"\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224c8fe4ba91fa4db68a4cbfc1391672e1\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 7 MARCH 2024\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002290e52f344fa747a9ac0e62f0739441ce\u0022\u003ETHURSDAY, 7 MARCH 2024\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000002\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022fb14f14958604f478b54fc1625cb5477\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226741cab21bb14ad0abe8133f05f2b2ac\u0022\u003EKarakia/Prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022a5519cad564047c9911732ab77d40a6a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a5519cad564047c9911732ab77d40a6a\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Assistant Speaker):\u003C/span\u003E E te Atua kaha rawa, ka tuku whakamoemiti atu m\u0101tou, m\u014D ng\u0101 karakia kua waihotia mai ki runga i a m\u0101tou. Ka waiho i \u014D m\u0101tou p\u0101nga whaiaro katoa ki te taha. Ka mihi m\u0101tou ki te K\u012Bngi, me te inoi atu m\u014D te \u0101rahitanga i roto i \u014D m\u0101tou whakaaroarohanga, kia m\u014Dhio ai, kia whakaiti ai t\u0101 m\u0101tou whakahaere i ng\u0101 take o te Whare nei, m\u014D te oranga, te maung\u0101rongo, me te aroha o Aotearoa. \u0100mene.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000007\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E[Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King, and pray for guidance in our deliberations, that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom and humility, for the welfare, peace, and compassion of New Zealand. Amen.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224288f4c1520840098c47258de4772327\u0022\u003EList Member Elected\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d9fc5fdd2bdb445f85ebd1648a77f809\u0022\u003EGreen Party of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2014Dr Lawrence Xi Xu-Nan\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022660b05f97a874e899b24267b4816bac0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022660b05f97a874e899b24267b4816bac0\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Members, I have been advised by the Electoral Commissioner that under section 138 of the Electoral Act 1993, Lawrence Xi Xu-Nan has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives to fill the vacancy created by the death of Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101 Efeso Collins. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00221326c1df51254b88af80eee0d6ccd297\u0022\u003EMembers Sworn\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002230288e3d7fab4c609826115ecc70a01e\u0022\u003EMembers Sworn\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00226b6ac4484fb24e38980652217540089f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226b6ac4484fb24e38980652217540089f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I understand that Lawrence Xi Xu-Nan is present and wishes to make the Affirmation of Allegiance. Would he please come forward to my right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223cc9806d-f7ef-4e23-a218-442f20bf8591\u0022 data-id=\u0022ce54df54aebd4c1b8af92d20922e08e0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223cc9806d-f7ef-4e23-a218-442f20bf8591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ce54df54aebd4c1b8af92d20922e08e0\u0022\u003EDr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Ko ahau, ko Lawrence Xi Xu-Nan, e k\u012B i runga i te pono, i te tika, i te ng\u0101kau tapatahi, me te whaka\u016B an\u014D ka noho pirihonga, ka noho p\u016Bmau ki a K\u012Bngi Ti\u0101re te Tuatoru me t\u014Dna k\u0101hui whakaheke e ai ki te ture. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223cc9806d-f7ef-4e23-a218-442f20bf8591\u0022\u003E[I, Lawrence Xi Xu-Nan, solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, His heirs and successors, according to law.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223cc9806d-f7ef-4e23-a218-442f20bf8591\u0022\u003E\u6211\uFF0CLawrence Xi Xu-Nan\uFF0C\u90D1\u91CD\u3001\u8BDA\u631A\u3001\u771F\u5B9E\u58F0\u660E\u5E76\u786E\u8BA4\uFF0C\u6211\u5C06\u4F9D\u6CD5\u5FE0\u5B9E\u6548\u5FE0\u4E8E\u67E5\u5C14\u65AF\u4E09\u4E16\u56FD\u738B\u965B\u4E0B\u3001\u4ED6\u7684\u7EE7\u627F\u4EBA\u548C\u7EE7\u4EFB\u8005\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224482233f800c4b6888a62d8bdedd2cdd\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00226b675b2126014572a03b38c1cca088d0\u0022\u003EBusiness Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022c18cf56b8e2646fcbd3e1eb7d820abe8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c18cf56b8e2646fcbd3e1eb7d820abe8\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Today, the House will adjourn, after a four-week block, until Tuesday, 19 March. Legislation to be considered in that week will include further stages of the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, the European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill, the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023-24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill, and the Misuse of Drugs (Pseudoephedrine) Amendment Bill. Wednesday will be a members\u2019 day, and on Thursday, there will be a one-hour special debate on the report of the Petitions Committee on the petition of Claire Dale to make mobility parking enforceable on all public-use property and increase fines. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022bbd2312d3eaa49e2b00a6ac27d88fcea\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bbd2312d3eaa49e2b00a6ac27d88fcea\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Is the Leader of the House saying that we will finally have a sitting week without the use of urgency? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u00220b6ff77136ee426589c007b56ff103cd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220b6ff77136ee426589c007b56ff103cd\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Well, that depends on the decisions that the House makes at the time. There\u2019s plenty of business to get on with. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022026ec31e8ddf454f9a3052b00d1dfefe\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002219b7c92562b14616ae64dbac587076b6\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=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022ea2d8ede2031491db4ed4be6b9266c2f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ea2d8ede2031491db4ed4be6b9266c2f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No petitions have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation. Ministers have delivered papers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u00224d132a6bebee448f9d9003b6a706f251\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224d132a6bebee448f9d9003b6a706f251\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EGovernment responses to the:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBItemSL1\u0022\u003EPrivacy Commissioner\u2019s report Review of a statutory authority for information matching - Immigration Act 2009, s295\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBItemSL1\u0022\u003EPrivacy Commissioner\u2019s report Review of statutory authority for four Inland Revenue information matches and two unused provisions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBItemSL1\u0022\u003Ereport of the Petitions Committee on the petition of Claire Dale, and\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBItemSL1\u0022\u003Esecond interim report of the Regulations Review Committee regarding complaints about the E-Scooters (Declaration not to be motor vehicles) Notice 2018.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022f50dcf762df94741a24574536d212fd8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f50dcf762df94741a24574536d212fd8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I present the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment entitled Urban Ground Truths: Valuing soil and subsoil in urban development. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. No select committee papers have been delivered for presentation. No bills have been introduced. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229f34001a448e4e08ad02b69100a6f192\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b91e82534be545d8a7ab8903af77c43a\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00225d907a2999d4475eb6a8b35140ccdda4\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022 data-id=\u0022d787640888614c1e98dc939eeafd4897\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d787640888614c1e98dc939eeafd4897\u0022\u003EJOSEPH MOONEY (National\u2014Southland)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the New Zealand economy?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u0022ea1bdb7824a74b61ae91db7ad7c275be\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ea1bdb7824a74b61ae91db7ad7c275be\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Last week, ANZ released its business outlook report and its consumer confidence report, both of which come out monthly. These show that consumer confidence continues to rise, albeit off a very low base, and business confidence is on a strong upward trend, despite levelling out in February. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b820c8040a8241eaae2bad4337b7ea02\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: How does consumer and business confidence compare to previous years? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d8c57cdcb6640488d68ce18faf04cf7\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: In 2022 and 2023, consumer confidence fell to the lowest level ever reported in this survey\u2014lower than the global financial crisis and lower than during the COVID lockdowns\u2014and, strike me down, business confidence was also the lowest it has ever been, in 2022 and 2023. Again, it was lower than in the global financial crisis and lower than during the COVID lockdowns. So it is very heartening indeed that consumer and business confidence is rising off the all-time lows recorded under the previous Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a23d1058abf473e95bb6ab4a702adff\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: What do the results say about people\u2019s own expectations? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214111d0e15cd4ff5b70b804f477c5a85\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: The consumer confidence survey shows that, in net terms, people expect that they and their family will be better off financially in a year\u2019s time. At present, people are wary about purchasing major household items, but this measure is on an upward trend and is considerably better than it was last year. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d19e974ab057409e9ec9821004b7320a\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: What do the results say about business expectations? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a4b7be01379c49159d837746fdaf55aa\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: The Business Outlook survey saw lifts in most forward-looking indicators, such as businesses\u2019 own activity, investment intentions, employment intentions, and profit expectations. Together with the consumer results, this reinforces that New Zealanders are more optimistic about their future under this coalition Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002238db1f86609547ce9ee1e6234a0e7f06\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Environment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022 data-id=\u00220d25c7b1539343dd82f580a2d2d49ecd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E2. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220d25c7b1539343dd82f580a2d2d49ecd\u0022\u003EMARK CAMERON (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister for the Environment: What is his most immediate priority in the portfolio?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022 data-id=\u002270567729e3c64308afc132b2e2a77202\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002270567729e3c64308afc132b2e2a77202\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD (Associate Minister for the Environment):\u003C/span\u003E My highest priority is delivering on the Government\u2019s 100-day plan to begin stopping the implementation of new significant natural areas, known as SNAs. SNAs are an unjustified and unhelpful intrusion into private property rights and are getting in the way of productive farming. ACT\u2019s coalition agreement with National commits to stop the implementation of new SNAs and to review their operation. I have been working with officials, and I intend to take a plan to Cabinet on the most effective way to do that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225974604941dd45aba99e1ecbf9558508\u0022\u003EMark Cameron\u003C/span\u003E: What examples has he seen recently that highlights the challenge farmers and other landowners face from SNAs on their property?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2ccd5ca664e46749a70f7c8e7a0e1e3\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD\u003C/span\u003E: Landowners have told me that if you\u2019re unlucky enough to have an SNA identified on your property, you are likely to be prohibited from undertaking any new activity or development in that area. I have also seen that these restrictions will be applied to areas that are not very significant. For example, a sheltered gully with some trees\u2014a bit of matagouri which offers a great sheltered area to graze a few sheep after shearing or in a storm.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f8d1ad706c247008d38abc9115f5ad6\u0022\u003EMark Cameron\u003C/span\u003E: What is the effect of those restrictions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b80da5c6ce9e4b59b5b0b7a1a3490a80\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD\u003C/span\u003E: Apart from being at a disincentive to voluntarily conserve areas of indigenous biodiversity, farmers know well what happens when the ability to actively manage land is restricted. If SNAs are applied to areas with low biodiversity value, then without the landowner managing pest and weed - control, it will just go to gorse, broom, and wilding pines.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225f6fdbb189134a14b09691df697e7bcb\u0022\u003EMark Cameron\u003C/span\u003E: What will he do in the long term to restore property rights and protect indigenous biodiversity?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002289266b45b7a340178e24c906c2b3211e\u0022\u003EHon Peeni Henare\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, this better be good.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229fa978bfa8a640deb53642041e3673e9\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD\u003C/span\u003E: It is good. Landowners are already voluntarily protecting areas of native biodiversity\u2014over 180,000 hectares are already protected through QEII National Trust. Put together, that would be our fifth-largest national park, all voluntarily. Many more have committed to enhance biodiversity on their land without formalising it. The way to protect biodiversity on private land is to work collaboratively with landowners, including farmers, foresters, and iwi, to incentivise the sustainable use of land, and to show them that their work to protect the biodiversity is valued and then they will want to do more. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022471dee54-f59e-4497-b3d3-c39044ce7169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cd8130d4fbae4e53b4b4fc201a25acb7\u0022\u003EHon Damien O\u2019Connor\u003C/span\u003E: To the member, is he aware of the EU\u2019s requirement to prove that there is no deforestation taking place in areas that are supplying the EU\u00A0market, and that, in fact, the protection of SNAs will assist farmers to access that high-value market?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb1d3565b8054df5b0fba4220f130bf6\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I am aware of that clause in the ETA, and what I would say and point to is the fact that there is already\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002234abd3e066a74f4b8264562caa12b7ab\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: ETA?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002282ad8149679f48759dd9b4b7def4fe98\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: FTA.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226cac9fcd-1934-4007-b10a-4b9d301a0af1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221758980bdb52462db027078531abb591\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW HOGGARD\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, the EU free-trade agreement. But there is already a great number, as I pointed out, of farmers who are voluntarily protecting biodiversity. When I go and visit farms and I see farmers now, they are taking massive pride in the work they are doing on their farm. We will work collaboratively with them to enhance that effort and to do more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a5d47d4943254b75b23c5d03e8ed97b2\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: My question is next; seeing that supplementary questions are over, I\u2019m speaking to the Speakers\u2019 Ruling 170/4, which is, \u201CMinisters not only have a right to determine which of them is the appropriate Minister to answer a question, they also have a duty to the House to decide on the appropriate Minister to answer.\u201D The question I put up today, which is question No. 3, was initially put forward to the Minister for Social Development and Employment and is with respect to the Ministry for Social Development emergency housing grants. It has been transferred to the Minister for social housing; however, it is the Minister for Social Development and Employment that has responsibility for the grants.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002203f30ba71abf4b3082502307f46c2d0e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK, OK, OK\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225fdaa512d2444c5584b399e95930d38b\u0022\u003EHon Chris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f9ef2097d044a84b551afc6b3d1b8a8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I want to rule.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f458980d50ac4865aa71cf4ab65ead6f\u0022\u003EHon Chris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order. The member makes a good point, but the member may also have missed what I said in the House yesterday, which is that this Government has taken a decision to make the housing-related functions relating to emergency housing the responsibility of the housing portfolio. Those functions have been delegated to the Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing), Minister Potaka, which is why the question has been transferred into the housing domain. I appreciate that\u2019s a difference from the past, but that\u2019s been a deliberate policy decision.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002258b7082fe1d2476294a821ec68bd7564\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, you\u2019re dealing with a point of order before the end of question time with respect to question No. 2. So why did you take that point of order when we still hadn\u2019t got rid of the supplementaries for the second question? It\u2019s just not the order of business.