issue the acceptance notice and require councils to allow builders to use it immediately?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287351df54a14494f87baebce47ed9c55\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: As we\u2019ve been discussing throughout the week, that guidance has been issued. The first step of it was at the end of last year. Further guidance has been issued to building and consent authorities in June of this year. If the member is suggesting that we should take the approach that is contained in his member\u2019s bill, we will end up in a situation where buildings do not get issued with code of compliance. The flow-on effects of that is they will not be insured, banks will not lend on them, and the buildings will not be able to be sold.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e589084d0a04eb7894038d729d6c64b\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: If the plasterboard meets the New Zealand standard, why wouldn\u2019t she tell MBIE to issue a guidance notice to the councils that they must accept it on site because it already meets the New Zealand standard?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4dafdf76d4641a0bee33ecdfc298a1f\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: As we\u2019ve been through\u2014and I encourage the member to go and have a look at the guidance that has been issued to the building and consent authorities\u2014for those plasterboards that do meet the functional requirements around either structural or fire retardant, there has been guidance issued to building and consent authorities to use those products as a substitution.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bdb884e25bd64886966028366c7eda0b\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Is she aware, in June last year, that the then Minister for Building and Construction, Poto Williams, said in a select committee that in respect of building material shortages, including plasterboard, \u201CThis is a very live issue for everybody. It\u2019s an issue for developers, it\u2019s an issue for builders, it\u2019s an issue for the sector, so we are not going to let this lie.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022872d40da9fe8466c9f6f708492d858dc\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not aware of the exact comments, but I\u2019m not surprised. Nor am I surprised by a series of events only a couple of months after that when, on 31 August, Fletcher Building wrote to MBIE regarding the alert 4 implications that there were for plasterboard.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278455525df5e4ae9b22fc4e65fa35913\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: What happened?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244d6fcb6d08246aa9a4d1bc6fe716c86\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: And then on the\u2014I\u2019m glad you asked, whoever that was. On 1 September, one day after receiving that letter, there was an initial briefing to Ministers on the Fletcher Building letter. On 3 September, the proposal to address issues was outlined in the Fletcher Building letter, in the briefing to Ministers. On 7 September, the proposal was discussed and agreed to at the COVID-19 Ministerial Group. And on 10 September, only 10 days after receiving that letter, the MBIE chief executive authorised certain businesses or services that were located in the alert level 4 area to operate at alert level 4 for business manufacturing. I think we can see that our Government has taken swift action over a number of months on this issue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002210e9e5146c914012ae9c57021852164d\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Isn\u2019t it the case that, apart from issuing new guidance by MBIE last November, in announcing a new working group this week, neither the Minister nor her predecessor has done anything to address the plasterboard crisis?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225207ede645a448d4bde1008b545f2128\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I encourage that member to actually listen to answers to the supplementary questions that he asks. I just went through a sequence of events where a health order allowed for the manufacture in alert level 4 conditions of Gib plasterboard.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f3a94c4d4df421aa69f219dcd672c54\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Does she stand by her statement that \u201CThis is a group of private sector experts brought together to advise me, to ensure the effective and swift execution and implementation of measures taking place.\u201D; if so, will the Government take another 12 months to implement her \u201Cswift executions\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236aa26fdc89f474eb6408abaf2879085\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: In answer to the first part of the question, yes. In answer to the second part of the question, no.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ae17be7da024e109f497bff5a4ebfab\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with her statement yesterday that \u201CI fail to see why it is the Opposition are so adverse to working with the private sector on solving this.\u201D; if so, why doesn\u2019t she support the bill from this side of the House that did involve extensive consultation with the private sector and drew on the expertise of legal experts?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214cf1356a2b143a1aeb15b0bc4cedaba\u0022\u003EHon Dr MEGAN WOODS\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve already given an answer to that in the answer to an earlier supplementary question. The advice I\u2019ve got is that the bill that the member has introduced further complicates and actually makes more bureaucratic the process which we\u2019ve improved by issuing guidance. But furthermore, and more concerning to me, is we\u2019d have a situation, under that member\u2019s proposals, where buildings would not be issued with code compliance, they would not be able to be insured, banks would not lend on them, and those that owned those buildings would not be able to sell them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022063488d509d74ae9b3e78d0fa49f3077\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022063488d509d74ae9b3e78d0fa49f3077\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I declare the House in committee for further consideration of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00221646decf01cc40eb847245e47c3889cf\u0022\u003ECommerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b9c2118e8e394fefb8f4afc6b7479b51\u0022\u003EIn Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000192\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 22 June.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002227026823cd5c4b0f92552f58c6a0c2b7\u0022\u003EPart 1  Amendment to Part 2 of the Act (which relates to restrictive trade practices) (continued)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u00221bc6a5dc77144ec494551dfc11dca3e0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221bc6a5dc77144ec494551dfc11dca3e0\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: The House is in committee for further consideration of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill. I know we don\u2019t need to remind members of Zoom, but, please, if you\u2019re on Zoom or coming in via Zoom, make sure you signal to us and make sure you pay attention. When we were last considering the bill, Part 1 was being debated. This is the debate on clause 4, which is the debate on the amendment to Part 2 of the Act, which relates to restrictive trade practices. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00225aee92ce9c424bbaae6678a1c12ad018\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225aee92ce9c424bbaae6678a1c12ad018\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I will answer the member Andrew Bayly\u2019s questions in consecutive order. I thought that they were all important questions worthy of putting answers on record. If they inspire further questions, I will certainly welcome them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EIn the first instance, I made it clear to the commission in a recent letter of expectation that it should devote resources to implementing this bill. I have communicated with them an expectation that they are proactive in their stance. The commission has also been kept informed of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee\u2019s expectation that it take a proactive approach to monitoring, as well, using the powers given to it under the bill. The commission advised the select committee, via officials, that it has already identified further investigation of covenants at issue and the bill as a priority area. So we can see that that is something that is being picked up. It has enforcement criteria it uses to prioritise compliance monitoring and enforcement activities, of course.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 174 itself improves on the monitoring function already in the bill. The SOP replaces the new monitoring function in new section 28A(3A) with a bespoke information-gathering power. The new power slightly increases the range of agreements and covenants the commission can require information about. It also makes it clear that the commission can require that information in order to assess compliance with a range of provisions, both under the Commerce Act and the Fair Trading Act.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ETo add to those two aspects, which, I think, address something of the member\u2019s questions, I\u2019d also like to draw attention to the fact that in the market study, the commission itself pointed to areas it thought worthy of further investigation from its own initial studies. The commission is reported as having opened three investigations subsequently into restrictive covenants and exclusivity covenants on leases, which it signalled in the report in paragraph 9.67. The commission states in the report that it\u2019s reviewing the historical and current use of restrictive covenants and exclusivity covenants and leases that might be at risk of breaking sections 27 or 28 of the Commerce Act. So it has now, I\u2019m informed, opened three investigations into that matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ERefusal to supply, by suppliers, to low-price retailers: the commission, likewise, in the grocery report indicated its intent to open an investigation on that matter\u2014that\u2019s paragraphs 6.187 to 6.191 and 9.135 in the report itself. It\u2019s received some information which relates to suppliers indicating they\u2019re only willing to supply if a grocery retailer does not undercut the retail prices set by other grocery retailers of the suppliers\u2019 products. That information included examples of the supplier refusing to supply a low-price retailer, and, in some cases, that the suppliers\u2019 refusal to supply in favourable terms to a retailer followed a concern being raised by another grocery retailer about the supply of trades.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EAnd then, also, land banking is another area that the commission indicated that it would review whether there was any historical or ongoing matters raised in the context of acquisition of land that might be at risk of breaching section 47, anti-competitive acquisitions, or section 27, anti-competitive arrangements, of the Commerce Act. So my understanding is that it\u2019s currently reviewing in that area whether investigations should take place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EOther strategic conduct, such as best-price clauses or exclusive supply agreements, is also something that the commission is considering whether appropriate action might be undertaken. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 also comes into force on 16 August 2022, with a new prohibition against unconscionable conduct. So it\u2019s also just received some new powers granted by this House that come into effect very shortly, and it will then consider the appropriate use of the full range of its Fair Trading Act compliance and enforcement functions and powers now granted by the Parliament.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe final one I\u2019d mention is just around pricing and promotional practices. Independent of the market study, the commission noted it has received a number of complaints, under the Fair Trading Act, related to supermarkets. While not currently investigating, the commission noted it may, at any stage, of course, utilise its Fair Trade Act compliance and enforcement functions and powers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThere is work progressing, I know, by the supermarkets themselves to try and simplify their pricing structures to make them clearer to understand, and so on. I wrote to them to ask them to progress the recommendations in the market study\u2014immediately, I received that market study\u2014because I saw that was something that the supermarkets themselves could get on with in order to make their pricing more transparent so consumers could make better decisions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo I thank the member for those questions. I do think it\u2019s very clear that there is an expectation that the commission will be proactive in monitoring, and, if we pass this bill, it will have new monitoring functions with bespoke information-gathering powers necessary to perform that task.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00221437d05c82704de291f74f7b1794a98f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221437d05c82704de291f74f7b1794a98f\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I\u2019m appreciative that the Minister has responded to those questions I put to him late last night. I think it\u2019s important, if the courts are looking for direction, it\u2019s clear what the intent of the bill is and the intent of the committee and the Minister. So that\u2019s very useful background. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI suppose, just carrying on, obviously these additional powers that the Minister\u2019s put through under Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) 174 deal with the immediate issue of monitoring of these arrangements. First of all, there\u2019s a resourcing issue, and I take the Minister\u2019s comment saying that the Commerce Commission will devote sufficient resources; hopefully not to the detriment of other important parts of the Commerce Commission. But I suppose it gives rise to what is the future position, because these measures that were proposed by the committee is a short-term stopgap, because I think the intent\u2014and the Minister has certainly talked about this previously\u2014is that, ultimately, there will be a grocery regulator.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo, for the committee, one of the biggest issues in dealing with this new sections 28A and 28B is the issue about what might be the role of the grocery regulator and whether, in fact, that grocery regulator may actually take over the powers that are covered under section 174, or whether the Minister has the intent of retaining that within the Commerce Commission, which is probably more an area where you\u2019d, rightfully, normally find these types of powers. But, obviously, we don\u2019t know what the grocery retailer obligations or arrangements might be. I understand the Minister\u2019s going to be introducing them. So, again, it\u2019d be useful for the Minister to talk about when he might be introducing that legislation around the grocery retailer; what might be the scope of the grocery retailer; whether, in fact, they might take on some of these roles that we\u2019ve passed in 174, or propose to; and just, generally, the structure of the interplay between the grocery regulator and the Commerce Commission in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002252fd7ec121cc4abfb6755198f9ab702a\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: I call Michael Wood. Oh, the Hon David Clark\u2014apologies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022705ec3d1e09446b2911c14f3ba3ee465\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022705ec3d1e09446b2911c14f3ba3ee465\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Ha, ha! I\u2019m not sure who you\u2019ve offended more. Indeed it is the Government\u2019s expressed intention to establish a retail grocery regulator to oversee and monitor the retail grocery sector, and that was something that we highlighted in our response to the commission\u2019s recommendations. I\u2019ve indicated that I\u2019ll be bringing a bill to this House later in the year to give effect to the Government\u2019s intention to put in place measures that respond to those recommendations from the commission. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EIf we put out the lay of the land, obviously we have a situation where there\u2019s global inflation and Kiwis are not exempt from that. So Kiwis are feeling the pinch here at home. You know, it\u2019s why we have the cost of living package in the Budget. But, also, it\u2019s clear right now that the grocery retailers have been making these extraordinary profits over many years, documented in the Commerce Commission\u2019s report of what were considered excess profits of conservatively estimated at a million dollars a day, every day of the year, out of Kiwis\u2019 pockets. That is something we can tackle as a Government to help ease the burden on families at this time when cost of living is making many Kiwi families do it tough. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo we\u2019re determined to do that, and we responded to the Commerce Commission\u2019s recommendations by accepting the majority but rejecting two, because we wanted to go further and faster. That included reviewing sooner and we\u2019ll have an expectation that the regulator, when they\u2019re appointed, will review the sector with an annual report rather than a three-yearly review. Also, we also were not comfortable with just having a wholesale access regime on good-faith terms. I\u2019ve signalled a mandatory backstop to ensure that there is a regime in place if we don\u2019t see the outcomes we would expect from a good-faith access regime in the wholesale sector. So the Government has gone, obviously, further than the Commerce Commission was ready to recommend, but we make no apology for that because we want to see Kiwis get a fair deal at the supermarket.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThose other recommendations we\u2019ve accepted, and where we\u2019ve gone further we will be making very clear when we bring legislation to the House. Of course, we\u2019re wanting to go through that detail very carefully to make sure that there are no loopholes, that we are getting things right, so that Kiwis really do get a better deal in a more competitive market as the year progresses. But I would note, already, and I would say, as a result of the market study, we\u2019re seeing significant change in the market. We\u2019ve seen the duopoly welcome a code of conduct for the first time, and participate in helping it get developed. We\u2019ve seen the duopoly welcome a regulator come in. We\u2019ve seen these remarkable, in my view, acceptances that it\u2019s a good idea to get rid of covenants that have been in place for years and years and years, blocking competition in this sector. The supermarkets have said, \u201CWell, we can see that that\u2019s no longer acceptable and we are going to change.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve seen price freezes put in place. They\u2019re temporary. We want to attack the long-term structural issues here. But they are promising signs. We are seeing also the supermarkets, the duopoly, signalling they want to open up wholesale. So we\u2019re seeing some promising responses right now, but we want to make sure that over the longer term we\u2019ve got the structural issues right so that we see competition longer term in the sector that benefits Kiwi consumers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u00220e72ad16dfa8492db27b38e6afc5e988\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220e72ad16dfa8492db27b38e6afc5e988\u0022\u003EMELISSA LEE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Thanks to the Minister, the Hon David Clark, who has actually been very helpful in explaining last night and today in relation to Supplementary Order Paper 174, and explaining that, through the select committee process, there were many things due to the time constraint\u2014that the select committee actually met\u2014that it was quite difficult to explore further, some of the issues that we were rather concerned about. And I acknowledge the select committee chair, Jamie Strange, who has actually worked very cooperatively with our spokesperson, Andrew Bayly, who\u2019s to my left.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EI believe the empowering of the commission to designate grocery retailers to supply information, I think, is something that the select committee recommended through our report. One thing that does actually worry me\u2014there is another aspect that the committee was very concerned about\u2014and that is the compensation side, which I spoke about during the second reading. That is, when a grocery retailer which is a duopoly now is in an exclusive covenant, for example, in a big supermarket chain like a Westfield\u2019s shopping complex\u2014it is Westfield versus, let\u2019s say, Countdown\u2014they are two big entities. So the power in, for example, debate over the lease negotiation is actually quite equal, in the sense that they\u2019re both equally powerful, but when you have a landlord that is in a very small town, regional centre where the supermarket may have been located and they have negotiated an exclusivity covenant or a restrictive covenant preventing the land from being developed so another supermarket cannot be built, there is a power imbalance with the supermarket chain versus the \u201Cma and pa\u201D landlord.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EI thought that the Minister was going to be dealing with that compensation issue, because we are in this House removing the covenants that the supermarkets currently have, and saying that it is not a practice that we support and it is going to be illegal to put them in leases. If that is the case, the hypothetical loss of revenue\u2014the potential revenue that they\u2019re going to equate to those covenants\u2014may potentially end up in court, where the smaller ma and pa landlords might have to cough up money for the potential loss of hypothetical revenue, because they\u2019re not a big entity with big law firms behind them to support them. I would like to ask the Minister what kinds of remedy there are for situations like that, and does the Minister believe that the current laws that are in place actually guarantee that those legal actions would not take place. Otherwise, how would he actually make us feel, I guess, more comfortable and confident that the law that we are passing today will cover those issues?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00220a0d10c05f524458b80c8c21dde0acd5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220a0d10c05f524458b80c8c21dde0acd5\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I canvassed, you\u2019ll appreciate, in my introductory comments these issues, but I\u2019m happy to go over them again because I think they are important. I think these are really important questions about how this plays out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe committee itself, as the member Melissa Lee said, raised concerns that a designated grocery retailer may be able to make unreasonable claims for compensation or damages from their landlord because of the bill making exclusivity covenants in their lease unenforceable. And that\u2019s the nub of it. Section 89 of the Commerce Act has the potential to facilitate a process of renegotiating the lease, if this is appropriate, to reflect actual losses incurred by the supermarket from greater exposure to competition in the area. The committee\u2019s concern\u2014at least, as I understand it\u2014was about landlords having little protection against the potential for supermarkets to abuse that process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019ll say some more general things and then come back to the Supplementary Order Paper (SOP). There are general provisions in contract law, the Commerce Act, and the Fair Trading Act which prohibit the kinds of behaviours that the committee was concerned about\u2014for example, undue influence, coercion, and unconscionable conduct. Now, at a theoretical level, these provisions should provide protection to mall and shopping centre owners. However, what I would say is that what gives this more legs is the SOP, because I consider that the Government SOP will help mitigate some of the concerns by giving the commission the power to actively monitor those arrangements to assist with compliance with both Acts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe recommendation of the committee was unanimously agreed upon. The Supplementary Order Paper, under Standing Order 315, gives effect to the recommendation of the committee. The SOP enables the commission to obtain any contracts, arrangements, or understandings to which section 28A may apply, including information relating to the renegotiation of those arrangements. The section provides that this information may be used to assess compliance with specified provisions in both the Commerce Act and Fair Trading Act relating to anti-competitive conduct and unfair conduct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo that \u201Cproactive monitoring\u201D thing, which is what it comes back to, is there for them to monitor any such negotiations or rearrangements as they see fit around that, and that, I think, is the strength of the SOP. The committee put forward a recommendation that we should do that, and the time available was challenging. We have had the time to make sure the SOP gives those powers in a way that\u2019s appropriate so that the commission can proactively monitor for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022 data-id=\u0022c598ac8f914b433a8fbad17538c01971\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c598ac8f914b433a8fbad17538c01971\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. The Government could today, as ACT suggests, add some real value to this bill by instructing the Overseas Investment Office to consider retail grocery to be in the national interest and to approve every application to build a new grocery store. That would be the element that would drive this\u2014not just covenant removal, which we agree with, or the duopoly managing their estate. But it has been known for 10 or 15 years that those practices have gone on, and no Governments have addressed that. In terms of questions for the Minister, I\u2019d like him to consider that instruction to the Overseas Investment Act because it can happen next week. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve been looking through the research to quantify any impact which restrictive land covenants specifically ought to be having on the course of groceries, and we can\u2019t make that direct correlation. The excessive profits that the Minister talks about are 20c per day per New Zealand citizen. The other question that we have is: how many reports, if any, has he received on new market entrants choosing not to enter the market due to restrictive land covenants? And will the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill really reduce costs further for the squeezed middle New Zealanders? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EWe also can\u2019t find any quantifiable estimations of the effects of removing covenants, so we are suggesting at the ACT Party that we need to make grocery retail competition as open as possible. Why would you come to this part of the world? No grocery business would consider entering a small market as far away as New Zealand under the restrictions that we have and that the Commerce Commission has identified. So let\u2019s say we deal with securing sites and we deal with opening up the market, the question is: why can\u2019t we bring capital in really quickly through a national interest statement, which will allow us to actually build supermarkets fast? Otherwise, it will be three years\u2019 time, and we won\u2019t have another player here. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019d like to plead to the Minister that there\u2019s still time to do that and that we would actually add value to the bill by doing that. And he knows that from the Act\u2019s perspective, it\u2019s got to be less hard to do business here and there\u2019s got to be less regulation, which involves also addressing local councils under instruction with the Resource Management Act to make this a reality. So there are several elements here that could be added, which would actually fast track this time frame. And as Mr Robertson said, \u201COK, tomorrow or when we pass the bill, people can simply and quickly get on at looking at sites.\u201D But that\u2019s not going to satisfy a business plan, given the restrictions we\u2019ve got around the competitive wholesale market and alcohol and liquor provision and actually then getting through the local council quagmire. So I\u2019d like the Minister to consider the Overseas Investment Act instruction and to bring friendly capital, if it necessary, from overseas to be in the national interest, immediately.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022d6a627e8f3504577a584e8d6aa670fc4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d6a627e8f3504577a584e8d6aa670fc4\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. With your blessing, I would like to address the member\u2019s questions, although they are, obviously, outside the scope of the bill. The Official Information Act has just recently been reviewed, and that review has been completed, and so the commission recommended that that be kept an eye on, and Treasury indeed will be monitoring the performance of the Act. As to whether there should be a national interest allocation, you know, that, obviously, is quite outside the scope of this bill, and I\u2019m not convinced, as the member seems to be, that foreign direct investment finds that particular barrier the one that\u2019s a bridge too far to coming here, historically. Indeed, even under the current market conditions, before the Government announced its response and before we\u2019ve seen the change we\u2019ve seen, Costco has very clearly indicated its intention to come to New Zealand, and, indeed, I believe the subscription that Costco\u2019s had in New Zealand is the biggest they\u2019ve had anywhere in the world prior to opening. So that is an outfit that is already coming here\u2014quite before any of the change that we\u2019re contemplating now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EAnd the member\u2014and others have, too\u2014and I myself, also, have, in the debate, referenced the wider work that\u2019s happening. This bill itself is focused very much on the restrictive leases and covenants question, and that question is something I have had conversations with supermarkets about, and they indicate it\u2019s one of many factors. So I completely accept the argument there are other factors that need to be worked through. That\u2019s why we accepted the 12 recommendations that the commission rejected too, because we wanted to go further. It is why we think that a whole market change is required in order to create the optimal environment to ensure we have good competition. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ENow, whether that competition comes from domestic operators expanding or whether it comes from overseas participants\u2014and the degree to which it comes from overseas participants\u2014is yet to be seen, and I think the most important thing, though, that we can do is, as a House, promptly pass this piece of legislation, which gets one important piece of the puzzle sorted. And I look forward to the member\u2019s supporting the further legislation that comes to the House this year to address the other recommendations that the Government has agreed to from the Commerce Commission report.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00229b187557bc794aac965ca5c8f586b596\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229b187557bc794aac965ca5c8f586b596\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. I just want to ask a technical question. So under Part 1, clause 4, which inserts new section 28A(4)\u2014so it talks about the exclusivity covenant. I\u2019ll just read it: \u201Cincludes, without limitation, a right of first refusal\u201D. But then overleaf, it defines what \u201Cgrocery product\u201D is, and it says, \u201Cmeans goods in any of the following product categories: bread, dairy products, eggs [and] egg products, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, rice, sugar, manufacturer-packaged food, and medicine other than prescription medicine\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo can the Minister just be absolutely clear, by defining it this way\u2014and most people would agree that this is what a grocery retailer does and sells, and we saw many examples in lease agreements that the large supermarkets already have in place, that they exclude a whole lot of other activities\u2014can you be assured that the supermarkets won\u2019t also take the opportunity to say, \u201CWell, we will put a restriction on pet food operators.