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022767d0c309f8e4091a5b5c4adee0c577c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s right, but we\u2019re doing it anyway, so\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c283c9ef75bd4eb78d0dba5cc1d5e8ff\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: No, we\u2019re not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223263a740d80948e09f2b2959a81a13ca\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, we are. Don\u2019t argue\u2014don\u2019t argue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd821062d48e46ccafc400bdf2365c70\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224270404511fb45c3bca5f05b8b089d07\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is it the same point of order or not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ce815cd683a4ec299f9d1449e798d87\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s speaking to the point of order, yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d88466a605044b9bab47a393982dea12\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it better be new stuff because I\u2019m ready to give the ruling on this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b471c5b1d018409cbd0199631d5167f0\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: OK, so just responding to what Mr Bishop said, there\u2019s a difference between the housing side of the\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bcc908f6d12d48c0a9fb1312eb30a42c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, I\u2019m not interested in that. That\u2019s not a point of order. I spoke the other day about the need for people to be specific about which point of order they\u2019re speaking to. That is not speaking to a point of order; it\u2019s offering an opinion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228707f4f8a60b412aa31314e630753678\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it is speaking to Speakers\u2019 ruling 170/4, and\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227b12afd6839e4004ade0395fa939ec50\u0022\u003EHon Nicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s what Governments do; they change things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e018812d28ee4bd4b2a361bbff24eb2a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Look, don\u2019t interfere when someone is\u2014when someone is taking a point of order, the House is silent. Now, I\u2019d just say to Mr Men\u00E9ndez March, this is something that I am ready to rule on, so make his point, make it succinct if he wants to, but we will be moving on beyond that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a22b7019268f43bd8f107609434be5c2\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: So I\u2019ll make it succinct. Ministry of Social Development front-line staff have a direct responsibility to the delivery of emergency housing grants; therefore, the responsibility on both question Nos 3 and 6 sit within the Ministry of Social Development\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228f4a7a3c08af4c50b7edf2def379fd28\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019re off beat again, because if anyone reads Speakers\u2019 rulings from about 170 right through to 174, there are numerous recommendations from multiple Speakers that make it clear that it is the Government\u2019s choice as to who answers the question, not the Speaker\u2019s. If I refer particularly to 174/1, it makes it clear that only in very exceptional circumstances would the Speaker interfere, and I don\u2019t intend upending those previous rulings. We move now to question No. 3 in the name of the Hon Carmel Sepuloni.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c3e420c66f2a4288b404c57937938b3e\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, I accept that ruling and I accept the explanation given by the Leader of the House, but it is on the basis of both that I raise this point of order. It is that if, on that basis, questions are transferred to the Hon\u00A0Tama\u00A0Potaka, I find it interesting, therefore, that my question, which was originally posed to him, has been transferred to Chris Bishop. I refer to Speaker\u2019s ruling 173/5. If the Leader of the House, the Minister of Housing, has said that all responsibility regarding emergency housing, social housing, has been delegated to Tama Potaka, I don\u2019t believe that there is justification to then transfer my question, which relates solely to that, to the Hon Chris Bishop.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293b79fdc8f55411f9cf1c9b073512a3d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, 173/5 doesn\u2019t quite get to that point, but\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb3d16b9b34f49c58a98c108c55beb88\u0022\u003EHon Chris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: Speaking to the point of order, Mr McAnulty\u2019s question has been transferred to me because\u2014and I appreciate that he may not have read the delegations, but the question of funding for income-related rent subsidy places and the structure and funding of the appropriations for Vote Housing are within my delegation. The delegations make it clear that the social and emergency housing delegation sits with Minister Potaka. We have actually clarified what was a, frankly, pretty messy situation before.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002291becfbe5e4e40739390f7816770d9f8\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d382329a8f804b5ca498ed54e234d61a\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Housing (Social Housing)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u002211e565d2ef4f431881f9d436f129a981\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002211e565d2ef4f431881f9d436f129a981\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Labour\u2014Kelston)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing): Will the Government\u2019s new approach to emergency housing grants result in more New Zealanders living on the streets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022 data-id=\u0022606484fbe21e4d8c8dcb6d510a1bd6d7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022606484fbe21e4d8c8dcb6d510a1bd6d7\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA (Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing)):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, the Government\u2019s new approach is part of a wider response to end large-scale use of emergency housing and to get New Zealanders, tamariki, and wh\u0101nau into homes faster.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfeb0bc17a39496185b35be08355a4cc\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Has he received advice or evidence showing that New\u00A0Zealanders who will no longer be able to access emergency housing special needs grants under this Government\u2019s new approach will all find housing and not end up living on the streets?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202a0cd36fca54595abfa73d6a1fc8cc2\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: We receive advice on housing matters on a regular basis, and the advice that we\u2019ve received is that we will continue to focus on ending the large-scale use of emergency housing and getting wh\u0101nau and tamariki into homes faster.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ace49c7f91c140178f4996ef32811a9b\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the previous Minister for social development and Minister for Social Housing who introduced the emergency housing special needs grant, Paula Bennett, who stated, \u201CThis is the first time any Government has committed ongoing dedicated funding for emergency housing, because we recognise that not everyone has access to a safe and stable home.\u201D; if yes, why is he looking to reduce access to that support, and pushing more New Zealanders back to sleeping in cars?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ba3fc69cda21456ab5c2dd9f275e8915\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: We recognise that there are many people with genuine needs that need emergency housing, and we will continue to support those people with genuine needs to have emergency housing accommodation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d74f8e3a34c94a819ab52042522df01e\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Can I ask the Minister as to whether or not he\u2019s received any reports that say his task now to solve this problem has been massively exacerbated by bringing in 148,000 immigrants as at December last year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a350fe3a6b74edda051b08a3f1b76a7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. Look, you\u2019ve got to stop doing this. It\u2019s not a fair question because it\u2019s not his responsibility. His responsibility is for emergency housing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223e5528c8b2db4375896c5e953d2d53f7\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: I asked has he got a report.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002256df5705d81e4761bd01de0212c1d405\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, OK, I probably didn\u2019t pick that up. The Minister may answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b442ae9433814689b55c0f389569adbb\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve not received any reports in that respect, but there is a\u00A0serious need and a genuine need amongst some wh\u0101nau and tamariki to have emergency housing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac43103c3a0c4732a7f6f6084d10b3a1\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Is it now this Government\u2019s strategy to make it harder to access emergency housing grants so as to reduce the number of New Zealanders in emergency housing on their books at the expense of more New Zealanders sleeping rough outside our businesses, in our carparks, and in our parks?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002243a71c5137544859864c33025f3d641e\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: We need bold and radical solutions to end the housing crisis that has been exacerbated under the previous Government. We need to get the country back on track, and particularly with housing, and we will do that through a wide series of responses and steps, one of which is prioritising the tamariki and wh\u0101nau who have been sleeping in emergency accommodation for 12 consecutive weeks or more. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022260fc5cd77864c45b0b1ca401229755c\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Minister for Social Development and Employment that\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224410231166144a07ab97263ba71e1bb2\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Hang on, stop. Your own side is speaking across the House while you\u2019re trying to ask a question. Please, don\u2019t do it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022029d4838100f41b8bfd7c79810da5851\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree with the Minister for Social Development and Employment that \u201CI am not saying that it is going perfect; what I am saying is that we will have fewer children in motels, and that is what we are out to achieve.\u201D, and, if so, is living on the streets more perfect than living in a motel?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224b01956929704d97bd24cd213a976f89\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: I agree with my learned colleague the Minister for Social Development and Employment, the member for Taup\u014D, in that we do need absolute radical and bold solutions for our housing crisis, and it is tough for those folks, and no one in this House wants to see wh\u0101nau, tamariki, and mokopuna living in emergency housing for an extended period of time, but that is what we have seen over the last six\u00A0years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f6190b5e00b24425b2349580021694c0\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Will we see homelessness situations like that of West Auckland tetraplegic woman Tracey Penney, who was living in her van in January 2017\u2014it was widely reported on\u2014arise again because of the changes to the treatment of homeless Ministry of Social Development clients?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b345713dcd164be28344c11c1455ca06\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: Can I please reiterate that we will support those with genuine need to have emergency housing, but our aspiration is to end the large-scale use of emergency housing, particularly in places like Hamilton and Waikato, where there are over 500 kids living in emergency housing right now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002229f21cd56de447a1b4165fc57c4c781d\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014RMA Reform\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002231e14629-7251-4b68-9f90-22b71db0b1c1\u0022 data-id=\u00226eeb58f1caa3453fa8f2d1415b89145e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002231e14629-7251-4b68-9f90-22b71db0b1c1\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226eeb58f1caa3453fa8f2d1415b89145e\u0022\u003EDAVID MacLEOD (National\u2014New Plymouth)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What announcements has he made regarding the establishment of a new fast-track consenting one-stop shop regime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u002224de98a450a149fa85d71df42b47c3ad\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002224de98a450a149fa85d71df42b47c3ad\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Minister responsible for RMA Reform):\u003C/span\u003E Earlier today, alongside the Prime Minister and the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister of Transport, I announced the coalition Government\u2019s new one-stop shop fast-track approvals regime, and, this afternoon, the House will consider that legislation in its first reading. New Zealand has been stuck in the slow lane for far too long when it comes to getting the major projects we need to get our country growing again. We are determined to cut through the thicket of red and green tape holding New Zealand back by fast tracking consents for projects of regional and national significance whilst protecting Treaty settlements and the environment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002231e14629-7251-4b68-9f90-22b71db0b1c1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214a78d1aff1f4494b197dface3e7b19d\u0022\u003EDavid MacLeod\u003C/span\u003E: How will projects be fast tracked under the new regime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f156f5005a5943a58f951f4ad82e49f9\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Very good question. There are two ways projects can be fast tracked: they can either be referred by the joint decision of the Ministers of infrastructure, regional development, and transport upon an application, or by being listed in Schedule\u00A02A of the bill. Projects in Schedule 2A will be automatically referred into the fast-track process\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f9b129a56b02492ab828a442cc86e90d\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Is there anything in Schedule 2 at the moment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1e5a051cd1e43cbbc58e666fe1121f9\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: And just on Mr Robertson\u2019s point, the bill does not currently contain any projects listed in Schedule 2A. The Government will be\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d5d33f00ec2244a1bacd2684062d4f30\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: When will we find out?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002296a573b3394749608ca5e74484a9ea81\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, very soon. The Government will be setting up a thorough and transparent process, a fast-track advisory group of independent experts to provide advice to Ministers on what projects should be included. And, in the coming weeks, we will appoint the group, publish the criteria, and Ministers in the Cabinet will receive advice on those projects.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002231e14629-7251-4b68-9f90-22b71db0b1c1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc887cab39ed45488b50f322717ab8df\u0022\u003EDavid MacLeod\u003C/span\u003E: How will the environment\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a64f78d6f07f43e58ad67312af7ec3f5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just wait a moment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002231e14629-7251-4b68-9f90-22b71db0b1c1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022095dd891ef5141b2b7895c31ae4c7368\u0022\u003EDavid MacLeod\u003C/span\u003E: How will the environment and Treaty settlements be protected under the new legislation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228edbd5f6599849d78a59b7a59b79038d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: All of the projects\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f8211063eeb452f90f6447d1b267493\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: How will the Treaty be protected?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f67cafcaa696467ea71778730f4bb7ca\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, that was actually the question, and if you give me a chance, I\u2019ll answer it. All the projects considered under the new fast-track regime will be considered by an expert panel. And, of course, the expert panel process is not a new one, because that process was set up by the last Government when it came to their own COVID-19 fast-track regime. That expert panel will apply relevant consent and\u00A0permit conditions. Panels will have a maximum of six months to do so. The projects will then be sent back to joint Ministers to either approve it or decline it, and they\u2019ll be able to refer the project back to the panel if the consent conditions are too onerous. The bill contains extensive protections around Treaty settlements and the environment, but we also must make\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a6f3e49901f499d9cb21f7efa1854d7\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: What about the Treaty?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a44ce271099b4b5da99680978c21ab1d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve just answered the question about the Treaty. You really need to listen. But we also must make it clear to the world that New Zealand is open for business once again and build a pipeline of projects to grow the economy and improve our productivity. Today\u2019s announcement is a step towards that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a00412a7fd4d4eb0a63b2e0d2f73e875\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Media and Communications\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022 data-id=\u002232ed9477345c46aa9d3b81bb43fc3afc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002232ed9477345c46aa9d3b81bb43fc3afc\u0022\u003EHon WILLIE JACKSON (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Media and Communications: Does she stand by all her statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022 data-id=\u00225b788226de334e0d8ba3bdb263131e88\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225b788226de334e0d8ba3bdb263131e88\u0022\u003EHon MELISSA LEE (Minister for Media and Communications):\u003C/span\u003E Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002214f5a606af7b4070b578bdd4d6c68b54\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: What actions, if any, has she taken to support the media sector in light of job losses at Newshub and Television New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f908a158156145718fb8e5baeb92d34b\u0022\u003EHon MELISSA LEE\u003C/span\u003E: The Government is committed to working with the sector on ways to ensure sustainability. As I have previously stated, the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill is currently before select committee, and I\u2019m awaiting the committee\u2019s report. I\u2019m working with officials to modernise the media system in New Zealand to level the playing field for our local broadcasters. I want to encourage more private and international investment in our local content.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002290cea0fc796c4d1eb63384eec9725cd7\u0022\u003EReuben Davidson\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with the comment of David Seymour that \u201CThese are the people that cry, \u2018Oh you\u2019ve got to give us sympathy, and you\u2019re inhumane and you should be kinder to us.\u2019\u00A0\u201D, and, if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002203912b880bd3451f80efcdfe51336910\u0022\u003EHon MELISSA LEE\u003C/span\u003E: The Hon David Seymour has his own views and he is responsible for his comments. As a shareholding Minister, it would be irresponsible for me to interfere in TVNZ\u2019s editorial independence. I believe and honour TVNZ\u2019s editorial independence. The media perform an important duty in our democracy, and this should be protected. What I think we should be focusing on is the people who are facing uncertainty over their jobs and livelihoods, and not squabbling over he said, she said. It is ironic to actually get this question from that member, considering his colleague, when as Minister, was making comments about a presenter on Q \u002B A.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227551a2e916ba436b8c18538c386451ba\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister think singling out reporters for doing their job is appropriate, and, if so\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002209d8954efdaa46bebdda550fbc1e067e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Wait on. Mr Jackson, if you don\u2019t mind, when I ask you to, please stop. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224806b3a64dd3470cac74e6ad4e0daa50\u0022\u003EHon Simeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Own goal!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022683c412e1ba54cbab0bebf48c918ac67\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Throw him out, Mr Speaker!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c9a524b3444423bbc546bee51c4beec\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s not far off. If we\u2019re having a rule\u2014and we are\u2014that questions are asked in silence, observe it. Contain yourselves with, perhaps, a deep breath, and holding until the end of it\u2014something like that. But we\u2019re not going to have those sorts of outbursts in the middle of questions. Start again.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd8e908c5c5b4a3c8930bc36dd18d255\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Does the Minister believe singling out reporters for doing their job is appropriate, and, if so, has she spoken with David Seymour, who is one of the senior Ministers, about respecting the independence of the fourth estate?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276452f5fcb26468b907a5bfe14f36a48\u0022\u003EHon MELISSA LEE\u003C/span\u003E: I believe and honour all editorial independence of our media because they perform an important duty in our democracy, and that should be protected. In terms of the comment, I think, as I said previously, it is ironic to watch this member ask this question, given his previous interview on Q \u002B A.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022351fdda066eb4eb9885652234478022a\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. We\u2019re talking about a shareholding Minister here; we\u2019re not talking about me when I was a previous Minister. The question is very relevant. Can you ask this Minister to answer or address the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b6c0ab908a754646a77bfbed944d472a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, most certainly the question is being addressed. How it\u2019s being addressed may not find favour with everyone in the House, but it is also rife within Speakers\u2019 Rulings that it is not unreasonable for Ministers of a successive Government to point out situations that existed in a previous Government. It\u2019s the attack aspect that\u2019s the problem. Carry on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac9142e6a5c94b25ac8267bf4f2d6979\u0022\u003EHon Simeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. I seek leave for the member to be able to ask his question again.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002258ec92ebdca14e4d995ec97965395db9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, you can\u2019t seek leave for someone else. Can I just say that is very disorderly. You cannot seek leave for another member, and that member does know that\u2019s the case.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bfd68f2dec874e828eba20157a971bac\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker, point of order. Thank you, Mr Speaker. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e6ed99219a446309754cd3cb0a58316\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: In silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe19a5815c8c43cd88fe482616b162c5\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Regardless of whether you agreed with the point of order made by the Hon Willie Jackson or not, throughout that there was the exact response that you asked the Government not to do whilst questions were being asked. If we\u2019re going to require points of order to be heard in silence, they should be made to be heard in silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022570f4e6c763d494fa8f2bcbc1df5f7d6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Good point.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228883d0d491a947489287ca71a12c0590\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: What impression does the Minister think she gives out to those who\u2019ll be losing their jobs at Television New Zealand and Newshub that, at the exact time she was refusing to do media, she was attending a luxury resort on the taxpayers\u2019 dollar\u2014what is the impression she gives out to the public and to all the poor people who\u2019ve been losing their jobs? And here\u2019s this beautiful photo for everyone\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bd6c909497bc4ff6801491eb027c6981\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you\u2014is that the end of the question?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002237f3b187677f4260931a22ce24559727\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014to have a look at. What was the impression that she\u2019s giving out to the public\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb3a19216cc54b2a9d9c3da3fda11aa9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s enough. You\u2019ve gone way over the top.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002218f9e3ea-81c5-4414-af48-d6bb843a9227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002240dfd71600ac4d359040e094420b0289\u0022\u003EHon MELISSA LEE\u003C/span\u003E: That is the substance of the previous Government. That member does not even know that that photo was taken at the New Zealand Open, and I was there as the Minister responsible for funding the Major Events Fund. However, at the time when the announcement was made this morning, I was in my office doing work, but yesterday I did not actually see the announcement alert that came to my office because I was doing an interview with one of the media companies.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221316b8c9b1d04035900b15ba646c423a\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order again, Mr Speaker. The question is clear: what impression is she giving to the public when she should\u2019ve been doing her job, and\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002246ee71df045042408c2548e501ed84e6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, I\u2019m sorry\u2014Mr Jackson, I\u2019m sorry; the problem here is that your question has been refuted in its content by the Minister, so there is no further action to\u00A0be\u00A0taken.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222ee864e4fbed4425b4ebb0923111bc3c\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Housing (Social Housing)\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u00229bbe54396b1646da8e4898c18b8a52f1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229bbe54396b1646da8e4898c18b8a52f1\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing): Can he guarantee that the increased scrutiny on emergency housing eligibility he announced yesterday won\u2019t lead to more people becoming homeless?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022 data-id=\u0022abcc227d2c9b48f2908d1d0f895d1dd2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022abcc227d2c9b48f2908d1d0f895d1dd2\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA (Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing)): \u003C/span\u003EE oati ana au ki t\u0113nei Whare rangatira nei e ngana ana te k\u0101wanatanga Haumi me au nei, ao, p\u014D, p\u014D, ao, kia puta ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata me ng\u0101 wh\u0101nau me ng\u0101 tamariki e noho ana ki roto i ng\u0101 whare ohotata ki \u014D r\u0101tou k\u0101inga ake. E mihi ana.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E[I swear to this noble House that the coalition Government and myself are endeavouring, by night and by day, to get the people, the families, and the children that reside in emergency housing into their own homes. Thank you.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221ea20dcbfec241a8a007b0303a0d8f59\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: What is the purpose of asking someone living below the poverty line, who can\u2019t afford a private rental, to look for unaffordable housing while waiting for secure, affordable public housing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc7937be631247ec8f22296c10f17f27\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: As mentioned earlier today, we need bold and radical solutions for our housing crisis, and we are absolutely committed to ending the large-scale use of emergency housing and to help wh\u0101nau and tamariki, in particular, get into homes faster.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227b330016213e468f8afbd5bb3d1921e5\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: If he can\u2019t guarantee that his policies won\u2019t leave more people in the street and without safe shelter, why is he going ahead with them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fb1770fbf7654c3da9304f48a58b2aa6\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: As mentioned earlier, we\u2019re absolutely focused on ending the large-scale use of emergency housing, and there will be some engaging and tough decisions and considerations for officials to make. However, we intend to end large-scale emergency housing, which has been absolutely exacerbated by the previous Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1c15846c9fe4b6c80f237e83a0b91ab\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Is he not able to guarantee that his policies will lead to more people being homeless, because the policies will actually create more reasons for front-line Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff to deny special needs grants to enable people to be in emergency housing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d107c8699a445858b251b0869a39359\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: What I can guarantee is that this Government and myself\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002251b0b88117674cb08e15fdf72d848176\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, rephrase that. That\u2019s not a question; that\u2019s a statement of opinion, and we\u2019ve had a discussion about that already this week. Ask a question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229f7fe024fb20456cb8d16168a9970c31\u0022\u003ERicardo Men\u00E9ndez March\u003C/span\u003E: Can he guarantee the public that there will be no increase\u2014or incidence\u2014of people becoming homeless as a direct result of the increased ability of front-line MSD staff to deny people special needs grants for them to access emergency housing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221baee4aa9a6d4872a3df3242906d34da\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: I can guarantee that this Government is committed to getting New Zealanders\u2014tamariki and wh\u0101nau\u2014out of emergency housing and into homes faster. And I can also guarantee that our officials will work hard to ensure that wh\u0101nau do not end up in emergency housing and end up in alternative housing before they get\u00A0there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ff36290df6694919ae2c5ee2b1647d46\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022 data-id=\u0022dec5cfee66b64f5f95d22f1cc9243b88\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dec5cfee66b64f5f95d22f1cc9243b88\u0022\u003EDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader\u2014Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government\u2019s policies and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022 data-id=\u0022005a36ff359d499aa4ee083b7d8ef5ff\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022005a36ff359d499aa4ee083b7d8ef5ff\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Prime Minister: Yes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e0df0b8f57da4dd59d010793b12873f3\u0022\u003EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer\u003C/span\u003E: What implications will the exclusion of a Treaty clause from fast-tracking legislation have on M\u0101ori fundamental rights and interests in resource consents, especially for hap\u016B and iwi who have not settled yet? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022afcdf0838abf43d59e33dbfb43f21ed8\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: The fact is that that exclusion will have a very positive outcome for M\u0101ori because now things will be based on merit and not just elitism and racism, which ordinary M\u0101ori never asked for in the first place. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4e40973ef474341ac195c4524b2241a\u0022\u003EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer\u003C/span\u003E: What qualifies a project as having significant regional or national benefits, and how are these economic benefits weighted against environmental costs? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224c63d3526ee24f75b31db24d2a47d985\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: All aspects for consideration will be very jealously guarded in terms of the research on them\u2014they\u2019ll go through a serious process of examination\u2014but we are a country that needs to get our mojo back and real fast, and not have certain elitists stopping every project that we should be developing. We\u2019ve got the resources, we\u2019ve got the people; we just need\u2014and now have got\u2014the leadership. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e00d1b0bb9d4b9d90ea8fc3846bb46f\u0022\u003EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer\u003C/span\u003E: How much money will be set aside to mitigate risks of failed fast-tracked projects, such as we saw with Tamarind Taranaki oil projects, which cost the Government hundreds of millions of dollars in bailout? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220ce255c4716145a0a8736412caddc20d\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Certain expenditure is always warranted, but none of it will amount to the $1.2 billion that vanished on three waters. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002223d322aa49334259a61d736f275a0ff9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Housing\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u00228aa8f46e3dd94a238a636b7aa9adcf35\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228aa8f46e3dd94a238a636b7aa9adcf35\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Housing: How many additional social houses will be created as a result of the Priority One category for emergency housing announced yesterday?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022867f3e81de0e46d0aaa8dab18d201a3b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022867f3e81de0e46d0aaa8dab18d201a3b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Minister of Housing):\u003C/span\u003E The Government\u2019s creation of the priority one category will prioritise getting families with children out of emergency housing, under stable social housing, sooner. Therefore, more social housing is not created directly as a result of this policy change. We\u2019ve committed, through our manifesto, to increase the number of social housing places in line with the previous Government\u2019s funding track. The member will note that the previous Government left a fiscal cliff of funding for social housing, so any future funding is subject to Budget decisions. The priority one category is only the beginning of the steps we will be taking to end the large-scale use of emergency housing motels and returning them to rarely and briefly needed\u2014as a last resort. Addressing the issue of emergency housing is complex and, as I said yesterday, will require a sustained and coordinated effort over multiple years to achieve our aim. But the key thing is we\u2019re not going to sit by like the last Government did and ignore it. We are taking action.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222a75f006e0ac433ea88f9d170dac1ec0\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. That was a reasonably straight question. It was a question on notice. I\u2019m sure it wouldn\u2019t have been accepted if it wasn\u2019t a straight question. But throughout that response from the Minister, it was attacking the previous Government, which\u2014you have ruled yourself\u2014is inappropriate.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222fb5d512cdd5494dbe0d823c8e67256e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I have. But when I\u2019ve said that, it\u2019s if the question opens with an attack. But if it\u2019s used as a comparison between two positions, Speakers\u2019 rulings are very clear that that is permissible. So I\u2019ll keep a listen out. I think there was some language used in there, like \u201Cfiscal cliff\u201D, that was probably unacceptable, but I\u2019m sure that the next question will be better answered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd573cf9f900412a866d00df3870898a\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Why, then, did the Government make an emergency housing announcement without committing to funding more additional social housing?