\u201D, as an example, or alcohol operations around their supermarket operations, as an example? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo I suppose what I\u2019m just asking is: by defining it so closely, have we led inadvertently to the situation where we still allow supermarkets to stop certain other competitors? I think it\u2019s a pretty important point to clarify\u2014whether, in fact, that\u2019s the case.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u00223679788c7a6c4a99a1348aa762a2bc85\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223679788c7a6c4a99a1348aa762a2bc85\u0022\u003EMELISSA LEE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, and I\u2019d like to add to what my colleague Andrew Bayly has actually said. Even though supermarkets in many suburbs exist and actually do sell meats and fruits and vegetables, there are many people who prefer to go to the local market or even the fruit and vegetable shop\u2014which are speciality shops\u2014or the butchery, because they have had a long-term relationship. I really wonder by just specifying these specific things whether, although we\u2019re removing the covenants, the supermarkets could potentially say, \u201CThis is our territory.\u201D, and they actually may be able to prevent other smaller shops, specific shops that actually do specialities, like fruit and vegetable shops, the bakery, the butchery, or even, I don\u2019t know, a local pharmacy from selling these things, even without an exclusive covenant to prevent them from being in those shops. I think it\u2019s really interesting when you actually dig into it. I wish we had more time at select committee. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003EHaving said that, I just would like to get back to what the Minister had in fact said, because we are wanting to improve competition in the market, and hence we are dealing with the covenants of the duopoly which actually restricts certain trade or build which are designed to actually bring about competition, perhaps, and also an exclusivity covenant within a shopping complex. But the issue we also have is that there are dairies who supply to citizens who may not live close to a supermarket, or who may not have the vehicles to actually get to a supermarket, and their corner dairy is their supermarket to actually get their daily supplies. But the wholesalers are controlled by the duopoly. It is the company that owns the duopoly supermarket that run the wholesale where the dairies go to shop at. Does this actually fix that issue? I don\u2019t think it does. How are we going to do that, and will the Minister bring about further changes so we can actually deal with the wholesale of groceries that actually go to citizens that may not necessarily go through the route of the supermarkets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u002246b940c9527b44b297ada58c120b7deb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002246b940c9527b44b297ada58c120b7deb\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E So I\u2019ll take those two speakers in the opposite order. To Melissa Lee\u2019s question around wholesale: no, that is completely outside the scope of this bill. But as I indicated in my prior answer, it is in the Commerce Commission\u2019s report that we should address wholesale access\u2014and indeed, as I signalled in some of my previous answers, we\u2019ve gone beyond the Commerce Commission report\u2019s requirement for an open-access regime on good faith and said there\u2019s going to be a mandatory backstop. So, essentially, if the supermarkets don\u2019t make good on their promises to open up wholesale access, we will help them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ETo go then to Andrew Bayly\u2019s question\u2014littered through the Part 1, the member will see, for example, in new section 28A(2)(a)(ii), inserted by clause 4, \u201Cany other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer\u201D. In new section 28A(2)(aa)(ii): \u201C(B) any other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer\u201D, and so on. That same formula appears at various points through the Act to indicate that it isn\u2019t just those that are operating selling eggs, bread, dairy products, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, rice, sugar, manufactured packaging, food, and medicine or other prescription products that are excluded from those from having exclusivity. It\u2019s a broader thing which is intended to capture anyone in any arrangement that\u2019s designed to exclude competition to a grocery retailer. I hope that answers the member\u2019s question. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u0022e899146e133b4768865770f0be1b768f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e899146e133b4768865770f0be1b768f\u0022\u003EMELISSA LEE (National):\u003C/span\u003E I am just wanting to address the issue in terms of the point that I made about the local market and the fishmongers and the butchers in the local suburbs, and I don\u2019t think the Minister, in fact, actually had anything to say about that. Do you have an opinion, Minister Clark? If you could address that that would be really helpful.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022a422e923e5b14ce9be52f471917e4b92\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a422e923e5b14ce9be52f471917e4b92\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019m not sure, then, that I\u2019ve understood the member\u2019s question correctly. I haven\u2019t understood\u2014if the member could rephrase it, I will happily seek to answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u00226a3b2e3f8cf4494ebeb40968582b2e60\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226a3b2e3f8cf4494ebeb40968582b2e60\u0022\u003EMELISSA LEE (National):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. I think that a couple of speakers before, the Minister addressed our questions and then we\u2019re trying to remember what the question was. I was adding on to what Mr Bayly had said in terms of the point that was actually made in terms of exclusive covenants. I know we\u2019re actually getting rid of it, but when we define grocery products in such a way, where supermarkets have leases that suggest that supermarkets have certain activities which include everything from bread, eggs, even men\u2019s shoes\u2014all of those things\u2014even though we\u2019re getting rid of this exclusive covenant and the restrictive covenants from the leases, are we not stuck in the position where we\u2019re not fixing it? Because a definition of what a \u201Csupermarket\u201D is in the lease, for example, as those things, supposedly supermarket activity, even without those covenants\u2014when we remove them\u2014and they can still act as though the covenants exist because it will include everything from pet food, and shoes, and even day-care centres, potentially, because that\u2019s supposed to be a supermarket activity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00222240920a630646a9acfc7d02f8fb78a0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222240920a630646a9acfc7d02f8fb78a0\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Just while the Minister\u2019s cogitating, the point my colleague was making before was that a market store, like on a Sunday morning, may be occasional, but it will probably more than likely cover everything covered under the grocery product range, right? Dairy products, eggs, whatever. And so the question was: is there any possibility that inadvertently some of these other activities might be captured under that arrangement? So that was the question. I\u2019ll let the Minister\u2014and then I\u2019ll come back to it with a new question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00221b5d981a6fd543148d51fcefec095b4d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221b5d981a6fd543148d51fcefec095b4d\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E No. If I\u2019ve understood the question correctly, the selling of those things in a store that happens to be near a major designated grocery retailer is\u2014now, how am I going to best express this? First, it has to be by a designated grocery retailer where they\u2019re acting in an anti-competitive way; that is stopped. But if it\u2019s not a designated major grocery retailer doing it, then it\u2019s not stopped, if that makes sense, and I hope that I\u2019ve understood the member\u2019s question correctly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022afd2515bb9a4448580cd2f216b2ef547\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022afd2515bb9a4448580cd2f216b2ef547\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E OK. Well, I know you\u2019ve got the good officials there, so they might just help you on that matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ECan I just turn to a slightly different issue. Clause 4, which inserts new section 28B, \u201CProcess for designations\u201D\u2014so this is a forward-leaning provision which is saying we might designate people in the future as being a grocery retailer and, therefore, subject to all these constraints; this is what the bill is about. What it notes is that the Minister may recommend to the Governor-General that someone be designated, and it goes on to define in new section 28B(3) that you\u2019ve got to consult, but, secondly, that the commission needs to take into account the following criteria: \u201Cwhether the person carries on, or is likely to carry on, a business of supplying all or a majority of categories of grocery products to consumers;\u201D\u2014so we\u2019ve been having that conversation\u2014\u201Cand (ii) whether designation of the \u2026 designated grocery retailer would be likely to promote competitive neutrality (that is, a level playing field) or to otherwise promote competition\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo, I suppose, you\u2019ve talked about Costco, and there\u2019s been rumours about ALDI coming into New Zealand for the last 20 years. What I was trying to understand is a lot of this power rests with the Minister and will be done by regulation and recommendation through to Order in Council. What are the likely criteria? How would we ensure someone like the third-largest grocery trader, such as Night \u2018n Day, who has a relatively small market share, albeit an important market share\u2014what would be the criteria at which point someone might be designated in the future as being a designated grocery retailer? Obviously, striking the right balance is really, really important. If you had Costco coming in\u2014who\u2019s a heavyweight from overseas, but actually minuscule in New Zealand\u2014or an ALDI, what would be the criteria? I\u2019m just keen to get an understanding of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022490750eba7bf465db9b2fc954d5d2ea7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022490750eba7bf465db9b2fc954d5d2ea7\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Very good. Ultimately, obviously, the Minister is only able to take decisions upon the recommendation of the Commerce Commission, and I would expect the Commerce Commission to be employing their technical expertise in making those recommendations. Now, at this point, I\u2019m speculating on what process they might go through, but I would expect that they would look at aspects and measures of competition in the market\u2014you know, how concentrated the market is, whether prices are shifting, as retailers come and go from a geographic area. In their report, they found that there is no statistically significant change in prices currently, when a grocery retailer turns up in town or leaves, whether or not there\u2019s someone else there at the time, that those prices do not seem to be moving in the market. They are set at a national level, and they\u2019re not affected by any local level competition factors, as you might expect in other markets. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESo it\u2019s those kinds of factors, I imagine, they would be looking at and the extent to which that occurs\u2014this would be one factor, I imagine, they look at\u2014would be determined by how much of a threat a would-be competitor is in the market, whether they are really going to turn the dial, whether they have sufficient scale to enter into a battle or competition in any meaningful way that\u2019s going to upset the market as a whole. Whether that\u2019s good for the market and where that threshold sits will be technical questions that the Commerce Commission, I imagine, will work through, both using those kinds of measures and also benchmarking where it\u2019s available from overseas and benchmarking against other industries in New Zealand around similar measures.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EBut, ultimately, those are technical questions for the Commerce Commission to dig into; not for the Minister to prescribe, other than in the actual law as it\u2019s laid out here, where it does set out some of the high-level criteria that would be applied\u2014then the recommendation would come to the Minister for a designation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022 data-id=\u0022a932f877872b403aa87d1bd31f81fa66\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a932f877872b403aa87d1bd31f81fa66\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Minister, it would be great if you could clarify, from the date of when the law is actually passed, whether the advisers\u2014and pardon the pun\u2014had contemplated any sort of countdown mechanism for when a release, an occupation, set of dates, or the market could be moved on or the local urban area or a selection of a site, could be actually chosen and that the competitor didn\u2019t receive any sort of dissonance to getting on with the job. So did the advisers contemplate anything in that area, apart from just passing a law, but there\u2019s time frames for doing things?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00220ba7ff3ce4d94005b52bc890b62fb62e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220ba7ff3ce4d94005b52bc890b62fb62e\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Chair. Yeah, just going back to the question before\u2014I suppose the first question is: is the Minister proposing to give the Commerce Commission any sort of additional framework other than what\u2019s set out in new section 28B? The criteria for the Commerce Commission to assess whether, in fact, someone should be designated as a grocery retailer is actually pretty light. Basically, it sits under those two subclauses that I mentioned. So the first question: is the Minister proposing, even by regulation, to give further framework for the Commerce Commission to designate someone?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EBut the second thing is: it\u2019s pretty easy to sort of contemplate the grocery industry as just going to your supermarket and what you buy, right? As we all know, it\u2019s the whole value chain. We\u2019ve got important suppliers, particularly growers\u2014and vege-growers in my area of Pukekohe who supply supermarkets\u2014you\u2019ve got the logistics of transporting that, you\u2019ve got storage facilities that the supermarkets operate, they have their internal transport arrangements, and then you have the retail distribution outlets. Now, all of those contribute to the cost of the ultimate product. In fact, if you\u2019re talking about how much you\u2019re going to pay the wholesaler, for instance, through a Gilmours arrangement, or whoever it might be, or how much the supermarket charges for the internal transport, all those things go to make up the pricing. As the Minister said before\u2014what you\u2019re suggesting is that the Commerce Commission is likely to have a view on what will lead to a change in price. So do you anticipate that the Commerce Commission might take a disaggregated look at the supply chain of the supermarkets, rather than just focus on the end price of what you might pay for a roll of toilet paper?