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d7d83091e4654d2697c10b7ce0d7dc27\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, for a couple of reasons. One is that you don\u2019t need to do both things at the same time. The second point is that not everyone who goes from emergency housing goes into social housing. Actually, the housing system is extremely complex. The relationships between emergency housing and social housing and transitional are actually not linear. We see private landlords and the wider housing system as a part of the solution, and work is under way across every part of the housing continuum: from homeownership, through the rental market, through the private landlord market, and through the social housing generally.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c1654bd19254a6cac7f4cbbb3bac601\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: If they can\u2019t stay in emergency housing and the Government won\u2019t commit to funding more social housing, transitional housing, or rental places, where are they supposed to go?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224952a9b37b5e4f368e837d0baa620d45\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the member\u2019s question is based upon a false assumption. There is more social housing coming. The Budget 2023 increased social housing places by 3,000. That goes on top of Budget 2022. So between 18 months ago and two years, up until June 2025, there are 6,000 new social housing places, delivered both by K\u0101inga Ora and by the community housing sector. So there are more social housing places. Decisions around future social housing funding is a matter for the Budget\u2014the member will have to wait.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002292e8760cb0554f83835911143a00248c\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. The previous question, the Minister referred to additional social housing. I too have used the words \u201Cadditional\u201D and \u201Cmore\u201D. By virtue of that, it is on top of what has already been committed. All the Minister just outlined are social houses that were funded by the previous Government, and I\u2019m asking him about his commitment, that he stated in his answer, to funding additional social houses. It\u2019s not appropriate, I believe, for the Minister to point to things that are happening, particularly when it wasn\u2019t him that established those.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002221916fbc7d7043f299f619f16389c13d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019ll let you go right through that point of order, because, essentially, you were making a point that is outside of the Standing Orders as such. But the answer that I heard relates to the date 2025, where there is more social housing; that\u2019s still at least 18 months off and through one more Budget period. So I think the claim is not right, and nor is the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d3506ca80c554b77ad667c2ad3c78455\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Will he guarantee to the House that his Government will not sell off social houses like what happened the last time National were in Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228454063565e844f4a0cc08de2cf51bae\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, ha\u2014ha, ha!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002290d79eb6f7e94437a9d4204bda756ba4\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Why\u2019s he laughing? It\u2019s not funny.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dee83cb198a948a3916c05ea31a4b89e\u0022\u003EHon Nicola Willis\u003C/span\u003E: You did it! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223544e01c5ace41d6b6f42df4c9118a44\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll just wait for colleagues\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dc3cef8d83e64f95b26f28c820fb794f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no, just answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ac1e1fe8ef5a4e7cb7839258e4b3cd98\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: The previous Government sold social houses, so let\u2019s just be really clear about this. The last Labour Government sold social houses, and the policy settings that K\u0101inga Ora was operating under, in relation to the difference between the 2008 period and the 2017 period, did not change after the Labour Government was elected. It is true that the National Government from 2008 to 2017\u2014which, by the way, I\u2019m not responsible for, but I\u2019m happy to comment extensively on\u2014transferred ownership of some social housing in Tauranga to Accessible Properties. Here\u2019s the thing\u2014here\u2019s the thing: the people living in the houses were social housing tenants. It\u2019s just that the Government did not happen to own the underlying house. And, actually, on this side of the House, we are relatively agnostic about who provides housing to people in need. Unlike the last Government, we do not have an obsession with the idea that the Government should do everything in housing. We back communities, we back the private sector, and we back housing for Kiwis. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022120a2a8935794446a2f6b8c77c1ff884\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: If the Minister is unwilling\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2771b6614a04b518414b50a1df22a04\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just wait for that silence.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a85eb6052f374c33b1360d0ac293c495\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: If the Minister is unwilling to provide that guarantee, will he at least guarantee to the House that levels of homelessness will not increase as a result of the announcement made yesterday?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c7e640a168944217863f04411ab787ef\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: The fastest way to increase homelessness would have been for the Government to continue with the funding track we inherited, which would have seen 10,000 State houses sold off by K\u0101inga Ora because of that member\u2019s party\u2019s woeful mismanagement of one of the biggest companies in New Zealand. Under the funding track we inherited, in writing K\u0101inga Ora was planning to sell 10,000 State houses. We\u2019re not prepared to sit around and tolerate that. That\u2019s why we\u2019re reviewing K\u0101inga Ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c35f5e6af2a4a81a43caf0ef1ac3c15\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: If homelessness goes up under his watch, will he resign?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f30667ba71b14c32973e8412c1f86ea9\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I plan on being a better Minister responsible for homelessness than the last one, the Hon Marama Davidson, who saw homelessness skyrocket to record levels and couldn\u2019t even spend the money that Megan Woods allocated to her.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00228e7992df50604134b81f0af1f5ad5e81\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229634e377-7e76-4353-9662-fb444eb2ec9d\u0022 data-id=\u0022e66ac9d945104d92a1dc4e80780e5af1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229634e377-7e76-4353-9662-fb444eb2ec9d\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e66ac9d945104d92a1dc4e80780e5af1\u0022\u003ECARL BATES (National\u2014Whanganui)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about transport investment in New Zealand?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u00223c21243891804d7b95e818ad129d52fa\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223c21243891804d7b95e818ad129d52fa\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E Earlier this week, the Prime Minister and I released the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport, announcing that we are focused on investing in new roads of national significance, better public transport, and a well-maintained roading network, enabling Kiwis to get where they want to go quickly and safely. Kiwis around the country voted for our focused transport plan, and now we are delivering.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220d6edaff0bc345caad26337534ff8625\u0022\u003ERima Nakhle\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Government policy statement mean for Auckland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a024f6a49b0c4c229b874dc771f97e96\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, 57.8 percent of Aucklanders voted for the coalition Government at the last election, and our draft Government policy statement prioritises the projects that we campaigned on: Mill Road, a project that that member of Parliament campaigned on very, very hard. The East-West Link and the north-western Alternative State Highway are listed as new roads of national significance. While Auckland\u2019s infrastructure deficit has worsened in recent years due to project cancellations and non-delivery by the prior Government, our Government is focused on delivery.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfb10e70fdf14cfc844bc93b19c5c462\u0022\u003ECameron Brewer\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary: what does the Government\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fcbb2647c49c4ca998e419f1d4230269\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Wait on, you\u2019re not called yet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287e3058d30a5467cbbf0e7575e07d398\u0022\u003ECameron Brewer\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014policy statement mean\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe48979852364a5cad4da04a880c972b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Wait, you\u2019re not called yet. Now you stand up, please\u2014Cameron Brewer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f840423d2e854bfe9f4cb79064fafb8c\u0022\u003ECameron Brewer\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Government policy statement mean for the public transport users in north-west Auckland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002287c6b4279c7247babf9a410ac9da999c\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Very good news. It\u2019s great news: the Government is investing up to $4.4 billion on public transport infrastructure and services. We\u2019re focused on starting work on the north-west rapid transit corridor to unlock housing and economic growth in Auckland\u2019s North-West. We have a strong track record of delivering better public transport in Auckland, the City Rail Link a case in point, and we will continue this\u00A0legacy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022118c0caf8e8e435fa0d345537f402d4a\u0022\u003EPaulo Garcia\u003C/span\u003E: What progress has been made on the Government\u2019s 100-day plan commitment to axe the Auckland regional fuel tax?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b647efe8d2004b0fba50482588d2ee49\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, very good news: last night, the Government passed legislation to axe the 11.5c per litre fuel tax for Aucklanders. We\u2019re not a Government that will continue to tax Aucklanders to fund cycle lanes, expensive speed bumps, and blanket speed limit reductions. This tax is gone on 1 July.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022094b0ff4-e404-451b-b4a9-ad12bd4dee56\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226da6863205684cfbb1c2f129718dcdc9\u0022\u003EStuart Smith\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Government policy statement mean for the top of the\u00A0South?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc712b3f9173489096013ced6cce70eb\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: In addition to the Woodend bypass, a second Ashburton bridge, and investment in critically important bridges in the South Island, we\u2019ve listed the Hope Bypass in the South Island as a new road of national significance. This project, paired with the new $500 million Pothole Prevention Fund, will allow motorists at the top of the South get where they need to go quickly and safely.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220e6ca1c2465e450caebc489be274b2e5\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014RMA Reform\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022 data-id=\u002278456df1cc6d46038375a684543058cd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002278456df1cc6d46038375a684543058cd\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour\u2014Dunedin)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does he stand by all his statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u00226a650f8a50bb4b0f9c87fea0a7712474\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226a650f8a50bb4b0f9c87fea0a7712474\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Minister responsible for RMA Reform):\u003C/span\u003E Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e9fde39b026e4659bcc36d2931dd2524\u0022\u003EHon Rachel Brooking\u003C/span\u003E: Why should economic Ministers decide what is worthy of proceeding, rather than an expert panel, as suggested in the new fast-tracking legislation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a8bf9d845c58473bacb787cad0d20079\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Because the whole purpose of the fast-track consenting regime that we are introducing is to fast track economic development projects.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228cfed86dd2f04b78972e50dbd99543e1\u0022\u003EHon Rachel Brooking\u003C/span\u003E: Will the projects yet to be included in Schedule 2A and 2B of the proposed bill be referred to select committee for scrutiny, including the ability for the public to submit?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220f2fc68bd4bf4b2196064afea9bf9a01\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: No, that\u2019s not the intention. Instead, what we\u2019re doing is running a process that is independent of the Government. Recommendations will come to Ministers; the projects will then be inserted into the bill by an Amendment Paper\u2014or it used to be called a Supplementary Order Paper. There will be plenty of opportunities for the public to engage on that, and I look forward to that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022871b83d588fa45d39ed39c099d08b5c4\u0022\u003EHon Rachel Brooking\u003C/span\u003E: How will the public be able to engage in the process he just referred to?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ce88b0d6da53471183412fce7ee2c838\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s a public democratic process. People who are keen on having the projects inserted into the bill will be able to submit them to the expert panel that we\u2019re setting up to consider those projects.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022097e6f24d52347218fcf07c0faad525f\u0022\u003EHon Rachel Brooking\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Minister for the Environment not involved in the decision-making process when the Ministers of infrastructure, regional development, and transport are?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002253c06a3c73514a2cba8ad5dd94845e4b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Because, as I say, this is a one-stop shop fast-track consenting regime specifically designed to accelerate infrastructure, housing, transport, aquaculture, mining, the extractive industries\u2014all of the things that New Zealand needs more of rather than less of. The relevant environmental considerations are best handled by the expert panel. They\u2019re the experts for it. They\u2019re going to be asked to apply the relevant environmental permits and conditions to it, and then those decisions will come back through the process for Ministers to either approve or decline. It\u2019s not actually wildly dissimilar to the COVID-19 fast-track legislation set up by the previous Government. We\u2019ve actually modelled the new law on the old regime introduced by the last Labour Government. We thought it was such a good idea we\u2019ve taken it the next step further, elevated it up a bit, and gone for national and regionally significant projects. I thank the former Minister and the former Minister for the Environment for the idea.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228ac279aa862f469880d6b6403ec0a3c4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s good. Just keep those answers fairly succinct.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cc0a40a9380d4dbf86ec6c67e1e575d6\u0022\u003EHon Simeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Minister aware of any work done by the prior Government to put forward legislation for exceptions to the Otago regional water plan, National Policy Statement\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cb25920d376146019f5857828a79c877\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no\u2014stop there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228e88537959fb44a6a1199f636a51ac7d\u0022\u003EHon Simeon Brown\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014for Freshwater Management, and Public Works Act in regards to Lake Onslow?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2d794aa853e4fa6bf8e2a196e676c93\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, when I say stop there, if members don\u2019t, then their time in the House will not be very long at all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022fdbd669151bc40c084b756a890ccf6b9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Justice\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022 data-id=\u002299362159cee84777a65454caf944aa48\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002299362159cee84777a65454caf944aa48\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE (National\u2014Takanini)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing its commitments in relation to restoring law and order?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u0022f23d6f75cdc9413283d9fab5d4b32a05\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f23d6f75cdc9413283d9fab5d4b32a05\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Justice):\u003C/span\u003E On Tuesday, we introduced and have now passed legislation to stop taxpayer funding of section 27 cultural reports that proliferated under the former regime, consuming more than $7 million out of the legal aid budget. Yesterday, we introduced legislation to give police greater powers to search for firearms so that they can keep them out of the hands of serious gang offenders and help keep our communities safe. Today, we will be introducing legislation to give police greater powers to deal with gangs, who, for too long, have been allowed to behave as if they\u2019re above the law.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb5acf63f4c04b3f96b8ca798b23bcfb\u0022\u003ERima Nakhle\u003C/span\u003E: What is the legislation that the Government is introducing today going\u00A0to do?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d88f38f5375946318130693c719506ae\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: The Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill does four things: we\u2019re prohibiting the display of gang insignia in all public places; we\u2019re giving the police the ability to require gang members to disperse from gatherings that disrupt the public; we\u2019re creating new non-consorting orders to stop specified gang members from associating; and, finally, we\u2019re amending the Sentencing Act to make gang membership, on its own, an aggravating factor at sentencing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eeae6579c0d54a2d8383c855a00a3398\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just a small question. So you\u2019re asking that question about a bill that\u2019s being introduced today. There were no bills introduced today. So the timing is not very tidy on this one. There may be a different way to ask subsequent supplementaries. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223febe11f67824e52bb339452b454adc2\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, Mr Speaker, point of order. Just in light of that ruling, the member appeared to be quoting from an official document\u2014i.e., the bill\u2014and I\u2019d invite him to table it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022391603139c81417ab580dae49c7daf76\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no. You can\u2019t invite him to table it. I can ask him if he\u2019s quoting from an official document.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002230ed36be60bd40aaa4b1935dd3d77a02\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Can you ask him, then?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bdf1a472f7a340f292e1005065920e3a\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: No, I\u2019m not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002237a99b65-4919-4800-830d-3dd7c920d5cd\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223fdbf3680c1845769f8ebd25988b9786\u0022\u003EHon Dr Megan Woods\u003C/span\u003E: What is it, then?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2627b4de97e4e15b23af97cc6d73355\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. That\u2019s something you can speculate on, not ask about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ccf5d913fa0406184d38a6d1120ff08\u0022\u003EHon Dr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Minister pushing his wasteful gang insignia ban when his own department and the Chief Science Adviser has said, \u201CA challenge of this suppression strategy is that there is no strong evidence it works to reduce long-term offending behaviours or eliminate gangs\u201D? It\u2019s science.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225002c766a6ce42f0961330a3a4373c0a\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Why? Because we don\u2019t agree with that analysis. Actually, we\u2019ve seen a 50 percent increase in gang membership under the previous Government, and we want to stop that, because we believe that law-abiding citizens should be going about their business without being intimidated by gangs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a59e0741f1fd4c88bada97e81e1a9e03\u0022\u003ERima Nakhle\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government doing this now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202604f39f385407e9a50faf6e38b398a\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Because the gangs have been recruiting faster than the police over the past six years, from 6,000-odd in 2018, to 9,000 at present\u2014a 50 percent increase. They\u2019ve been emboldened to take over public places and to continue to be associated with crime. That is why a firmer response is required now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224804ef1ef28a4bc19fb9cf1d906295b1\u0022\u003ERima Nakhle\u003C/span\u003E: How many actions relating to restoring law and order in the 100-day plan has the Government completed?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a9e5eb574264b1cb07f418be4b7c889\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, the Government is committed to a number of immediate actions in the 100-day plan, from stopping taxpayer funding for section 27 reports, to abolishing the previous Government\u2019s prisoner reduction target, to taking the first steps to ensure prisoners on remand can access rehabilitation programmes, and many other things that my colleagues\u2014Ministers Mitchell, McKee, and Chhour\u2014have progressed. The first reading of the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill and Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill today rounds out the 100-day plan.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022949063f5180e4a4da3327f5d1ec17f45\u0022\u003EHon Dr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. The question was how many, and the Minister didn\u2019t answer it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fda4c121f98247bd9330f383b61f2cc4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s a little unusual for the Opposition to be worried about a Government question not being answered, but the Minister might like to address that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220b7b09dd61ff4af988d273f5988a4767\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: I think the member can count for himself.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dbc57b39cd72457c999d2715b3f81d80\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Could I ask the Minister as to whether he\u2019s received reports that suggest he should listen to real evidence, such as is coming out of Western Australia, where they\u2019ve tried exactly what we\u2019re doing here now, as against this academic trivia that is taken as being evidence in this country now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bb41abdda550499e95d2d6c3ffb8100a\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, indeed, I listen to a wide range of evidence, and, of course, one of the strongest issues around gang insignia has been the success of the previous bill introduced by the Hon Todd McClay, which banned gang patches from schools, hospitals, and public buildings, which has been very successful.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c44396257d914348a706269e229bbc57\u0022\u003EHon Dr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Why is he pressing on with his insignia ban, given the advice he received from the Ministry of Justice that the reduction in visibility of gangs experienced by Queensland and Western Australia is simply the product of gangs relocating to other jurisdictions that impose fewer restrictions, and New Zealand\u2019s unitary nature means there is no alternate jurisdiction to which gangs can relocate?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225e38fe2809ba44579074696e9a95fa0c\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, of course, we\u2019d be happy if the gangs relocated somewhere else and cleared out of this country and left our people alone.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022786f2dc3a223483e8546702ed53854a6\u0022\u003EHon Nicole McKee\u003C/span\u003E: What law and order actions has this Government committed to, beyond the 100-day plan, to protect small-business owners from retail crime?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022675754eb99bd4f9685740f91a7834a62\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I thank the member for that question. Retail crime has indeed exploded in the previous six years, with reported victims of retail crime up by 110 percent. The Government\u2019s committed to restoring real consequences for crime, which is why, as part of the coalition agreement with ACT and supported by New Zealand First, we\u2019ve committed to adding additional aggravating factors during sentencing where the victim is working solo or adjacent to the dwelling. This will add further protections to small-business owners from retail crime and is amongst the many steps that we have taken to rebuild confidence in the justice system and to restore law and order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d05fa5c5493c4dd086096b479b4ccdce\u0022\u003EHon Dr Duncan Webb\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Minister pushing non-consorting laws rather than following reliable Australian evidence, such as the New South Wales Ombudsman\u2019s 2016 review of its anti-consorting laws, which found they required significant use of police resources without a clear benefit to the public interest?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d1bbb00096f34c8a81d6d4ebd15d098d\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Why? Because we think it\u2019s important to give the police extra tools to deal with gangs in this country, given that over the last five years, there\u2019s been a 50 percent increase in gang activity. And it\u2019s time that we had some extra tools to help the police do their job and keep our communities safe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224aa0f30427e349f98f3bbc36c918911f\u0022\u003ERima Nakhle\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Minister consider it acceptable to disagree with advice from his officials?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022abf98adfc49147a0823f2b7b49a5c5d7\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: Well, yes, I do, from time to time. We don\u2019t necessarily agree with every piece of advice that we get from officials here in Wellington, and we treat all advice with respect, but, fundamentally, when a Government is elected to deliver on a policy to keep our country safe, we will deliver on that policy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00223a88201216644523a65ad9d6ee57ab78\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014RMA Reform\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u0022e21e7649f96d4199ab137cd6e7cce698\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e21e7649f96d4199ab137cd6e7cce698\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader\u2014Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does he stand by all his statements and policies?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u00229f9dbcf9689d471390018a068bd546dd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229f9dbcf9689d471390018a068bd546dd\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Minister responsible for RMA Reform):\u003C/span\u003E Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002244c147a1b42e4a3ba2dfdaef8de70e46\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Does he stand by his statement with regard to the fast-track bill, \u201CI want a thorough and transparent process.\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e7e6ab78fee45e4a1c309ab0b1df89f\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bc0c76a125ab4251a1ba8efa8985bd86\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: How does introducing legislation with such extraordinary ministerial powers, under urgency, less than an hour before it is due to be debated in the House, with two critical schedules withheld from public scrutiny, meet the standard of \u201Cthorough and transparent\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225b7dd5289be042339358130c615c00e9\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, how do I count the ways? Firstly, the Government announced that we were doing this back in late January, early February. I made that a public announcement, and we published the framework and the design of the scheme. That went out to all and sundry\u2014iwi; post-governance settlement entities; environmental NGOs, who\u2019ve been voluminous in their criticism of it, but we\u2019ll take that as read. The public has had many chances to engage on this. Officials have been working away designing the bill. The bill has been introduced, albeit, yes, under urgency, to meet the 100-day commitment to get it into the House, and the reason why it\u2019s under urgency is to send it to a committee as soon as possible so the public can have their say on this extremely important piece of legislation. There are a number of other examples that I could point to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224861fe63166049c2908bffdb626a5dbb\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: How can he justify limiting public consultation when projects that are on the secret Schedule could include, coalmines, deep-sea mines, and projects that have already been turned down by the courts\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224abe9138c8d84e62a634cdc7c33f5760\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. Can I just say\u2014you refer to a secret schedule. We heard, earlier in the day, there\u2019s nothing on the Schedule. So don\u2019t use language like that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000261\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229375992841da4998805db6d3b9f3a549\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: How can he justify limiting public consultation when projects that will be on the Schedule could include coalmines, deep-sea mines, and projects that have already been turned down by the courts on environmental grounds, whilst overriding protections for fresh water and indigenous biodiversity?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022399ec59d25544aaf97783c4db87987f7\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I justify it in the same way that the previous Government introduced the COVID-19 fast-track regime, which included 17 or maybe 19 projects listed in the Schedule that were automatically referred to an expert panel. That member was a member of the Government that supported that regime in the last Parliament. It\u2019s very similar. Actually, we\u2019ve been even more transparent in the sense that we are running an independent process for projects to be referred to the Government to insert in the bill. In the last Parliament, the COVID-19 fast-track regime, a bill was presented, there were 17 projects listed in the Schedule, and those projects got referred to a fast-track consenting expert panel.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c8f2c2dd37234ea792aeeb64bdc81c6d\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1208073e329493ba1fcba0c4959112c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just give yourself a minute while the House composes itself.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b50ee12dd60c425b9a51a71e44c62a7a\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Can you advise me whether the House is composed enough?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b55ffbf80b824be9838bac61b680449b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, actually, wrong choice of words\u2014it\u2019s never likely to happen. But carry on anyway.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220264fda3f9e04673b48083a7db028c1b\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Can he confirm that one of the key differences from previous fast-track legislation is that the ultimate decision to approve or decline projects will now sit with Ministers rather than with independent experts?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228478b24d7ab846b491f79c27f3027b24\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Yes. That\u2019s a key design choice of the regime. We\u2019re proud of it. We\u2019re determined to cut through the red tape holding this country back and to get on with building things this country needs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266f83951402a47e2b5401a26c99b25fd\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware that rushing legislation with such extraordinary executive powers through Parliament, under urgency, with little public scrutiny\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226bcb2f1ca7e84feab7177879bffffb8e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry. You can ask that again. How many times do people have to be told to be quiet while questions are being asked before some people spend quite a bit of time out of the House?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002211582581747c454fb1547191c93258fa\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Let me count the ways.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224e60773e00834974a4a324e753bd237b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s not helpful, Mr Shaw\u2014you know that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a4172b4b2f644c49b1cb4125cd260059\u0022\u003EHon James Shaw\u003C/span\u003E: Is he aware that rushing legislation with such extraordinary executive powers through Parliament, under urgency, with little public scrutiny, creates a risk that any of the projects that are approved as a result of this bill could find themselves subject to future scrutiny, which could include the loss of the consent, possibly without compensation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d92573ed431412084740d7ce63ae10d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, a couple of points to make there. Firstly, the bill is not being rushed through Parliament. The bill is being read a first time this afternoon, and if it meets with the House\u2019s approval, it will be sent to a select committee for consideration. It will go to the Environment Committee. I\u2019ve got full confidence in the chair of the Environment Committee and, actually, the Environment Committee, to do a good job. There will be a full public submission process. Prior to the bill being introduced into the Parliament, there has been extensive consultation on the design parameters of the bill. There\u2019s been extensive engagement with iwi and M\u0101ori groups; I\u2019ve been meeting with them regularly over the last few weeks alongside Minister Potaka. The simple reality is that this will be one of the most well consulted on bills and regimes in recent history. To the member\u2019s second point, in throwing around language around cancellation of consents without compensation, I would just say to the member he needs to be very careful in relation to comments like that. I think all members in Parliament have an obligation to bear in mind sovereign risk to New Zealand and the way in which projects happen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022599787e351894160bc4b646a2ed9b1ac\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Can I just make the point that it is not for the executive to pre-empt Parliament. There is no bill, and so the suggestion that it will be read this afternoon does pre-empt Parliament. It\u2019s a fine point, but, none the less, one that should be taken into account by Ministers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a1bcff2f4f04c7f8905711ba33f69d1\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Can I ask the Minister how seriously he takes the threat, malignant as it is, that people who make, under the process passed by this Parliament, legal application for a permit should be threatened that when the Government changes they will not be compensated for their construction that was allowed and permitted in the first place?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e3943c550f04112a8c43b278fa10ead\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I think the Acting Prime Minister makes a good point, and I just repeat what I said before, which is that I think members generally need to be careful when it comes to threatening things, like the leader of the Green Party threatened in his supplementary question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a6cbecc2cd39429095c59baa4528c371\u0022\u003EUrgent Debates Declined\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000279\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00227c72021eb63e44239927e48ec37ab826\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Media Sector\u2014Current and Future State\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022046e82655c7c4e26b3da71641ff77768\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022046e82655c7c4e26b3da71641ff77768\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve received a letter from the Hon Willie Jackson seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the state of public media in New Zealand. For there to be an urgent debate, there must be a particular case of recent occurrence. Several previous Speakers have ruled that continuing problems does not equate to a particular case of recent occurrence. I refer the House to Speakers\u2019 rulings 221/2, by Harrison, Wall, and Mallard. Therefore, the application is declined.