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u002268b3531e1f6543d2be2f4cafa220d2f9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002268b3531e1f6543d2be2f4cafa220d2f9\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E In response to the member\u2019s first question, more specifically, no. It kind of relates to his second question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe Commerce Commission is populated by technical experts with the necessary and requisite skills in competition law. I think it\u2019s important that they make independent judgments\u2014they are an independent agency\u2014independent from Government. We would expect them to use their expertise to make those judgments and not have us as politicians telling them, in too greater detail, what constitutes competition, because the measures and the factors that will be taken into account will vary over time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00229d536009672f4c9993945bae921de7b2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229d536009672f4c9993945bae921de7b2\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Can I turn to the new Supplementary Order Paper (SOP), and it doesn\u2019t actually have a number on it\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226d10df84de774fe4b55979b9347032ca\u0022\u003EHon Dr David Clark\u003C/span\u003E: 174.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a73f6aa1b4034a53be27b64b1ada232b\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014oh, it was 174, OK. So it\u2019s clause 4, new section 28A. This is in relation to exclusivity covenants\u2014for anyone listening, if they\u2019re finding this interesting. But an \u201Cexclusivity covenant\u201D is a provision or lease that has the purpose, or has, or will likely have, the effect of impeding another person, such as a retail grocery store or another store\u2014whatever. So it\u2019s really one around area\u2014stopping competition in a certain area\u2014as opposed to the restrictive covenant, which is separate around products.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo the SOP that you put forward has changed and what it says is \u201Can exclusivity covenant or other provision in a lease\u201D\u2014and that\u2019s important\u2014\u201Cand the provisions of any other contracts, arrangements, understandings, or covenants, if\u201D\u2014and the current wording is\u2014\u201Cthe exclusivity covenant has 1 or more of the same parties as the contract, arrangement, understanding, or covenant.\u201D I understand, from your SOP, you want to change \u201Cexclusivity covenant\u201D to \u201Clease\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019d quite like to understand what that is about because, as you will know from the deliberation of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, we were very, very concerned that the arrangements that a supermarket might have might be a number of different arrangements with a tenant. It might be a tenancy agreement that\u2019s registered, it might be a separate letter that covers other things like first right of refusal, and it might be a different type of arrangement that is actually filed on the title.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo what I\u2019m trying to understand is why you want to limit new section 28A(2)(c)(i) and amend it from \u201Cexclusivity covenant\u201D to \u201Clease\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u0022e93f0856aa7a47aba71c71d0644be5a8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e93f0856aa7a47aba71c71d0644be5a8\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I apologise for suggesting to the member it was SOP 174; it\u2019s actually a different one. But the piece of paper, the SOP that the member refers to\u2014the number of which I don\u2019t have in front of me either\u2014actually fixes a typographical error. There\u2019s an attempt to\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229dd88f3474da449c900fbaaaf23e8fc4\u0022\u003EAndrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: So it should be \u201Clease\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022454f068257eb4b3a98d5849222ab1fa8\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: It should be \u201Clease\u201D. The whole new section is about aggregating, bringing together the different parts\u2014as I understand it\u2014that might have the effect, or likely effect, of impeding competition. So it\u2019s only to describe those different parts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022d2833e2e99e74be1b2009357e6666967\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d2833e2e99e74be1b2009357e6666967\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E I see the officials helping, which is good, because this is a change. What I\u2019m concerned about is that the change inadvertently restricts the exclusivity covenant to just a lease, and the big issue we\u2019ve got is that that might not be the case; it might be a letter. So I\u2019m just trying to understand the rationale why that specific part of new section 28A(2)(c)(i), inserted by clause 4, has changed from \u201Cexclusivity covenant\u201D, which is much wider, to just \u201Cthe lease\u201D. I\u2019ll keep talking, if that\u2019s OK, while the Minister gets some advice on that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI suppose this includes things like right of first refusal as well, because that is one of the things that the committee was particularly concerned about, and issues such as requiring landlords to actually go out and make changes or advocate against planning rules if it was disadvantageous to a supermarket. So those are the types of provision that we were particularly concerned about. Now, they may not be included in a lease. I\u2019m going to hand over to the Minister because I think he\u2019s got the answer now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022 data-id=\u00228ef13f35a4b7441386a280c1b2bc4dc8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228ef13f35a4b7441386a280c1b2bc4dc8\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. It was as I explained, but perhaps not as eloquently as I might have. New Section 28A(2)(c), inserted by clause 4, if the member has a look, talks about \u201Can exclusivity covenant or other provision in a lease, and the provisions of any other contracts, arrangements, understandings, or covenants, if\u2014\u201D The paragraph (i) to that is actually about describing who the parties are: somebody has to be a party to the lease for this to take effect, and then the next part describes the lack of competition arising from the arrangement. So it\u2019s trying to specify that they have to be a party to that lease to be regarded\u2014because there\u2019s an \u201Cand\u201D at the end of (i) before (ii)\u2014as part of the anti-competitive behaviour that surrounds that if it comes through another form.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u00220b38f916e27e4e12b78d4c15bcd39e3c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220b38f916e27e4e12b78d4c15bcd39e3c\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the Minister\u2019s amendments set out on Supplementary Order Paper 174 and the tabled amendment to new section 28A be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EAmendments agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EPart 1 as amended agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022767b96b4c4654bb49d9f0d6d36f09609\u0022\u003EPart 2  Transitional and savings 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=\u0022ef61fa9883514c56870d05f10c6ca1c0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ef61fa9883514c56870d05f10c6ca1c0\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, we now come to Part 2. This is the debate on clause 5 and the Schedule, \u201CTransitional and savings provisions\u201D. The question is that Part 2 stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EPart 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=\u0022977f568fdc544f7a8a3da04f079a676c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022977f568fdc544f7a8a3da04f079a676c\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: We come to the Schedule now. There\u2019s no debate on the Schedule. The question is that the Schedule stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003ESchedule agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a9471d189c4f440ab0767c1c1def1799\u0022\u003EClauses 1 to 3\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u002282d0b3a174344247b50f62350fd44765\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002282d0b3a174344247b50f62350fd44765\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: Members, we now come to our final debate: clauses 1 to 3. This is the debate on clauses 1 to 3, the title, commencement, and principal Act. The question is that clause 1 stand part.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EClause 1 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EClause 2 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EClause 3 agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EBill to be reported with amendment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003EHouse resumed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022 data-id=\u0022e80e6439c16f485b9075fd869f8b59f7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a6c42c44-3622-4c9c-98b8-793fb5ec15cc\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e80e6439c16f485b9075fd869f8b59f7\u0022\u003ECHAIRPERSON (Ian McKelvie)\u003C/span\u003E: The committee has considered the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Bill and reports it with amendment. I move, That the report be adopted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000281\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=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000282\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=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bcc181ec56644a4691d35755bff2fb35\u0022\u003EFinancial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022364d98d1493d4c54a220f22f38c17beb\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=\u0022e5df703f4caf45a482947591e4949ad1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e5df703f4caf45a482947591e4949ad1\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb72a89ae2a4461fbe840126869be58e\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa)\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=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0c714db176a49c595217a82ac1dfb74\u0022\u003EHon Dr DAVID CLARK\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill be now read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EUntil now, providers of banking and insurance services in New Zealand have not been subject to any general obligation to treat their customers fairly. I\u2019m pleased to say that this bill we\u2019re debating here today will change that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EBefore we get into the detail, I\u2019d like to start by thanking everyone who has contributed to the bill reaching this stage. I want to start by acknowledging and thanking my predecessor the Hon Kris Faafoi, who introduced this bill in December 2019. I had the privilege of inheriting a number of bills from the Hon Kris Faafoi when I arrived as the commerce Minister. Ten pieces of legislation were in development or in the House, and three of them were already introduced in the House at that stage. The Hon Kris Faafoi is a very busy and hard-working Minister and one who will be missed, and we look forward to hearing his valedictory speech later today.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThank you also to the officials who have worked on the bill during its development, and to members of the Finance and Expenditure Committee for their hard work considering the bill. Finally, thank you to everyone who has submitted on this bill and taken the opportunity to share your feedback. I do really appreciate the efforts that people go to in terms of making the time to submit on these bills, because they are improved by select committee processes\u2014there is no two ways about it\u2014and with officials then working with industry and others, we ensure that we protect the interests of consumers, as is intended with the intent of the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EBanking and insurance are essential services. All New Zealanders use these services at some point during their lives, whether through having a bank account, a mortgage, or insurance to protect you if something goes wrong with your car, your house, or your health. If there are issues with these services, it causes great harm, and not just for individual consumers but also for our wider society and economy. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003ESince the global financial crisis in 2008, Governments and regulators around the world have moved away from product-focused regulation and a buyer-beware approach and have started paying closer attention to the conduct and culture of financial institutions. In 2018, an Australian royal commission found serious and systemic misconduct in the banking and financial services industry in Australia. Subsequent reviews here in New Zealand by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and the Reserve Bank identified worrying weaknesses in the conduct and culture of banks and insurers on this side of the Tasman. These reviews identified failings such as poor systems for managing conduct risks, poor accountability for conduct, and sales incentives that put profits before people. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EIf these issues were ignored, they could have caused significant consumer harm and damaged confidence in our financial systems and markets. The COVID pandemic has further demonstrated how important it is for financial institutions to support consumers, especially those who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe bill introduces a conduct-licensing regime for banks, insurers, and non-bank deposit takers. These financial institutions will be required to treat customers fairly, and that\u2019s what\u2019s known, of course, as the fair conduct principle. They will need to have fair conduct programmes in place that set out how they will comply with the fair conduct principle\u2014in other words, what concrete actions they\u2019ll take to treat their customers fairly. These programmes will cover a wide range of areas\u2014for example, a financial institutions distribution arrangement, oversight of sales incentives, and training and management of employees. These programmes won\u2019t be \u201Cset and forget\u201D; they\u2019ll be living documents that will require financial institutions to continually think about how to ensure fair outcomes for all consumers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EThe regime also isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all. In designing their fair conduct programmes, financial institutions will be able to take a proportionate approach, taking into account the size, nature, and complexity of their businesses. For example, the conduct programme of a credit union is expected to look different to the conduct programme of a large bank.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EFinancial institutions have generally supported the policy intent behind the bill, and their feedback has been taken into account throughout the development of the bill. A number of valuable changes were made by the Finance and Expenditure Committee, and we\u2019ve since further amended the bill through a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP). These changes mean that the new regime will enable financial institutions to design processes which best fit their own business models whilst still upholding a high standard of conduct and consumer protection.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EFinancial institutions will need to apply for a conduct licence from the Financial Markets Authority, which will be supervising, monitoring, and enforcing the regime. Strong financial penalties will be imposed if a financial institution breaches one of its obligations under the bill. The FMA, of course, as members of this House know, is a risk-based regulator and will take a proportionate approach to guiding the sector and regulating compliance. The FMA, I\u2019m informed, has already started engaging with financial institutions to ensure they\u2019re prepared for the new regime and for licensing applications to open in mid-2023. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll also be introducing some regulations to support the bill. The Government has already agreed that it is essential to ban incentives that are based on volume or value targets such as an overseas trip as a reward for selling a certain number or value of insurance policies. These kinds of incentives create a strong potential for conflict of interest, particularly as a person nears their sales target. The full regime is planned to come into force in early 2025 after a transitional period. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EI do want to mention and acknowledge that the SOP that has been progressed through committee of the whole House has provided increased flexibility for agents, for those intermediaries, to be governed appropriately, and I do want to thank industry for their feedback on that. We do want this regime to be one that is suitable for implementation and one that has customer protection at its heart.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003EIn closing, New Zealand has been an outlier internationally in not having a conduct regulation of banking and insurance services. The bill will fill that regulatory gap. It completes the Government\u2019s response to misconduct issues in the banking and insurance sectors and it will ensure consumers are treated fairly when they deal with financial institutions. I\u2019d like to thank again all of those who have had input into the development of the bill and helped it reach this stage. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022 data-id=\u002291d7e8eec6564848935aff9cf11517b4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002291d7e8eec6564848935aff9cf11517b4\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa)\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=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u0022967be89e84f74a0684f44a917eeee967\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022967be89e84f74a0684f44a917eeee967\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY (National\u2014Port Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, it\u2019s my duty to talk on the third reading of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill at its third reading, commonly referred to as the COFI bill. Unfortunately, National does not support and will not be supporting this bill. This is a bill that offers a solution looking for a problem. We don\u2019t know what we\u2019re trying to solve with this bill, and that is why National opposes this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI think it\u2019s useful to talk about the review last year that the Minister referred to, which was undertaken by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and the Reserve Bank. I actually sat on the select committee last year\u2014I think it was last year\u2014when the FMA and the Reserve Bank fronted up to the Finance and Expenditure Committee and talked about their big review that they\u2019ve undertaken into the insurance and the banking sector. The broad conclusion was \u201CWe\u2019ve found no systemic issues.\u201D\u2014right? That was the clear takeaway. But what happened\u2014what happened? There were some examples. I was trying to talk about this last night with Mr Todd McClay, my good colleague here, and thinking how many banking and insurance transactions take place in New Zealand every year. I thought he said 4 billion last night, but I\u2019m not sure. There must be billions of transactions that take place and sometimes people make some mistakes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll tell you who also makes mistakes: the Labour Party make mistakes. The Government makes mistakes, and sometimes they have to fix up legislation, particularly things like the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) amendments, which have caused such devastating impact on the financial sector. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227073dafb9aba4583b0a51ec4a84d4bb1\u0022\u003EHon Dr David Clark\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Madam Speaker. Just seeking some guidance. The member is referring to a bill we\u2019re not debating which his party voted for, and yet he is arguing now it was somehow a mistake. I wonder how he is allowed to continue to debate about a bill that\u2019s not even in the House that his party voted for. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022854d5f1ac23b4fde843aa49b8568eb91\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa)\u003C/span\u003E: I will ask the member to continue his speech, and can I remind members that it is up to the Chair to decide whether or not a debate is actually relevant. But do come back to the bill please, Andrew Bayly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226fb0dea481eb4d53ac22273b1ce4f1bd\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: Just to respond to the Minister\u2019s untimely and inappropriate interjection, as he knows, under the Standing Orders. The CCCFA bill is very, very related to this, and I will be talking about it extensively in a moment. But this bill creates a raft of new compliance on banks and insurance companies, and the issue is it talks about codes of compliance and it talks about codes of responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe issue, and the reason why I was talking about the infamous CCCFA, is that this Minister, because he\u2019s so keen to introduce some legislation and, unfortunately, doesn\u2019t have a good enough grasp of the financial sector, what has happened now is that if we talk about the group that is captured by this called regulated financial institutions\u2014and, just to educate members on the other side, that includes banks, non-bank deposit takers, and also in the case of this bill it includes insurance companies. What it means under the CCCFA is that they have to prepare a code of conduct, and, of course, that is being administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and then we had the Commerce Commission last year scaring the bejesus out of directors and banks and insurance companies by wandering around saying, \u201CIf you do not comply with this, you will know that as a company, you\u2019ll be fined $6 million, and then as a director, you\u2019re up for hundreds of thousands in penalties.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo that\u2019s why we\u2019ve stultified between 6 and 10 percent of loans that otherwise would have been approved last year up to 1 December which are no longer being approved. What this bill does is it creates another responsibility, another code, and this time is it going to be overseen by MBIE or the Commerce Commission? No\u2014no. It\u2019s going to be overseen by the FMA.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003ESo here we are. I\u2019m a director of a small bank\u2014maybe Kiwibank, right\u2014so who am I responsible to? Well, first of all, I\u2019ve got the Reserve Bank breathing down my neck\u2014and, by the way, most appropriately\u2014to make sure I\u2019m doing appropriate lending and all my prudential stuff and all that sort of stuff, and I\u2019ve got all that compliance to do\u2014good stuff. Then I\u2019ve got this infamous CCCFA bill and the new code, so I\u2019ve had to prepare that. I\u2019m in the process of preparing that, about how I\u2019m going to act as a bank or insurance company\u2014how I\u2019m going to act\u2014and then I\u2019ve going to make sure that MBIE and the Commerce Commission are happy with it. Then\u2014oh, just a couple of months later\u2014well, now I\u2019ve got to do another code. I can\u2019t take the same code; I\u2019ve got to create a new one, and walk on down to the FMA and say, \u201CHere\u2019s my new code. Is it OK?\u201D Now, you tell me, who\u2019s got ultimate responsibility between MBIE and the Commerce Commission and the FMA under this bill? No one can say that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EWhat this Minister is doing is crippling the financial sector. We believe that banks and insurance companies should operate appropriately, and if they don\u2019t, they should be subject to all the changes and all the duties and responsibilities and the penalties, and a lot of those are already covered. They\u2019re already provided for\u2014they\u2019re already provided for. There are lots of fees and issues and compliance requirements, but this another layer put on top of those, and if you are a director, or even if you\u2019re an executive\u2014if you\u2019re a CEO of a bank or in the senior management team\u2014guess what! \u201CMr Stuart Smith, you\u2019re the HR person today. Can you go out and hire a whole lot more people? Oh no, you can\u2019t, because we haven\u2019t got anyone to employ in New Zealand and we can\u2019t bring in immigrants from overseas.\u201D Well, maybe you could leave your job and go and get this, because I\u2019m sure he\u2019d be well paid. You would be spending all day long doing compliance.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EWhy can\u2019t we just let the regulations that exist at the moment\u2014there is no problem. There is no systemic issue. Why can\u2019t you just look at those? If you want to beef them up, that\u2019s fine. What the Minister could have done, if he\u2019d been challenging of his officials, was he might have said, \u201CWell, OK, what are the options other than passing this new bill? What are the options, officials?\u201D, and they could have said, \u201CYes, improve the CCCFA. Let\u2019s just tweak it a little bit more. Maybe there\u2019s an area that we need to make sure in the code that covers this new bit.\u201D The Minister might have said, \u201CHmm, that\u2019s a pretty good idea. I quite like that.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThe other thing that the officials could have said is \u201CWhy don\u2019t we beef up the Banking Ombudsman\u2019s role? Why don\u2019t we give her some more responsibility, more funding, and more powers?\u201D That\u2019s obvious\u2014she\u2019s already in place. Why not? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EBut what did the Labour Government come up with and what did this Minister come up with, who is just so desperate to put through legislation through this House? A brand new bill that will cost millions\u2014millions\u2014and guess who\u2019s going to bear the brunt of that!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ba37667e95954c4c862fdc56014ab1f5\u0022\u003EHon Todd McClay\u003C/span\u003E: Who\u2019s that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226006f8488f5e47108e98ac939d812637\u0022\u003EANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll tell you. It\u2019s going to be the first-time buyers, the ones who can\u2019t get a loan\u2014and they\u2019re not going to bear it, are they? That means all the other mortgage holders, they\u2019re all going to bear this because unless the Government is prepared to pick up the tab, what do you think that organisation is going to do? What are the insurers going to do\u2014what are they going to do? All the international insurers in New Zealand, what are they going to do? Are they going to do New Zealand a favour and say, \u201CWe\u2019ll bear that cost. We\u2019ll bear that additional cost because we like what Labour\u2019s doing to us.\u201D? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EI\u2019ll tell you what: I think they might put up the prices. So, particularly, vulnerable people on fixed incomes\u2014guess what\u2019s going to happen to their insurance premiums! Their insurance premiums are going to go up. Now, tell me how that\u2019s kind. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003EThis is a very damaging, very poor piece of legislation, and one of the big things we\u2019re going to have to do when we come into power\u2014the first thing we\u2019re going to have to do is learn to support our financial sector. We\u2019re going to have to declutter this stuff so that people, banks, and insurance companies are accountable to make sure we\u2019ve got the right framework. But what we\u2019re not going to do is overladen them with a whole lot of compliance just for the hell of it so that the Minister can put a new piece of legislation through the House and look good. It\u2019s not looking good, it\u2019s a waste of time, and we\u2019re going to oppose it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022 data-id=\u0022cd9acdc5ee8449f8bff0526df12db67d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cd9acdc5ee8449f8bff0526df12db67d\u0022\u003EBARBARA EDMONDS (Labour\u2014Mana):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s always quite difficult to go after a speech that is loud in volume but not loud in solution. Andrew Bayly, the National member who\u2019s just sat down, said that this bill is a solution looking for a problem. So let me set out in the third reading of this bill what the problems are that this bill is trying to solve, because, unlike the other side of the House, the Labour Party stands up for consumers. It stands up for those small people who are consumers being sold insurance policies that they are ineligible to claim upon. We stand up for those customers who have sales incentives that lead them to being sold products that they don\u2019t need or that don\u2019t suit them. We stand up for life insurance customers who\u2019ve been churned from one policy to another policy, which can result in a loss of their cover. We stand up for people and consumers where there is poor accountability in the financial institutions in which they invest their money. That is what the Labour Party and what this side of the House is standing up for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EIf the other side of the House doesn\u2019t believe us, then have a look at a couple of the reviews that actually said there are problems here. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and the Reserve Bank conduct and culture reviews identified evidence of poor conduct but, more broadly, serious risks and regulatory gaps in our financial system. Again, if you don\u2019t believe the Reserve Bank and if you don\u2019t believe the Financial Markets Authority, how about you believe the International Monetary Fund? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EThe International Monetary Fund said they identified gaps in our regulatory system in the way that our insurers conduct themselves and it recommended that we fill those gaps, and that\u2019s exactly what the Minister said in his speech. New Zealand has been an outlier internationally\u2014an outlier internationally\u2014in not having conduct regulation of banking and insurance services. Again, this bill will fill that gap. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s unfortunate. The member on the other side of the House who said that he sat and he listened and he was vigorous in his contribution and interactions as part of this bill process\u2014well, unfortunately, he failed to listen to the committee of the whole House debate, where the Minister clearly outlined that a small sample was taken by the FMA and the Reserve Bank and that there are about 10 insurers with a total remediation of $1.4 million. Now, $1.4 million may not be an issue for Andrew Bayly, but it is for consumers. It is for the working people of New Zealand, so that\u2019s why this side of the House is filling that regulatory gap. That\u2019s why this side of the House agrees with the International Monetary Fund that we are an outlier and there is regulation that needs to be filled, and so are coming up with solutions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003EAgain, if the members on the other side of the House actually paid attention and looked at the bill, they would notice that there is one very clear safety gap, and it was a small change made by the Finance and Expenditure Committee, which was to have a statutory review in five years\u2019 time. So, therefore, whenever they decide to come back into Government and whenever they decide to unpick a whole lot of changes that are about consumer protection, wait for the five years after this bill has been passed, wait for that statutory review, because the Financial Markets Authority, the Reserve Bank, and the International Monetary Fund all believe there\u2019s a gap. They all believe that this needs to be changed. This side of the House is committed to consumer protection, and therefore I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022 data-id=\u0022fefe9cba8cdd414e880531384a3157d3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fefe9cba8cdd414e880531384a3157d3\u0022\u003EHon TODD McCLAY (National\u2014Rotorua):\u003C/span\u003E Kris Faafoi, as a Minister, started this many, many years ago, and today, as a formerly hard-working constituent MP for Mana, he is retiring. Can I say to that member Barbara Edmonds that she should be as hard-working as he was and retire as well, because that was an appalling speech. All that we actually see from the Government is a desire from Government backbench MPs to read their notes, but not to actually have any understanding of what it means. That member said that the Labour Party stands up for consumers, but she forgot to say \u201Cby making everything more expensive\u201D, and that\u2019s the problem here. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThe Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and the Reserve Bank did do an investigation. They did not find systemic problems in this area in New Zealand. They said that there are things that might be or could be addressed, but they didn\u2019t say that there is a huge gap that insurance companies and banks and others are taking advantage of and that there are consumers up and down New Zealand who are being ripped off. But I tell you where they are being ripped off, again and again and again: it\u2019s by this Government, who believes that the very best way to show that they are hard-working is to pass more rules and more regulations that cost money that are passed on to those consumers. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EIf you think about that Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) legislation\u2014and this same Minister stood in this House last year and gave an absolute guarantee and assurance that the legislation was necessary and needed and that it would protect the consumer and it would make sure that lenders weren\u2019t taking advantage of them all up and down the country\u2014well, actually, it\u2019s the Government that\u2019s taking advantage of them with that legislation, because that Minister was wrong, and we find now that the banks and others and the lenders have had to interpret the Government\u2019s desire to make the consumers safer when they want to borrow, and guess what! So many of them are not getting to borrow any more in New Zealand because the legislation the Minister stood behind and said was good and wouldn\u2019t harm has meant that banks have got to go and have a look and see whether people are buying fish and chips, we even find, and can they afford that mortgage? Mortgages they could have afforded before they no longer get loans for, and they don\u2019t get their homes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225bbd9f26-fdb0-4b85-a836-0fc46e1bba3c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfa389ea12e4490aae5a2d8059c5b730\u0022\u003EHon Dr David Clark\u003C/span\u003E: What about this bill?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221725a7c1af14db79fbf24171d5eff02\u0022\u003EHon TODD McCLAY\u003C/span\u003E: I think this legislation is exactly the same. The members opposite say, \u201CWhat about this bill?\u201D Well, we just heard the Minister in every stage of this legislation, supported by backbench MPs who are reading their notes, saying that this is necessary. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EThe Minister just days ago in this House gave examples of insurance companies selling insurance policies and taking premiums for people who were not alive. That\u2019s fraudulent. It\u2019s already illegal in New Zealand\u2014you can\u2019t act fraudulently. We have laws everywhere to deal with this. This legislation doesn\u2019t fix that. You can\u2019t make something that\u2019s already fraudulent more fraudulent. All you do by creating more legislation and more regulation is add costs up and down the country. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EI do want to say, though, to the Minister that he is working very, very hard. He is bringing a lot of legislation to the House, but bringing in more legislation doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing your job properly. The Hon Dr David \u201CRed Tape\u201D Clark is actually a moniker that he will develop and get because he brings red tape and regulation again and again and again, and it is not free. It does actually cost, and it is costing the consumer. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EActually, if you think about it, we just had debates throughout New Zealand about the cost of living, and everything the Government is involved in costs more, from food to petrol, to rent, to mortgages, and to insurance, and in this case it makes it worse, not better. Now, if the Minister came here and said there are systemic problems in New Zealand, as they have found in other parts of the world\u2014in Australia\u2014and we have huge numbers of New Zealanders that have been taken advantage of and we\u2019re going to change this, there will be a saving for them, and, actually, products that they rely upon will be cheaper, well then, that would be a good thing. But I\u2019m not sure there\u2019s a single thing this Minister or this Government has done in 4\u00BD years in passing legislation that has made it cheaper for the consumer, and this certainly won\u2019t do that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EAll you\u2019ve got to do is go and talk to the banks themselves, the businesses around the country, and, actually, everyday consumers who want to do things, about where their greatest grievance is, and it\u2019s always more and more regulation. You see, if you focus on solving a problem and hold those to account that are causing the problem, well, that\u2019s one thing. But, actually, this is a burden that is placed upon every single institution in New Zealand, and there is a cost to that. There will be institutions that don\u2019t come anywhere near the issue that the Minister is trying to solve, and it\u2019s not overly apparent that it is a big problem in New Zealand, but if all you\u2019re doing is creating legislation and bureaucracy and red tape which means they employ more people and they take more time away from being productive, and you don\u2019t actually solve a problem because there wasn\u2019t a big one there to start with, there is cost. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EMembers opposite say, \u201CWell, actually, it doesn\u2019t matter about that.\u201D, but all they\u2019ve got to do is go and have a little look at what\u2019s happening around consumer confidence in New Zealand, and, actually, the number one issue at the moment, which is the cost of living for almost every single household. They don\u2019t realise that it\u2019s legislation like this, as well meaning as it seems, that is part of the reason that everything\u2014everything\u2014has become more expensive in New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EMinister, you didn\u2019t give good examples of what the actual problem was. You talked a lot about overseas, previously, and you talked a lot about Australia and you said that there had been investigations everywhere. But the Reserve Bank and the FMA did not find a systemic problem. They did not say that, actually, there is a huge issue here in New Zealand. It\u2019s not so much that this is a solution looking for a problem; this is a Government looking for things to do so that they seem to be busy and doing things, but more government is not always good government, because it comes at a cost.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWe are opposing this for the same reason, actually, I believe, we should have opposed the CCCFA. We shouldn\u2019t have taken the Minister at his word that it was a good piece of legislation and it would help. We shouldn\u2019t have taken him at his word when he said that it would only focus on the parts of the industry that were harming people, because it has done a lot of harm across New Zealand to many people who now find either they actually can\u2019t get the bank loans they need, or the cost of those bank loans has gone up because of the long bureaucratic processes and information they must provide for the banks to make decisions that were easy previously, and I fear this will be exactly the same thing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003ESo when consumers call up the financial institution, their banks, or the insurance company and say, \u201CI want a new piece of insurance, please, Mr Insurance Co.\u201D, well, the cost is going to be greater once this legislation enters into force than it was before this Government started this process, and the reason for that is that there is extra cost being placed upon business and it always gets passed on to the consumer. It\u2019s never the Government that meets it; it\u2019s passed on to the consumer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EFinally, in respect of this, I would ask the Minister, actually\u2014and the last speaker said it\u2014not to rely upon a revision clause you put in legislation in five years\u2019 time, because, actually, it will be too late in five years\u2019 time to reimburse the extra cost that\u2019s been placed upon the consumer as a result of this. There is always in good legislation the opportunity to do a review at a point in the future. But we shouldn\u2019t say, \u201CWell, actually, there\u2019s no systemic problem here. We\u2019re not like other parts of the world. We haven\u2019t really identified, actually, much challenge. There will be people acting fraudulently, but, guess what! That\u2019s already covered by law in New Zealand. So we\u2019re going to create a whole lot more regulation and cost to place on the consumer and take time away from our financial institutions from being productive\u2014because productive institutions work well and don\u2019t have unnecessary costs that have to be passed on\u2014and say, \u2018But don\u2019t worry, if we\u2019ve got it wrong, we\u2019ll go back and review it in five years\u2019 time.\u2019 \u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EWell, with the CCCFA legislation, the Minister has already said that there\u2019s going to have to be some changes. It\u2019s not five years later; it\u2019s not even a year later, and the Minister actually should be getting these through the House as quickly as he can and not taking his time, because every single day, people that want to borrow and who can afford those loans are finding it more difficult than they should or more costly than it needs to be to get their loan, and, sadly\u2014as far as this legislation\u2019s concerned; as well meaning as it is\u2014the same will be the case. There\u2019s extra cost without any real, clear benefit for the consumer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c0f78f60-c2fd-46f4-8138-72f39692fc20\u0022\u003EGovernments have to legislate\u2014we get that\u2014but Governments should do less, not more, and, actually, in this case, they are doing not less, but more cost upon the consumer. We\u2019ll see much more of this. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u0022c5c6d904a2284f628f39b468de253447\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c5c6d904a2284f628f39b468de253447\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E It\u2019s very serendipitous that this bill is coming for its third reading today. I welcome the gallery full of, I presume, many people from the Mana electorate, who will very proudly know that it was Kris Faafoi, their MP before the current MP Barbara Edmonds, who actually brought this bill to the House. I think on the day of his valedictory, it is incredibly serendipitous that it is going through the House because this bill is about looking after those who are preyed on by institutions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EThose of us who have electorates know, and most people here have an office somewhere where, often, we have people who have come in who have found themselves in incredible financial situations, and you don\u2019t need to dig very deep to work out many of them are paying for products they simply don\u2019t need. They were people who, when they were confronted by someone selling them a product, whether it be a relatively low-cost insurance one, right up through to perhaps a loan that they could have actually got the money elsewhere. They are the people who do need some protection. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EBanks are very powerful institutions, in particular. In fact, they are such powerful institutions that they have had to be secured and saved many times in history, with the most recent time in 2008, when most of them nationalised their debts, because had they been let go, we would have been in the 1929 situation. So what did the world do? The world printed lots of money to give to the banks so they could keep operating. Now, that would have been a good way if that had been in some way returned to the public, but all that happened was that money then was spent on houses and other things that we\u2019re now paying the price of. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo the world does need protection\u2014people do need protection\u2014from these institutions. They are not bad people. I know a lot of people who work in the financial world, and they\u2019re not bad people. They\u2019re doing the job they\u2019re incentivised to do, and that\u2019s what this bill is about: making sure we don\u2019t provide perverse and wrong incentives to people to actually force them, often against their will, but because they need to make a living, to prey on people who are the most vulnerable. That\u2019s what this bill is about. It\u2019s just ensuring that people who trust those who come in, and there are people who trust those who come in with a degree who, basically, come from another side of town than they do, and actually they don\u2019t have really the wherewithal or the ability to stand up\u2014and they end up signing on the dotted line, and that\u2019s why we need a bill like this. In fact, some of the people whom this is giving protection to are those who will have been forced as part of their living to actually sell these products. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s quite interesting. The previous speaker Todd McClay talked about \u201CWe don\u2019t need this in New Zealand. A lot of the talk about this came from what happened in Australia.\u201D Well, when we start comparing ourselves with Australia, yes, like with many things, we weren\u2019t as bad as the Aussies, but boy, that doesn\u2019t make us good. It just meant that, actually, we may not have needed quite the heavy fix that the Aussies needed, and they did need a heavy fix as a result of their commission of inquiry. Anyone who wants some good bedtime reading, read that commission of inquiry and you\u2019ll find out what goes wrong when you actually end up with the institutions running the manor. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESorry, Mr Faafoi\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002284425a1e867d4f559c81068fab36a32b\u0022\u003EHon Kris Faafoi\u003C/span\u003E: No, no\u2014no, no. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002235b9a3d3db474f549ee42891d9911f29\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014I\u2019m on a roll. Mr Faafoi was a whip in this House when I first arrived, and the whips, for those who don\u2019t know, have ultimate power in this House. When they stand up and say, \u201Cshut up\u201D, you shut up. But Mr Faafoi, you\u2019re on your last day\u2014I\u2019m going to talk for another 10 minutes, and you\u2019re going to stop me. As they always say, \u201COnce a whip, always a whip.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EAnyway, I think I\u2019ve forcibly made my point that, yes, there is absolutely a need for this legislation. Yes, as a dying legacy of this member who is actually leaving here today, if he can be proud of the many things he has done here, he can leave and know that he\u2019s done his electorate people proud, who need protection from those from financial institutions who prey, willingly or not, on them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u00221bdc5bd572f94a3997d02a66763bdc3f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221bdc5bd572f94a3997d02a66763bdc3f\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green) (remote):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Madam Speaker. I\u2019m speaking on behalf of the Green Party in the third reading of the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill. Like many other speakers, I want to acknowledge the long journey that this bill has had of almost three years, and acknowledge former Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Kris Faafoi, who is, I believe, sitting in the House\u2014I can see him, I think, via the Zoom screen. Just wishing the member well, and good on him for taking some time to be with his wh\u0101nau.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EDuring this debate, I\u2019ve heard the previous National Party speaker Todd McClay berating his Labour counterparts for just taking time to read off their notes. I just want to say that I am deeply impressed as well at the National Party members being able to fill 10 minutes of time talking about many things, but not a lot to do with the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EThe bill itself is just creating a licensing regime for banks, insurers, and non-bank deposit takers in respect to their general conduct, including aspects of how they design and offer sales incentives. It will also make licensed entities accountable for non-advised sales by intermediaries, and prohibits sales incentives based on volume or value sales targets. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003ELike other speakers said, there were issues identified overseas on the operations of banks, and we\u2019ve been called out by many institutions by the lack of regulations that we have in this area, so I do think it is timely that we move on to introduce some of these regulations. I don\u2019t think we need to be waiting for things to go catastrophically wrong to put in place regulations when overseas examples exist of banks going awry, and the member Greg O\u2019Connor touched on some of those examples. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003ESo the Green Party does support having a transparent and well-regulated and accountable financial services sector. I think this bill goes some way towards that. If the previous National Party speaker ends up being correct and there are some unintended consequences from this bill, I trust the Government will promptly go back and fine-tune those issues that may arise. But having read the Finance and Expenditure Committee\u2019s report, I think, if anything, there was plenty of collaboration going into producing amendments that would make this bill as constructive as possible, so I hope that there will be none of those issues that the National Party member was speaking of. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EUltimately, I think banks as an institution do need regulation. They are massively powerful entities and, again, I think it is time that New Zealand has proper regulations on this issue. So we\u2019re happy to commend this bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022 data-id=\u00226192e5baed7c4fe1b42c021ba46637e4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d14b1afe-2069-41e4-96fa-c8dc81a991a4\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226192e5baed7c4fe1b42c021ba46637e4\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Hon Jenny Salesa)\u003C/span\u003E: Before I call the next speaker, I\u2019d like to acknowledge and thank the Hon Kris Faafoi, our friend and colleague. We will really miss you from this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022 data-id=\u0022cc94d96ceebe4a9cba7688b9e01bb48e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cc94d96ceebe4a9cba7688b9e01bb48e\u0022\u003EDAMIEN SMITH (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the ACT Party of New Zealand, New Zealand\u2019s fastest-growing party, we\u2019d like to thank Minister Faafoi for all his service and wish him the best with the next stage of his life and enjoying his family.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EWe will keep this short. We\u2019re not here to ostracise the bill itself. Some of it is laudable, but it sort of misses the target. There\u2019s a lack of clarity around this bill, which I think needed to be required, and this uncertainty comes at a time when institutions are already trying to adapt to other financial services legislation, and it did bring into question the ACT Party\u2019s supporting this bill because of its fitness for purpose. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EBad behaviour is the intended target of this bill, but it\u2019s not to be fixed by regulations. If one financial institution is behaving badly, consumers will move away from that and they\u2019ll go to an institution that provides a better service, and this competition would be a far better way to address bad behaviour than imposing a sort of vague requirement to have a fair conduct policy. So the problems identified by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, I think, have been overblown. The problems around incentives in this country are not the same issues you have in the United States model, and the issue of functioning in the free market should be that greater competition and other methods that are proposed in this bill should have been allowed to take over and regulate that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EThe one final issue that we had in the bill which we think still hasn\u2019t been got right is that the regulatory perimeter should not have been based on licences issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Accordingly, setting the regulatory perimeter of the bill is based on a licence. It does not relate to the activities the bill intends to relieve, so it\u2019s not actually logical, and it has caught in its net non-bank deposit lenders and a vast majority of financial institutions that have not had anything to do with deposit-taking, or if they have had to do with deposit-taking, they\u2019ve put at the centre of their business models the treatment of customers fairly. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a97e1705-20b1-4844-8140-1090426c1397\u0022\u003EI reiterate my passion and belief that business societies and credit unions should have been exempted from this and that we must address this issue to help society, especially in the metro areas and in the regional areas of New Zealand. So ACT opposes this bill, but it could have been something that we may have supported.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022 data-id=\u00224c9f6e4c00f74b10bab9d9fb2efd785c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224c9f6e4c00f74b10bab9d9fb2efd785c\u0022\u003EINGRID LEARY (Labour\u2014Taieri):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a little daunting standing up with this many people in the gallery, who have probably not come to listen to the legislative statement or the debates on the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill. However, it is a testament to my friend and colleague the Hon Kris Faafoi that the place is so full both with colleagues and with people in the gallery. So if you will indulge me, Mr Speaker, I\u2019d just like to refer to the ministerial portfolios that the Minister has held because, indeed, this piece of work is a legacy piece of work from that Minister, who has been Minister of Justice, Minister of Commerce, Broadcasting and Media, Minister of Immigration, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Minister of Government Digital Services, Minister of Civil Defence, and Minister of Customs. He\u2019s the former MP for Mana. He\u2019s a fantastic father, which I think is why he\u2019s leaving us, and we found out last night he\u2019s also an excellent karaoke singer. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EHowever, to much more riveting things\u2014back to this bill. Seriously, what we\u2019ve heard today is a bit of an argument about what is the problem we\u2019re trying to solve, and members of the Opposition would say that there is no problem. But, actually, I\u2019ve spoken before in this House about the New Zealand Credit Union credit care service and my constituent, John Cavanagh. He\u2019s a 73-year-old from Milton who for 40 years paid into an insurance scheme which, very sadly, closed last year, and his payout from that scheme\u2014because he was over the age of 73, he was given $50 compensation. Now, that was a funeral insurance scheme. It was designed for people to receive $10,000 cover so that they could do the right thing by their friends and wh\u0101nau and leave something so that their funerals were taken care of, but, sadly, there was falling membership and increasing payouts. Now, that is something that was entirely predictable, if I can say so. But there was nobody there looking over the sector to see that something like this would happen, and people like John Cavanagh got a measly $50 payout after contributing to that scheme for 40 years. That is simply unacceptable. That is a real problem, and the problem is because there hasn\u2019t been regulation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ENow, this Government doesn\u2019t take regulation lightly. We know that with policy responses, the common saying is that there are carrots, sticks, and sermons. Sermons haven\u2019t worked with this sector and incentives don\u2019t work with the sector, and certainly in the regulatory statement, the officials have said there is \u201Cstrong evidence of conduct risks and issues\u201D. There have been several \u201Cthematic reports into bank incentives and soft commissions in the life and health insurance industry.\u201D, and there is plenty of evidence to show that this is a problem and it requires regulation. It requires the sticks in order to make sure that people like John Cavanagh of my electorate and many others in his situation in the South are not ripped off, either intentionally or just through simply an insurance scheme that didn\u2019t quite work. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EWhen we look at intentionality, we\u2019ve heard today in the House that there are incentives for some insurance brokers where, if they can get 10 people to get over the line with purchasing insurance, they might get, say, a trip to Hawaii or another incentive. That is not something that should be encouraged. If it is encouraged, then it should be clear to the consumers so they know what is motivating the person who is saying that they are acting in their best interests. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003EAll of this is about levelling the playing field, and I have to say that my good friend and colleague the Hon Dr David Clark, who has taken over shepherding this bill, has put in several pieces of legislation. As the Opposition has quite rightly said, he has been very busy, and that is because we believe in competition and we believe in protecting the rights of consumers so that we can level the playing field and have some equity in our financial services. It\u2019s not just about doing the right thing; it is also about financial stability, because without that equity in the finance system, there can be instability. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002296f5f6b7-c116-477e-88a9-ea17aa616886\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m really pleased that the people in the gallery have stayed to listen to this really important debate on the conduct of financial institutions. Once again\u2014being maybe the last speaker before we go to the valedictory\u2014I\u2019d just like to acknowledge my friend and colleague the Hon Kris Faafoi and wish him really well on his journey. With that, 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=\u002260a9c4405812413494b5a3a1138b60fd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002260a9c4405812413494b5a3a1138b60fd\u0022\u003ESTUART SMITH (National\u2014Kaik\u014Dura):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. As there is a bit of time, I won\u2019t steal your thunder, Mr Faafoi, but, look, it gives me great pleasure to speak on the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThe fact is that Labour loves red tape, and that\u2019s what this bill is all about. The Hon Jacqui Dean went around the country talking to people about red tape. She was overwhelmed by people talking to her about red tape and what we don\u2019t want. What\u2019s the sand in the gears of the economy? It is red tape, and that\u2019s what this bill is all about. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve got this on top of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. As my colleague Andrew Bayly said earlier in the day, 6 percent to 10 percent of loans didn\u2019t go ahead because of the effects of that particular Act. We\u2019re going to see a similar impact from this sort of thing, as well. It\u2019s well-intentioned, but good intentions are really not enough. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003EThere has to be a much better effort from the Government to actually not bring in unnecessary laws such as this one. We oppose it. We are actually a party that stands for smooth and necessary regulations, not unnecessary ones.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u002210bfd3a12bee401d82d640def9c1e455\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002210bfd3a12bee401d82d640def9c1e455\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Order! This debate is interrupted and set down for resumption next sitting day. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022489c4b8b69cb4881b8d473e123f3b60c\u0022\u003EValedictory Statements\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b699c4fd700f41628649f8cde46f515a\u0022\u003EValedictory Statements\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022 data-id=\u0022edbc5a517eef4e908d2001b22d3fbde6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002279db8b64-1f9b-4416-9b81-a12963db9cbf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022edbc5a517eef4e908d2001b22d3fbde6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Members, I\u2019ll indicate now that at the conclusion of the Hon Kris Faafoi\u2019s valedictory, the House will adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 28 June 2022, so I don\u2019t have to interrupt the commiserations or the celebrations that occur when his speech ends. I call on the Hon Kris Faafoi to make his valedictory statement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022 data-id=\u0022dd36594ff3ce46e6a144a1ae8f793f95\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dd36594ff3ce46e6a144a1ae8f793f95\u0022\u003EHon KRIS FAAFOI (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E M\u0101l\u014D ni, Mr Speaker. The beginning, they say, is a very good place to start, and there was a moment in the Mana by-election back in late 2010 when I knew that politics was going to be a great mixture of challenge and fun. My National Party opponent was the Hon Hekia Parata\u2014and can I acknowledge her and the late Sir Wira Gardiner. During that campaign, Hekia and I were being labelled as carpetbaggers\u2014outsiders being choppered in to run in an electorate. It was not unfair!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo make this point, during a debate in Cannons Creek, some clever bastard decided to ask every candidate, \u201CHow much time have you actually spent investing in our community?\u201D I fluffed through an answer that would have the current Kris Faafoi with his face in his hands. Then the microphone was passed to the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis candidate, Julian Crawford, who gave one of the best answers I have seen at a local debate: \u201CWell, actually,\u201D he said, \u201Cwith certainty I\u2019ve invested 120 hours of my life in this community.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EAnd what a community Mana is, now in the hands of my friend, the amazing and talented Barbara Edmonds, who has a long future in that seat, and I am sure she will make a massive contribution to the country during her tenure. From Linden, in the south, encompassing all of Porirua, and stretching north to take in the southern part of K\u0101piti, I was honoured to spend 10 years representing the people of Mana. I love and miss seeing those people on a daily basis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ECan I thank those people who sat on our local electorate committee during my time: Lynne Renouf; John Grundy; Jenny Dawson and her husband, Jim McAloon; Ken Douglas; Phil Major; Sheryn Elborn; Mark James; and many more. I also want to thank those who helped me at the very outset: Shane Laulu, Litea Ah Hoi, the late Murdo MacMillan, our Wellington power-broker Paul Tolich, and John Ryall. John, I know you\u2019re going through health challenges; the Labour wh\u0101nau sends our love to you and yours.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EI also want to mark a very special community leader in Porirua East: the late Reverend Perema Leasi. He was a staunch supporter for more quality social housing, especially on a piece of land that stood vacant for nearly a decade, on what is known locally as the Castor Loop. I\u2019m proud that a Labour Government delivered that, but also sad that Perema was not there to see those families move into those homes. His daughter Brenda is with us today. To Brenda and family: you know how much we loved your dad. He has left a legacy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EPolitics is a funny business. I never thought, when I first walked on to this precinct as a junior journalist running errands for Duncan Garner and Mark Sainsbury, that I\u2019d be an MP, let alone sit around the Cabinet table. So I want to acknowledge Phil Goff, our former leader, who hired me in his media team. I also served a short stint as his chief press secretary. When preparing for a media interview, Phil, without fail, would ask, \u201CYeah\u2014now, what I really need is everything on that topic.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EOn one occasion, The Herald on Sunday wanted to do a colour piece on Phil. True to form, the words came: \u201CYeah\u2014now, what I need is everything on \u2026\u201D, and I cheekily fired back \u201CPhil Goff?