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002249385c5d9e1749cab0df806a8c847a97\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f056dc224c5c4e71af578941dedcc62d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, the Hon Kieran McAnulty.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022 data-id=\u00222bc5d85b77c9442dafc59d7832435f13\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222bc5d85b77c9442dafc59d7832435f13\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E No\u2014Grant.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022939a31a203574b178a5557dd15a28aa2\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, sorry\u2014Grant Robertson. Sorry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fe4f65e5c4bb45948b9b650824fe71e0\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: Very similar\u2014he\u2019s half the man I am!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c3f57ea7979f42ccbcc658e0be121928\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: He certainly is, but he\u2019s starting to sound more and more like you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b00ad38ed22741c5af224a65fe73e3d9\u0022\u003EHon GRANT ROBERTSON\u003C/span\u003E: I seek leave of the House for a debate to be held on the topic of the future of the news media in New Zealand, using the normal speaking order for an urgent debate, beginning with the Hon Willie Jackson.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022892873b92d2a4e8fab74fd0e1e15807f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022892873b92d2a4e8fab74fd0e1e15807f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There is objection. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00229a31b8ef49144beb8f78b3fc371448ad\u0022\u003EUrgency\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222256fa90d7bc406c8eefbd90e010b359\u0022\u003EUrgency\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022c56da50b823c4d9ea1a60938e8f67f7a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c56da50b823c4d9ea1a60938e8f67f7a\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That urgency be accorded the introduction and referral to select committee of the Fast-track Approvals Bill, the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, and the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThe urgency motion is required to introduce the last three bills outlined in the coalition Government\u2019s 49 commitments in our ambitious 100-day plan. Urgency allows us to have the first readings of these bills today so they can be sent to the select committee, which the leader of the Green Party is so keen on. The fast-track bill creates a one-stop shop fast-track consenting regime, as we\u2019ve just debated. The gangs legislation bill provides new tools for the police, and the courts bill will allow greater facilitation of remote participation in court proceedings, including the ability for victims to observe a criminal trial and sentencing remotely.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00227f1cbdd02c204464a03f460a933fc76b\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That urgency be accorded.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 68\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 55\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori 6.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c51efb2d2fc244139fd64745c7b1c5d5\u0022\u003EIntroduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022c672223698f84ea8929030bca9c55e6d\u0022\u003EIntroduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00221e84b0d292ec43fdb885a77c36738a13\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221e84b0d292ec43fdb885a77c36738a13\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I understand it\u2019s the intention of the Government to introduce those bills. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022b76650190f3b447cb9fff936f6b4033c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b76650190f3b447cb9fff936f6b4033c\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EFast-track Approvals Bill, introduction \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EGangs Legislation Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ECourts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill, introduction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022fe5dfdc3826d4c9dabb0993dcca1fd1a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fe5dfdc3826d4c9dabb0993dcca1fd1a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The Fast-track Approvals Bill is set down for first reading immediately. The Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill and the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill are set down for first reading presently.\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f02e694d59414bef80d67539cc8c891c\u0022\u003EGangs Legislation Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220b589d83f0e14d3cb5998db821289165\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Bill of Rights Act Compliance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022 data-id=\u0022641fada0332f4c1a94747606e7ef3bd9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002285ec30d4-6394-433a-a12e-2c4def705dd0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022641fada0332f4c1a94747606e7ef3bd9\u0022\u003EHon JUDITH COLLINS (Attorney-General):\u003C/span\u003E I present my report, under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, on the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill to the House under Standing Order 269.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u002206f32a72d43b4e9cb7666afecce105b5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002206f32a72d43b4e9cb7666afecce105b5\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That report is published under the authority of the House and may be found on the Parliament website.\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002291616b2d03354658ac2f9a8115dfc5cb\u0022\u003EFast-track Approvals Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022148153cafe3a4aaabae4cdb2a6b36b66\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022cbf3570337834748b735c8074ba6af18\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cbf3570337834748b735c8074ba6af18\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Minister responsible for RMA Reform):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Fast-track Approvals Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2744001c05943f1804dd31c89cd5946\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That legislative statement is published under the authority of the House and can be found also on the parliamentary website.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c8f8a62d2bdc4528b0d4a66c62745c17\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Fast-track Approvals Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Environment Committee to consider the bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThis is a momentous day for the coalition Government, which is up to day 99 of our 100-day plan of action since the election. This bill continues the Government\u2019s continued commitment to deliver on its coalition agreement with New Zealand First, and, at the outset, I would like to acknowledge the work of Matua Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development, in the development of this bill. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of my colleagues the Hon Simeon Brown, the Hon Tama Potaka, and the Hon Paul Goldsmith. It would be fair to say that Ministers and officials have moved at extraordinary pace to develop this legislation. There were many long nights devising this, and it has been put to me by people who know this sort of stuff around the town that Ministers and officials have done about two years\u2019 worth of work in about two months, and it\u2019s something that I think is worth commenting on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EI would like to also acknowledge the hard work of the officials at the Ministry for the Environment; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; the Department of Conservation; Te Arawhiti, the Office for M\u0101ori Crown Relations; the Infrastructure Commission; and almost certainly I have left an agency off there. This has been a joint, team effort, as readers of the Dominion Post will know. We\u2019re going to say thank you later on this afternoon.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EI\u2019m very proud of this legislation. I have believed, and the coalition Government has believed, for a long time now that it\u2019s too hard to do things in this country. It\u2019s not just my belief that that\u2019s the case; we know from the facts that it is. To quote the recent Infrastructure Commission report: \u201CThe time it takes to consent a major project has doubled across a five-year period.\u201D\u2014that\u2019s 2014 to 2019. We spend $1.3 billion\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e55b2f2516e042c4aa2485f44d984905\u0022\u003EHon David Parker\u003C/span\u003E: Who fixed that?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221d88a3be121b42b1b4b8ac032d8f4d22\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Well, you didn\u2019t fix it\u2014that\u2019s the whole point. That\u2019s partly why you were thrown out. We spend $1.3 billion in resource consent fees per year. It is just too hard to do things\u2014too hard to build houses, too hard to build roads, too hard to build public transport, too hard to build geothermal and wind power stations, too hard to build mines for the future, too hard to get aquaculture projects up and running\u2014and this is part of the Government\u2019s process of unclogging that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re viewing resource management reforms in three phases. The first was to repeal the Natural and Built Environment Act; we did that before Christmas. The second is to introduce a fast-track consenting regime and make targeted amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that we\u2019ve returned to to make it easier to do some of the things I\u2019ve just been talking about. Then the third part of our reform agenda is to replace the resource management regime with one based on the concept of property rights, which some members had previously decided is sort of by definition anti-environment. But, actually, proper respect for property rights and using market-based frameworks can do a lot for the environment and improving things. I\u2019ll have more to say about that in due\u00A0course.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EBut to return to the bill, what it does is set up a process which is firstly a one-stop shop but also a fast-track regime. What we are doing is setting up a process that will put nationally and regionally significant projects in the fast lane. Projects become eligible for the fast track through one of two ways: either through a referral by the joint decision of the Ministers of infrastructure, regional development, and transport upon an application, or by being listed in Schedule 2A of the bill. Once a project has been referred into the fast track, it will be considered by an expert panel. Essentially, we have adopted, with some modifications, the regime of the COVID-19 fast-track expert panel process that the previous Government introduced in its wisdom as a response to COVID. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EAs I pointed out during question time earlier in the day, the difference between our bill and the previous bill is that this bill doesn\u2019t actually contain any projects in it. To the contradistinction of what has been some rumours around the town, the bill does not include any projects. So projects become eligible either by referral or through being put in Schedule 2A, and then it goes to an expert panel, and their job is to apply the relevant consent and permit conditions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EI, as Minister for Infrastructure\u2014it\u2019s me currently; hopefully for a while. The Minister for Infrastructure will appoint a panel convener, and the panel convener will appoint the various relevant members of the expert panels. The panel convener must be a High Court judge\u2014either current or former\u2014or an Environment Court judge. Notably, what we are doing is we\u2019ve changed the regime from the COVID-19 legislation\u2014the fast track\u2014in relation to the expert panels. So, as I understand it, in the COVID-19 framework, expert panel members had a daily rate, and the evidence that\u2019s been put to me is that that was a bit of a disincentive for the relevant RMA experts and practitioners and planners and lawyers to participate\u2014the exact sort of people you\u2019d want doing these sort of panel hearings\u2014because, frankly, they could make more money doing other things other than sitting on the panels. So instead what we\u2019ve gone to is a market-rate system. So simple supply and demand, simple economics\u2014if you let the market clear, then it will clear, and if you let people pay what is required, then we\u2019ll get more people into the system to run the regime. I think that\u2019s a sensible step forward.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003ESo they will apply the relevant consent and permit conditions. We\u2019ve also set a time frame of six months. The project will then be sent back to joint Ministers. Now, there\u2019s been a bit of debate in the Parliament about: is this a constitutional overreach? I see my good mate Gary Taylor going out there saying it\u2019s the worst Government since Rob\u00A0Muldoon and all sorts of other nonsense. He needs to get with the programme, and members who believe that need to get with the programme. We are deliberately making a policy-design decision to give the executive Government more power over this process. So that\u2019s not a criticism. That\u2019s actually a design-policy choice by the coalition Government, and I believe it\u2019s possible to get to a sweet spot where Ministers, essentially, refer projects to a panel, the panel applies the conditions around the environment and around conservation, and then it goes back to Ministers for decision making.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThe reason why the schedules don\u2019t contain any projects is, we felt, on reflection, it was better to run a process that was insulated from Government and insulated from Ministers and where Ministers could have the ability to assess the advice of an independent panel about what projects should be included and what projects should not be included, and then, ultimately, the projects will go to the Ministers and go to Cabinet for approval. The bill\u2014it\u2019s not, as I say, wildly dissimilar to what the COVID-19 fast-track regime did. That bill included 17, from memory, and potentially 19 projects which were automatically referred.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve also put in place Schedule 2B, which is best described as projects that are shovel worthy but not quite yet ready for consents. What we\u2019re trying to do is deliberately create a pipeline of projects. What I would like to see flowing out of the fast-track regime is lots and lots and lots of projects that have resourced consent and are ready to go. They\u2019re on the shelf; they\u2019re ready to go. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWhat we do in New Zealand too often is we spend all this time and money getting things ready to go, and then we get the money together\u2014whether it\u2019s public or private\u2014and everyone goes, \u201CRighty-o, this is good.\u201D, and then we go off to get resource consent, and, seven years later, we wake up, and the resource consent hasn\u2019t happened, inflation has improved the cost of everything, and, all of a sudden, the project\u2019s not necessarily viable or economic. What I want to do, and what the Government wants to do, is reverse\u00A0that. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003ESo we have a whole lot of stuff that is consented, part of a pipeline, on the shelf, and ready to go. It may not necessarily be economic right now, it may not be economically viable in five years\u2019 time, but it may be economic in the future depending on the people\u2019s deployment of capital and depending on the capital deployment of Government. That is part of building a modern, functioning, 21st century economy with infrastructure that actually works.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EPart of the problem in this country is we\u2019ve become the obstruction economy, and what I want to say is that there is a better way. We don\u2019t have to become a country which has a \u201Ccan\u2019t do\u201D attitude; we can become a country that says yes to growth, yes to more roads, yes to geothermal power, yes to wind energy, yes to farming, yes to mining, yes to housing growth, and yes to growth. Because that\u2019s the problem with this country. We\u2019ve got a slow-growing economy; we\u2019ve had productivity growth problems for 30 years. It\u2019s too hard to do things in this country, and I\u2019m proud to be a member of a Government that is changing the obstruction economy and saying yes to growth. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003ESo many problems in New Zealand could be solved by more economic growth, more projects, more roads, more mines, more renewable energy, more building stuff that will actually improve the economy and get things going. I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022 data-id=\u00227cc65e853dc94aa5ac83f32a20705a14\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227cc65e853dc94aa5ac83f32a20705a14\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour\u2014Dunedin):\u003C/span\u003E How about \u201CYes\u201D to decreased biodiversity and \u201CYes\u201D to pollution? That seems to be what the other side of the House is interested in\u2014nothing else apart from economics, and shame on them. Now we have heard\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000327\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aa52892bc7164796a9802023d4f849c1\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: You clearly weren\u2019t listening.