\u201D There was a moment of silence, some awkwardness, and, as everyone who knows Phil, raucous laughter. I survived that. Who knows what would\u2019ve happened if I hadn\u2019t. Some of my friends from that office are still around: the Prime Minister\u2019s Chief of Staff, Raj Nahna; Richard Trow; our pollster, David Talbot; and Philippa Bell, just to name a few. And I can\u2019t not thank my friend Gordon Jon Thompson. Before the meeting when Phil and Annette sounded me out about running for Parliament, I asked GJ what the meeting was about. With a shrewd grin, he told me, \u201CI don\u2019t know, but whatever they ask, say no.\u201D Also, to John Harvey, I haven\u2019t seen you in a while, Harv, but I think of you lots. Thanks for supporting me.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EThat brings me to John\u2019s old boss and co-conspirator, the Hon Dame Annette King. Annette\u2019s role in keeping this party together needs recognition. In Opposition, there was no better camp mother than Annette King. She would dish out political, financial, relationship, career, and dental advice to those who did and did not seek it. I spent many an occasion receiving wisdom from her as she read Official Information Act requests, wrote written questions, prepared oral questions, and played Candy Crush all at the same time. Annette and Ray, thank you; you\u2019ve given my family so much love. On behalf of Mae and I and the boys, we love you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EFriends away from politics also need to be thanked for letting me know when my head needed to be removed from my backside after spending too much time around this place. My mates Ricky Winter, Vincent Foleni, and Joseph Tulia and their wonderful partners are in the gallery today. Thanks, lads, and to all the boys from Christchurch: go the Crusaders. We are Rowley for life. I can say that now!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Eleisha McNeill, Andrew and Jenny Frazer, also our old St Austell Close neighbours\u2014Adam, Nadia, Mitch, Phil, Deano and the crew\u2014thanks for keeping an eye on Mae and the boys, especially when Theo was young and not well. Mischa and Dixon, thanks for your friendship in Greytown. And in T\u012Btahi Bay, the Dawsons, Glen Timihou, the crew at the RSA, the bowling club, the surf club\u2014which all had bars\u2014and Kerry Delaney all need thanking.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EPolitics is hard, and it\u2019s not the easiest place to make friends, but by osmosis that does happen. Some special mentions need to be made: first, to my mate Clayton Cosgrove. You\u2019re as loyal as the day is long. You don\u2019t suffer fools, and we\u2019ve passed judgment together on a number of them. As whip, I could never find you when you were on House roster, so it\u2019s wonderful to see you in the House today. I apologise for spreading that rumour that you were going into business with a certain former colleague of ours, but Woodsy put me up to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Grant Robertson, I struggle to put into words how much I\u2019ve appreciated your wealth of wisdom, compassion, intelligence, and judgment. I will miss having you in my life on a regular basis. You are our Cullen. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo my office neighbour for the last few years, Damien O\u2019Connor, thanks for your direct and friendly wisdom and advice. Same to you, Stu\u2014love to you and Sarah. And to the Rt Rev Hon Dr David Clark, you\u2019ve been a great and true friend.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Andrew Little, you rebuilt our caucus after 2014. It was not in a good way, and history needs to know that while that rebuild may not have shown in the polls, you need credit for getting the party to where it needed to be. To other friends who went through those tough times\u2014Carmel, Chippy, Peeni, Kelvin, Jenny, Parker, yourself, Mr Speaker, and others\u2014go well. McAnulty, it\u2019s good to see you in a ministry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo my mates to my right. Megan, I will miss our chat times. You have kept me sane and grounded in this weird and wonderful place. I will not miss your constant jibes and willingness to tell anyone that I am the only Pacific Islander alive that is allergic to seafood. You\u2019ve been my best mate, and the friendship I know will endure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo my Pacific caucus colleagues, fakafetai lahi lele. Our Pacific caucus shows the connection that Labour has to our Pacific community. I\u2019m not sure when we\u2019ll get another Tokelauan, but we will, and I\u2019m sure Anahila will be there to take a selfie.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EPrime Minister, can I thank you. You are world class. While many of us were part of the Government that implemented our response to COVID, you led it. You stayed ahead of its curve, understood its threat, and took the country with us. We are, unfortunately, seeing every day families suffering loss from Omicron. However, there are people alive today because of you Prime Minister. You took in expert advice, trusted the science, and led brave and difficult decisions. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EPrime Minister, I have had one outstanding issue, though, since Pasifika in 2012. I know you remember. I said I\u2019d donate $500 to your campaign if you got up and danced on stage with a group. I never thought you\u2019d do it, and you did. Prime Minister, I know it\u2019s been 10 years, but earlier this week I donated $500 to the Mt Albert Labour electorate committee. That\u2019s the receipt. I thought about adjusting it for inflation, but\u2014ha, ha! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EPM, my final note to you is to say it was a deep honour to accompany you on our visit to Tokelau. It meant so much to the people on the islands and here at home. The time on the HMNZS Otago will have to go down as a highlight of my last five years. Prime Minister, the experience of going back to the place my mother and father were born and raised meant so much, and to do it accompanying you as our PM was next level. You took the climate change concerns of young children in Tokelau and amplified them in the United Nations General Assembly. Jacinda, I will miss being part of your team. Lots of love to you and to Clarke. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s obvious that being a Minister is massive privilege, but it\u2019s a responsibility that arrives with a force. Back in 2017, I was still sitting amongst moving boxes in the first 24 hours of Government when then Civil Defence Director Sarah Stuart-Black\u2014or Norm, as we know her\u2014and the ever ready Civil Defence Private Secretary Stefan Weir arrived and\u2014excuse my French, Mr Speaker\u2014scared the shit out of me. One minute I was stressing about cardboard boxes, the next minute two strangers calling me Minister were telling me that \u201Cif the \u2018big one\u2019 happens, we\u2019re coming to get you wherever you are, whatever you\u2019re doing.\u201D I want to acknowledge the emergency management sector\u2014you are all great people. I\u2019m proud of the work this Government has done to reform and resource emergency management. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EThe changes and responses that the Government made in the commerce space I am also proud of. From introducing market studies, cracking down on loan sharks, and better ensuring financial advice suits consumers. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with everyone in that sector, especially as we all banded together when COVID hit. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EImmigration, at the best of times, is always a challenging portfolio. I don\u2019t wish the circumstances of the last two years on any other immigration Minister. Closing our border was the right thing to do; it kept New Zealand safe. But it created difficulties, and very few, if any, levers that didn\u2019t pose heightened COVID risk. I am proud of the 2021 residence visa, our rebalance, and our response to the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan and in the Ukraine. I\u2019d also like to thank the hort sector for the way we have engaged over the last two years. Yes, it was difficult at times, but it was also respectful. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EI want to wish my colleague Willie Jackson all the best as he steers a new public media entity towards its new journey. It\u2019s been a piece of work that I am proud of and must be done. To the naysayers on both left and right: you need to get with the times. You also need to realise that public media is for all the public, and not just those who like to listen to the conundrum. The real conundrum is this: if public media doesn\u2019t change, the very people who need trusted sources of news, information, and their identity won\u2019t have it available to them as previous generations have. We know that right now those audiences are not engaging with public media. In the new future, the orchestra, the opera, \u014Ctara, and Oxford, will all be at home on the platforms of the new media entity. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EOne of my favourite experiences in that broadcasting portfolio was a Friday afternoon visit to offices of New Zealand Media and Entertainment in Auckland. I was given a tour of the newsroom and then found myself in the Radio Hauraki office at happy hour. After obliging an offer of an ice-cold Wakachangi beer, I was invited into the studio and offered another ice-cold beer, which I must admit was going down very well after a busy week. They gave me a guitar to take part in an on-air competition which, unbeknown to me, was won by an old school friend in Christchurch. But my most vivid memory was of the immense unease of my broadcasting private secretary, feeling like she was losing control of the situation and of her Minister. I left after the second Wakachangi despite being offered a third.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ERight. The final stretch\u2014more thankyous. To all my former electorate office staff: special mention to Geoff Hayward, Naomi Siania, Brenda Leasi, Maryke Barnard. To all the amazing private secretaries who we\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with over the last five years: we have been blessed with the Public Service\u2019s best\u2014you are all amazing. To the political staff, past and present\u2014to Esther, Lindsay, Peter Stevens, Kurt McLauchlan somehow snuck on to the list, as has Sally Page, Maryke Barnard again, and more recently, the talented Tabitha McMaster, Alexi Grimstrupp, and Jo Ramsay. Thank you and sorry for when I forgot to, or wilfully didn\u2019t take, your wise counsel. To my long-serving electorate office extraordinaire and senior private secretary Miranda Livapulu. Miranda, you\u2019ve put up with me for 10 years, and I think I saw a hint of relief last Monday when I announced my resignation. Love to you and to Don and your amazing kids. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Matt Swann and James Baigent, two of the best men an MP could ever hope for. From young members, campaign powerhouses, MP\u2019s support and then ministerial advisers\u2014your enthusiasm during street corner meetings, sign waving, putting up election signs, and sausage sizzles was epic. On one day of campaigning, I recall there being at least a dozen sausage sizzles that we had come into close contact with. As the day wore on, we had dutifully, and increasingly reluctantly, purchased the small goods in support of good causes. Early that evening, we thought we were done, until we pulled up to Pak \u2019N Save Porirua and right in front of our carpark was sausage sizzle No. 13. What happened next was pure campaign farce, as I looked back at them and said, \u201CWhich one of you bastards is eating this sausage?\u201D Matt, you were a great executive assistant and, James, the last three years having you as my ministerial adviser has been one of the pleasures of being a Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo my family, to my siblings Lance, Jason, and Maria, and your amazing families, your children Charlie and Jess, your partner Denzel, and your beautiful daughter, my grand-niece Lauryn, you\u2019ve always been there to support me\u2014thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Mum, I love you. My mum is a habitual watcher of Parliament TV. If I was absent from the House during question time, it would be not uncommon to get a text from Mum: \u201CWhere are you?\u201D And if I got told off by the Speaker, Mum might message: \u201CWhat did you say?\u201D\u2014sorry, Mum. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EWe lost Dad in 2013. We miss him every day. It would have been great to lean on him for advice, especially in the last five years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo my, hopefully, soon to be in-laws, Chris and Christine, Emma and George, Sam and Maggie, thank you for being so loving and supportive of us. George and Emma, you are a wonderful uncle and auntie, and Chris and Christine, you are a wonderful Nannee and Tramps to the boys. Your home in Pohangina has been an awesome place to get away from politics, and we look forward to spending more time on the farm.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo George, Fred, and Theo, three young men I love so much, I hope the excitement of being around me doesn\u2019t rub off too quickly\u2014I don\u2019t hold out much hope. I am so proud of you. George, you\u2019re an amazing young man. George wrote me a note the day after the 2017 election. It said, \u201CHard luck, Dad\u2014you still have the specials.\u201D George was right\u2014the specials came through. Thank you, George. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EFred, I love you so much. You were the first person to text when the PM announced my leaving politics. You said, \u201CCongratulations, Dad. Love you\u201D. Fred, your dad was so nervous at that moment, but you cut through all of that. You reinforced that I\u2019d made the right decision\u2014thank you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Theo, happy birthday for yesterday! You are five. School is cool, and so are you. I have threatened that I will come to school every day with you as my new job, but I promise I won\u2019t do that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EGeorge, Fred, and Theo, you are a wonderful reason to make this hard decision to leave politics. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo Mae, you are an amazing and wonderful mum to Theo, and step-mum to George and Fred. Your support over the last eight years has been massive. This year, we were meant to get married; COVID got in the way. Let\u2019s do that soon. I\u2019ll be home more now and I\u2019m worried that you will change your mind. If you marry me, I promise I will stop calling our joint account \u201Cthe flat account\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EWell, that is it. A few final thanks. To VIP, thank you so much for looking after us. You see every side of the ministerial life, but especially you look after our families. That has meant so much. I\u2019ve enjoyed our journeys and chats to escape politics. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo everyone in this building that make things tick, who protect us, feed us, and fix the things we break; to the Clerk\u2019s Office, the House staff, and the Cabinet office. To our parliamentary rugby team and cricket team, thanks for the good times\u2014Bish, good luck for the next couple of days. To all MPs in this House, thank you. It\u2019s been fun, fierce, and fair. To all my Labour colleagues, you are my tribe and I wish you all the best. It has been a roller coaster ride, an honour, and a privilege, and I look forward to new beginnings and am thankful for the experiences of serving in New Zealand\u2019s Parliament.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EI\u2019m not sure if my mate from the Legalise Cannabis Party has done any more community service. But, as I finish today, I have calculated that I served 105,233 hours in this House and to the Labour Party, and during that time, even the bad times were good. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003ETo all, have a Happy Matariki. Fakafetai, fakafetai, fakafetai lahi lele. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EWaiata\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 4.58 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202206232139289d93274aaf9dd6d852e037c1a2000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002290ea1538-43e8-4257-bd80-df3ccd1e5f27\u0022\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"