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000328\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293a703bdedaa45aa80def48d101f9160\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m told I wasn\u2019t listening. I can tell that member that I\u2019ve been listening very attentively and that I of course will be spending a lot of time with this bill that was introduced only 12 minutes ago. We\u2019ve had this bill for 12 minutes and we\u2019re speaking on it now\u2014that is shameful, like everything else about this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003ENow, we know that there are problems with the Resource Management Act and that it takes too long to consent things. That would be why the last Government did\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000330\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002252f9ba3652fd485580a8e15a4ba7d365\u0022\u003EGrant McCallum\u003C/span\u003E: It took you six years to work that out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a28405b4da8642f4988bf830276a92e7\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m hearing about how we had six years to do things\u2014that\u2019s right, and we did things. We did the Natural and Built Environment Act and we did the Spatial Planning Act because we need to plan better for infrastructure in New Zealand, we need to do long-term planning, and that was there in the Spatial Planning Act that this Government repealed\u2014repealed under urgency. All stages, urgency\u2014no referral to the select committee. Shame on them. We also, in the last Government, provided for fast tracking, and that fast tracking was put into the Natural and Built Environment Act. And when this Government repealed that Act, the fast-tracking provisions were retained\u2014there is no need for this legislation. We want to keep the fast-tracking provisions of that Natural and Built Environment Act\u2014they are there already\u2014but this Government shows no interest in using those, and instead wants to go ahead with this very dangerous proposal that puts far too much decision making into the hands of a select few Ministers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EYou might think that the relevant Minister\u2014if you\u2019re chugging through the Resource Management Act\u2014would be the Minister responsible for that Act, who is, of course, the Minister for the Environment. The \u201Cenvironment\u201D is not a word we\u2019ve heard in this debate from the other side or in answers to questions today, because there is no interest in the protection of that. This Minister, the Minister for the Environment, is not involved in this process. Instead, it is the Minister for Infrastructure, the Minister for Regional Development, and the Minister of Transport.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003ENow, this is very different\u2014and I want to pause on this for a moment\u2014from the COVID legislation that we\u2019ve heard the Minister talk about. The COVID\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000334\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022593bb2a343e747f696ebec00f2841768\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Siamese twin\u2014Siamese twin.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eda745c4a1ed4904a099d74931b2c1dc\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, we\u2019re hearing it\u2019s a Siamese twin. No, no, Mr Jones, it is not a Siamese twin. It is very importantly different, because in that COVID legislation it was very clear that the panel, after Ministers had referred a project\u2014a referral is not a decision. A referral to a panel\u2014not making the decision. They referred it to a panel\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223356b52c5d264ed289fb06e0fdb08b4e\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Minor detail\u2014minor detail.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f658e954ca9e427fa78ba853d62df5eb\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING\u003C/span\u003E: This is not a minor detail; this is very serious, and it seems that the Ministers on the other side of the House think this is some sort of game. You are not a serious Government and this is not a serious bill. What happened with the COVID legislation is that the panel could decline one of those listed projects. It was very clear that it could be declined on either inconsistency with the national policy statement or inconsistency with the Treaty.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EThere is no such section that I have been able to find in this bill, and, in fact, we just heard the Minister say that this was very purposeful, that he wants the Ministers to make the decisions, that the executive needs to be involved. If that is the case, then surely there should be a wide range of criteria that specify the sorts of projects that are in the public\u2019s interest to proceed with. Public projects, maybe, like the ones that were in the COVID legislation; maybe ones that are to do with iwi groups\u2014also in that COVID legislation. But, no, this is not just about infrastructure; this is about mines, potentially; this is about all sorts of development that has nothing to do with the public good. A lot relies on what is in Schedule 2\u2014Schedule 2, \u201CListed projects\u201D\u2014and we see that there are no projects listed in that schedule at the moment. I need to say, in my remaining seconds, that it is just beyond vitally important that there is a public process about what goes into these schedules, and I hope all lawyers will be submitting on this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022 data-id=\u002241d047b9d1864ac480291aaba3f23471\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002241d047b9d1864ac480291aaba3f23471\u0022\u003EHon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader\u2014Green):\u003C/span\u003E Well, Think Big is back. For the first time in over 40 years, we have an executive that is granting itself powers\u2014Ministers granting Ministers powers, using their parliamentary majority through a dodgy process under urgency to override some of the most significant environmental legislation we have. We\u2019ve gone from unbridled power to unhinged power through the use of this bill. This is one of the most significant assaults on the environment undertaken by any Government in my lifetime.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThese Ministers are handing themselves extraordinary powers to approve projects that could include new coalmines, mining on parts of our precious conservation estate, and the destruction of the seabed. And if you\u2019re denying it and pretending that that\u2019s not so, listen to your own Minister for Resources, your own Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, who is certainly saying he hopes that that\u2019s what happens. He wants coalmines. He wants the destruction of the ocean floor. He wants the destruction of our conservation estate. He actually wants the extinction of some of our endangered species. He has said so in this House, and this bill grants that Minister the power to make it happen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThe Minister responsible for this bill, the Fast-track Approvals Bill, is clearly doing what his coalition partners are wanting him to do on this\u2014despite what otherwise would be his better parliamentary and democratic instincts\u2014and in his own somewhat Potemkin blue-green visage that he\u2019s been pretending to have.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESome of the key differences between this bill and either the COVID-19 fast-track legislation or the fast-track provisions that that Minister repealed earlier this year\u2014which had been in replacement to the Resource Management Act (RMA), bringing back the RMA\u2014is that this puts the power into the hands of Ministers to finally approve those projects.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EUnder the previous fast-track legislation, Ministers could refer projects to an expert panel but could not decide. And, actually, the vast majority of projects did get approved, and they got approved quickly, and they got approved sometimes with additional recommendations or conditions in order to make them either more sound or less risky or less environmentally damaging. But the vast majority of them went through, both under the COVID-19 legislation and under the fast-track provisions that Minister Parker put through.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EWhat this legislation does is it gives those expert panels the ability to propose conditions back to Ministers, who can then say, \u201COh, we don\u2019t like those. Have another crack. Keep coming back until we get an answer that we like.\u201D So, yes, you might say, \u201CYou have the power to make those conditions\u201D but the point is that the Ministers can then say, \u201CSorry, those look a little bit onerous to us. We don\u2019t like those. Have another crack.\u201D, and the project\u2019s already been approved. We know that the Ministers want them, and the Ministers get to decide that, so those expert panels are completely toothless.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EThis rides roughshod over not just the Resource Management Act\u2014which everybody in this House, including us, agrees is a very flawed piece of legislation. We couldn\u2019t believe that this Government preferred to bring that legislation back into existence. It rides roughshod over the RMA. It rides roughshod over the environmental protections in New Zealand law, including the exclusive economic zone Act, the Wildlife Act, the Conservation Act, the Reserves Act. There is no acknowledgment in the bill of Te Tiriti beyond settlements. It contains weaker environmental conditions for applying for and approving consents. There is no mention of well-established environmental law principles, such as the precautionary approach\u2014no mention at all of that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003EConsenting panels can give more weight to the purpose of the fast-track bill over having to give effect to Part 2 of the RMA or other relevant legislation. It allows coal mining. It allows other destructive activities on conservation land. It allows seabed mining. It overrides projects that have already been declined by the courts on environmental grounds because they were so destructive they have no place in society.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227c215736-b512-41de-8f0c-6c5543fcfce7\u0022\u003ESo my question, really, to those grinning members of the blue-green National Party caucus who are sitting there is: where the hell are you? Where the hell are you? The ghost of Rob Muldoon has inhabited the mind and body of Shane Jones, and he is riding roughshod and exposing the blue-green caucus to be an absolute Potemkin village of toothless, spineless people who have no say whatsoever in this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022 data-id=\u002223238adf81d648d98f0484ec7e67375f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002223238adf81d648d98f0484ec7e67375f\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. The ACT Party supports the Fast-track Approvals Bill. New Zealanders have lamented the wasted opportunity left by the previous Labour Government. Lots of talk, lots of wasted time and money, and for what? Auckland light rail: $220\u00A0million on a business case\u2014not a single metre of track laid. They didn\u2019t even try and get a consent for it. That was just spinning the wheels. New\u00A0Zealand\u2019s infrastructure is dire. It\u2019s not just what we need to build for growth; it\u2019s all of those asset renewals and large-scale replacements, whether it\u2019s ports or hospitals or roads which do need a much smoother consenting pathway.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re in a ridiculous state of affairs now. It\u2019s so expensive and time-consuming to get anything permitted and consented. The Infrastructure Commission produced statistics\u2014that were used as a reason to reform the resource management system by the previous Government\u2014that it\u2019s costing $1.3 billion a year just to get consents. That\u2019s not to build the sediment pond, that\u2019s not to put in the diversions, that\u2019s not to actually replant the site after you\u2019ve finished building the motorway; that\u2019s just to do the paperwork and get a consent\u2014$1.3 billion. The amount of time taken to get a consent has almost doubled in the past five years. All the while, the former Minister Rachel Brooking in the Labour Government was giving advice on how to reform the Resource Management Act. Instead of actually getting on with fixing it, that previous Government wasted five years not fixing it. This Government is different.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ENow, across New Zealand, a lot of major projects\u2014a lot of major projects\u2014are desperately needed and they face giant hurdles. [Interruption] They\u2019re desperately needed by people in your community too. The fast track is the first step in a wider work programme to create an enabling environment for things to be built, that deliver wellbeing to communities\u2014wellbeing to communities just like yours. The first step was to repeal the Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act, which, as many lawyers pointed out\u2014and the Hon Rachel Brooking said, \u201CBring all the lawyers to the hearing.\u201D Many lawyers pointed out to the Hon Rachel Brooking when we were hearing submissions on the Natural and Built Environment Bill, as it then was, it\u2019s a terrible idea. So that\u2019s why it\u2019s gone. First step: Natural and Built Environment Act, el fuego.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003ESecond step: introducing the fast-track legislation. The third step, once we\u2019ve carried out some further targeted amendments to the Resource Management Act, will be the wholesale replacement of the Resource Management Act with a system based on enjoyment of property rights\u2014a system based on enjoyment of property rights. And that underpins this fast-track legislation and the rest of the work programme.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EThis concept of property rights has become an almost foreign concept in New\u00A0Zealand in recent times. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002282054c66939a4b9392118162e2ad219c\u0022\u003ESteve Abel\u003C/span\u003E: The Muld-ACT Party\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b9626a95e8341839d4398544e7352bc\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT\u003C/span\u003E: How profound that people should be able to do with their own property, Mr Steve Abel, what they like, so long as it doesn\u2019t affect the ability of others to do the same. New Zealand\u2019s lost sight of this with an increasingly precautionary approach to environmental management\u2014environmental naval gazing over actually getting things built. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022741b90c7f20a428dac457485a4b2f2a2\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s right.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002238d02a4736d1454c9b188bd561892140\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s right, Joseph Mooney. But I\u2019ll tell you what New Zealand thinks of this bill. Infrastructure New Zealand: \u201CWe have to be more productive \u2026 The link between infrastructure and stronger economic performance is undeniable yet often underappreciated.\u201D Infrastructure New Zealand, the peak body for infrastructure developers in New Zealand, also makes this point, to those members of the Green Party and the Labour Party who\u2019ve raised concerns about the environment: \u201CThe process can move faster without compromising environmental standards.\u201D And I know that there are members of the Green Party caucus\u2014and I myself have worked as an environmental professional, we know how to deliver projects and stick within environmental limits, and we can do that with fast tracking.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EBut, oh no, that\u2019s not good enough for the Environmental Defence Society, who claims that this bill is the Government\u2019s war on nature continuing. Well, that type of unhelpful rhetoric will not get New Zealand moving faster and get things built.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003EThis week, I was lucky enough to host the political scientist Bj\u00F8rn Lomborg recently in Parliament last night, who articulates this concept of a cost-benefit analysis and how to best spend time and money to make a positive impact. That is not spending time in the Environment Court or trying to convince council planners why you should be allowed to use your own land and development assets. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022697429f260ec47d18a476706e5553eb5\u0022\u003EHon Rachel Brooking\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, that\u2019s right. So you put in the plans, like the Natural and Built Environment Act and you have spatial plans that fix it, Simon Court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262828428-6565-42b4-bd4d-fa3b12531f88\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002227c7301b43344268b4db7288a99b8812\u0022\u003ESIMON COURT\u003C/span\u003E: This bill is an important\u2014Rachel Brooking, this bill is an important step in restoring the concept of private property rights and getting stuff done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u0022710ab5c80c034c5fa07a7eef42a4b37c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022710ab5c80c034c5fa07a7eef42a4b37c\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Minister for Resources):\u003C/span\u003E This bill has longer and wider ramifications than Geoffrey Palmer\u2019s Resource Management Act. In another 20 to 30 years, people will look back to this bill as the day that New Zealand moved from \u201Ccancel\u201D economics to \u201Ccan-do\u201D economics. This bill is to provide a fast-track decision-making process that facilitates the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional and national benefits. Regions need to benefit from their resource endowments. Gone are the days of the multicoloured skink, the kiwi, many other species that have been weaponised to deny regional New Zealand communities their right to a livelihood, their entitlement to live peacefully with their environment but derive an income to meet the costs of raising families in regional New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThis purpose will overwhelm the decrepit, irrelevant provisions of the Wildlife Act that have caused hundreds of millions of dollars of unnecessary expenditure in projects that, if they\u2019re not happening in a timely fashion, are hobbling the interests of garden variety Kiwis who have been written out of the script as the Resource Management Act has been colonised by green NGOs who have no conception of economic benefit, weaponised by the legal profession who have turned resource management law into a rich vein of fiscal ore.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003ELet me talk about veins. There are veins of wealth throughout Te Tai Poutini. There are veins of wealth throughout the South Island, and with this legislation, mining will be turbocharged. There are consequences from voting, and the consequence of Kiwis electing this group of politicians is that we are no longer going to tolerate tainting, stigmatising, marginalising of the rich mineral endowment in New Zealand. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThe echo chamber for my speech is trans-Tasman; it\u2019s global. I am already getting messages from North America, from Singapore, from Australia. At long last, New Zealand is open again for business. No more eco-romanticism, no more colonial guilt, but a very focused, very direct level of interest upon causing Kiwis to be more resilient, causing Kiwis to be able to afford to live in their own country, not watching their sons and daughters go to Kalgoorlie and dig up Australia whilst parliamentarians on that side of the House oppose, daily, the mining industry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThey quietly hide as we bring Indonesian coal into New Zealand every month to keep the lights on, because they know that the most important thing in a modern economy is a secure, resilient energy system, something that was destroyed as our sovereign risk collapsed after the unwise decision made about oil and gas. Gas will be around for at least another 30 years. Gas, under this bill, where it\u2019s needed, will be processed in a professional, timely fashion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003EThere will be those who exaggerate, those who worsen the prospects under the rubric of climate change. Climatologists, climatarians, join the fray. These are items of debate for the development of our country. Our country is going to grow at long last, because this bill will not only build dams, open mines, develop infrastructure, it has the Ruataniwha clause. Kia ora t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022 data-id=\u0022a48a0a0ec1da4fb9a4c013c970a889de\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a48a0a0ec1da4fb9a4c013c970a889de\u0022\u003EDEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER (Co-Leader\u2014Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te M\u0101ngai. Look, the previous speaker, Shane Jones, has proven one thing: you cannot take capitalism out of colonisation. That is what we\u2019re hearing\u2014those who cannot think of anything else but the life of a typical capitalist.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWhat we need to be thinking about\u2014and I need to share a story. I come from the vein of these areas which are promised all this richness, the wealth of the white gold, the black gold. And not once\u2014not once\u2014as an iwi with the largest amount of oil companies in its backyard, have we ever seen the fruits of the economic profits that that side of the House continues to promise our people. Not once\u2014not once. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve got to keep remembering, this k\u014Drero about a one-stop shop, the one-stop shop, or the one-stop chop, which we heard today, is full of forked tongues and false promises. I want to really appeal to our people, because what we\u2019re seeing before us, there\u2019s this belief that there\u2019s going to be this Tiriti principles bill that\u2019s going to come up and it\u2019s going to take everything out. In fact, this is the start of the erosion. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EAnd that matua who is just in the eve of his career is trying to promise to our people the richness of economic development\u2014it\u2019s not true. It is not true. We have communities who are messaging me, not from Singapore, not from Japan, not from anywhere else overseas\u2014from Taranaki, from W\u2019anganui, from Te Tai Tokerau who are sitting there, saying, \u201CW\u2019aea, we don\u2019t want what this matua is promising.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWe are seeing our rights eroded from a Government that has no respect for tangata whenua\u2014no respect\u2014because their whole idea of growth is sitting there. It\u2019s so hard to think about transformation. It\u2019s so hard to think about how we look after our communities, how we don\u2019t leave anybody behind, how we look after those who are struggling. No,\u00A0let\u2019s go into the communities that are struggling; let\u2019s dig them up even more. Let\u2019s mine them even more, despite the fact that at their own cost, they have gone to courts to fight seabed mining, fight Trans-Tasman Resources\u2014won five times in the courts, 12\u00A0years consecutively. But this Government has taringa m\u0101r\u014D [stubborn, no ears]\u2014doesn\u2019t want to listen to the arguments and the fights.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s go back\u2014and they\u2019re proposing to cut red tape. Oh, how original! Really, what that spells, w\u2019\u0101nau m\u0101, is that they\u2019re going to cut consultation, they are going to cut reference to Tiriti, and they\u2019re going to cut corners, because that\u2019s what matua does really well, when he comes to the marae\u2014and any matua\u2014making big promises to our wh\u0101nau: \u201CWe\u2019ve got your back. We\u2019re going to grow you. We\u2019re going to do everything for you. You\u2019re going to be a richer country.\u201D But, actually, the shareholders take that, and the shareholders are often not in Aotearoa; they often take their money and go away\u2014go\u00A0away.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003ELook, I want to talk about some of the things that we have\u2014I wouldn\u2019t have a problem, to be honest. I think that Minister Bishop\u2019s been as honest as he can, because he\u2019s focused on what a lot of our iwi are. We want to remove bureaucracy. We want to build our houses. In fact, we could put some on Premier House if we wanted to; give the land back to the mana whenua. We want to sit there and remove barriers so we can get our land that is blocked unblocked and be able to have papa k\u0101inga. But the reality is, what we have is another Minister\u2014another Minister, Minister Jones\u2014who has said, \u201CWe are going to extract the dividend from mother Nature\u2019s legacy on the DOC estate in those areas previously called stewardship land.\u201D This is a Government that wants to rape, pillage, and take everything they\u2019ve left on our w\u0101\u2019i\u2014w\u0101\u2019i tapu, on our maunga, by our rivers, by our moana. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWh\u0101nau, when you go into this document that\u2019s barely arrived on the Table 40 minutes ago, you can see some of the things that are being considered. There is absolutely no requirement to consider Te Tiriti\u2014no requirement to consider Te Tiriti. We are already seeing the rewriting of Te Tiriti. We have a Minister, we have officials who were crying about what was being subjected to with this process. We have got experts\u2014experts from post-settlement governance entities, Te Tai Kaha, advisers to the national iwi chairs\u2014and it\u2019s quoted here, \u201CIt was not possible\u201D\u2014it was not possible\u2014\u201Cto be a thorough review of this bill.\u201D, and acknowledging its significance, because they were limited in nature in the engagement of the policy proposals. They were insufficiently organised, but they had a Minister who said, \u201CWe are removing Te Tiriti and any reference to Te Tiriti.\u201D This is the start, w\u2019\u0101nau m\u0101. This is the start of that matua, in the eve of a career, who is sitting here with a legacy of failure, trying to say, \u201CWe need to make this work.\u201D, at the cost of us, wh\u0101nau m\u0101\u2014at the cost of us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003EWhen we sit there and we see the fact that this Government and all of its supplementary analysis, the Treaty impact analysis, gives reference to the fact that this Government was cautioned as taking the wrong path, but will it listen to you, wh\u0101nau? Will it listen to you? Kia ora r\u0101.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022 data-id=\u0022f4ce83630ed248358d9b0aa0681636dd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f4ce83630ed248358d9b0aa0681636dd\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA (Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing)):\u003C/span\u003E E t\u016B ana ahau, e taku piki amokura, me te mihi ki ng\u0101 raruraru, ng\u0101 \u0101wangawanga e tae mai nei i aku hoa whanaunga kei t\u0113r\u0101 taha o te Whare. Me te mea nei, e tautoko ana au i ng\u0101 mahi a te Manu P\u012Bhopa n\u0101n\u0101 an\u014D i kawe mai i t\u0113nei pire, i t\u0113nei w\u0101 ki te t\u0113pu, e k\u014Drerotia nei, \u0101, kei mua i a t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EMe te whakatuar\u0101 hoki i a ia me t\u014Dna k\u0101hui, a Minita Tarar\u0101, me Minita Paraone e noho nei ki te kawe mai i t\u0113nei pire ki tua o \u0113nei komiti whakahaere. Me te mihi an\u014D \u0113nei \u0101huatanga. Koinei hoki i whakaritea mai ki te mahere kotahi rau r\u0101, kia whakatere, kia whakahutihuti an\u014D i te haere o \u0113nei momo take ki runga i ng\u0101 whenua me ng\u0101 moana o Aotearoa-Niu T\u012Breni. Me te mea nei, n\u014Dku te whiwhi kia kawe mai au i Te Papa Atawhai me Te Arawhiti ki \u0113nei k\u014Drero me t\u0101 r\u0101tou tautoko ki te anga whakamua.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u0100na! \u0100na! Kua kitea hoki i roto i ng\u0101 tohutohu me ng\u0101 pepa e tautoko ana Te Papa Atawhai me Te Arawhiti me t\u014D r\u0101tou hiahia kia whakahaumarutia hoki ng\u0101 take taunga Tiriti i roto i te ture, \u0101, ko wai ka hua, ko wai ka m\u014Dhio, engari kei roto hoki i ng\u0101 pire te whakatau, te oati hoki o t\u014D m\u0101tou K\u0101wanatanga haumi, ka t\u016B toka, kia t\u016B tika, kia t\u016B m\u0101ia hoki ng\u0101 whakataunga Tiriti i roto i t\u0113nei pire. N\u0101 reira, kei te pakanga tonu \u0113tehi, k\u0101ore e kore, engari koinei pea hei \u0101ta whakamataara i te hinengaro, hei \u0101ta whakam\u012Bharo hoki i t\u0101 koutou e tohe nei ki taku i wheako atu ki te kamupene o Tainui.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EKo t\u0101 m\u0101tou, e rima tau e whakapau kaha ana i te p\u016Btea ki te whakat\u0101rewa i te kaupapa m\u014D Ruakura, ki te kawe hoki i ng\u0101 uaratanga o t\u014D t\u0101tou iwi o Waikato-Tainui ki te whakat\u016B whekeretere, ki te whakat\u016B whare kait\u0101, ki reira t\u016B ai hei Logistics Centre ki reira. Engari ko te patu par\u0101oa, ko te taiaha me te tewhatewha o te Karauna ko te RMA. N\u0101 te kaunihera t\u0113r\u0101 kaupapa i whakat\u014Dmuri kia toru tau, kia rima tau, kia toru miriona t\u0101ra a Tainui i whakapau i te mea, n\u0101 te mea, n\u0101 te kaunihera hoki i paopao hoki i te anga whakamua m\u014D t\u0113r\u0101 kaupapa n\u0101 te RMA te take. Ehara i te mea n\u0101 te Fast Track Consent, ehara i te mea n\u0101 ng\u0101 uaratanga o te iwi engari n\u0101 te RMA me te kaunihera me te RMA i t\u014Dmuri ai, i p\u014Dturi rawa te whakatere i t\u0113r\u0101 waka.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EN\u0101 reira, ki ahau nei, ki ahau nei kua kite i ng\u0101 piki me ng\u0101 heke o te RMA\u2014t\u014Dna pai, engari t\u014Dna kino hoki me t\u0113r\u0101 wheako i roto i te iwi e tau nei a Waikato-Tainui. Ko te mutunga k\u0113 mai nei o te k\u016Bare t\u0113r\u0101 \u0101huatanga, te rironga m\u0101 te RMA te whakap\u014Dturi i te anganga whakamua a ng\u0101 iwi me ng\u0101 ohu o ng\u0101 iwi. N\u0101 reira, ko t\u0101ku ki Whare nei, kaua e riro m\u0101 te t\u016B a te ture ki te kak\u012B o te kamupene M\u0101ori. \u0100e, e tika ana te k\u014Drero kia whakatau tika ng\u0101 \u0101huatanga ki te taiao, \u0101, te \u0101huatanga ki ng\u0101 mahi ohu, ng\u0101 mahi whai p\u016Btea, engari kaua e riro m\u0101 te RMA e patu te anga whakamua o ng\u0101 iwi. Nui ng\u0101 t\u0113pa h\u0101piapia whero e whakahaukoti nei i te anga whakamua m\u014D ng\u0101 p\u0101 wai, ng\u0101 p\u0101 ika me ng\u0101 p\u0101 hikohiko. E hoa! He p\u014Dturi rawa te whenua nei ka p\u014Dhara katoa t\u0101tou, ka makariri k\u0113 ng\u0101 k\u0101inga.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003ETe Papa Atawhai kei te tautoko, kei te tautoko i te anganga whakamua. \u0100e, e k\u012B ana te k\u014Drero e ono tekau or\u0101u o ng\u0101 whenua o Te Papa Atawhai k\u0101ore i te whai kaha i ng\u0101 \u0101huatanga o te taiao kia riro m\u0101 t\u0113nei kaupapa e whakat\u0101rewa. Engari, wh\u0101 tekau \u014Drau ng\u0101 whenua o Te Papa Atawhai kua r\u0101huitia, kua taea te aha. Kua r\u0101huitia ki t\u0113nei pire, ka whakahaumarutia hoki ki ng\u0101 kararehe me ng\u0101 tamariki a T\u0101ne me Hineahuone ki \u0113r\u0101 wh\u0101 tekau \u014Drau.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003ETe Arawhiti, ko t\u0101 r\u0101tou, me ng\u0101 k\u0101hui rangatira a ng\u0101 iwi, kia whakahaumarutia ng\u0101 take o ng\u0101 whakataunga Tiriti\u2014e tautoko ana. Kei roto i ng\u0101 wh\u0101rangi me ng\u0101 k\u014Drero o te kaupapa nei, o te pire nei e kitea ana kei ia taumata whakahaere, kei ia taumata whakatau me toro atu te kaitono me ng\u0101 Minita me te panel nei ki ng\u0101 M\u0101ori, ki ng\u0101 iwi, ki ng\u0101 hap\u016B, \u0101ta w\u0101nangatia te anga whakamua. Kaua e p\u014Dh\u0113h\u0113 m\u0101 te k\u014Drero noa iho e \u0101ta whakatinana hoki i ng\u0101 uaratanga o ng\u0101 iwi. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E[I rise, Mr Speaker, to acknowledge the challenges and trepidations that have come from my friendly relatives on that side of the House. And I support the work of Minister Bishop, who brought this bill before us at this time to the table, that we are speaking about, that is before us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EI must support he and his team, Minister Jones and Minister Brown, who will bring this bill beyond this committee. I must acknowledge this. This is why it was included in the 100-day programme, was put into place to speed up, to hasten the process of these kinds of issues that are upon the oceans of Aotearoa New Zealand. And what\u2019s more, it is my honour to bring in the Department of Conservation and Te Arawhiti into these discussion with their support to progress.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EIndeed! Indeed! We have seen in the advice and in the papers that the Department of Conservation and Te Arawhiti, and their desire to safeguard as well, the Treaty settlement claims in the legislation, and who knows what will happen, but within the bill is the decision and the oath of our coalition Government, that we stand strong. The Treaty settlement claims will stand strong, will stand true, will stand brave in this bill. And so, some will still battle, without a doubt, but this may be the thing that alerts the mind and brings one to admire that which you are arguing with respect to my experience with the company of Tainui.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EOur view is that five years\u2019 worth of money has been exhausted to delay the Ruakura initiative and to carry the values of our tribe of Waikato-Tainui in establishing factories, and to establish large buildings there, such as a logistics centre there. But the whalebone club and the long staffs of the Crown are the Resource Management Act (RMA). It was the council that slowed down that initiative for three years, for five years, expending $3\u00A0million from Tainui, because the council also impacted the moving forward of that initiative and the RMA was the reason. It was not because of the fast-track consent, it was not the values of the tribe, but it was the RMA, the council and the RMA who slowed down that ship.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EAnd so, to me, we have seen the ups and downs of the RMA\u2014its advantages but also its disadvantages and that experience within the iwi that presents here, Waikato-Tainui. That situation is the epitome of ignorance, to let the RMA slow down the moving forward of the tribe and the boards and committees of the tribe. So, I say to this House, don\u2019t let a law stand on the throat of the M\u0101ori companies. Yes, it is true we must correctly decide the conditions of the environment, the conditions of the working groups, money-making opportunities, but don\u2019t let the RMA negatively affect the progress of the tribes. There is lots of red sticky tape that is preventing the moving forward for water plants, fishing plants, and hydro-electricity plants. My friends! This country is too slow, and we will all be poor and houses will be cold.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000388\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EThe Department of Conservation supports the moving forward. Yes, it is said that 60\u00A0percent of Department of Conservation land is not strictly complying with environmental conditions, and this is what is delaying it. But 40 percent of the Department of Conservations land has been put aside, and nothing can be done with it. It has been put aside for this bill and will be protected for animals and the creatures of T\u0101ne and Hineahuone in that 40 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003EWith regards to Te Arawhiti, and the leaders of tribes, their view is that the Treaty settlements issues be safeguarded\u2014agreed. In the pages and discussion of this initiative of the bill, it can be seen that at every management level, at every decision-making level the applicant and Ministers and the panel must make contact with M\u0101ori, with iwi, and with hap\u016B, to discuss in-depth the way forward. Do not think mistakenly that by mere discussion the values of the tribe will be realised. I thank us all.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022e1ad45afdb52440ea7cec42a0f3b4273\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e1ad45afdb52440ea7cec42a0f3b4273\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E I only have five minutes to contribute to this part of the debate\u2014I will try to cover a lot of issues, because there are a lot of hooks in this. For a start, can I say something about the discussion around property rights. Simon Court said that he wants a property rights - based regime for the Resource Management Act (RMA). If you had a property rights - based regime for the RMA, you would not be able to have a non-point source discharge from a farm adding to pollution to rivers. That\u2019s not what we\u2019ll end up with, though. If you had a pure property rights - based regime, the farmer who was discharging into a river via an increased number of cows, would be subject to the law of nuisance and could be injuncted for their farming practices. They don\u2019t mean that\u2014they don\u2019t mean that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EThe Hon Shane Jones\u2019 comments before\u2014with respect, Mr. Jones, you take the issue, the assertion of property rights, too far. It has never been the case anywhere in New\u00A0Zealand, or indeed anywhere in the Commonwealth, that a private property right to a piece of land in a city that is used for a house can be turned into a foundry. I don\u2019t think the member thinks that that should be the case. But it\u2019s also true in rural areas. It has never been the case that a private property right to rural land includes the right to kill the last tuatara. What a nonsense it would be if that was the law. So I dislike these simplistic references to public property rights in that sense.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EIn respect of wasted cost on the process for consenting, there has been a problem in this country with that, and we did address that in the last Government and I was the responsible Minister that did it. In respect of the COVID-related legislation, the decision maker was the panel, not the Minister\u2014that\u2019s a big difference in this proposal. Notwithstanding that, the vast majority of projects were consented within a reasonable time. We knocked the average time of consenting back by 18 months and we dropped costs considerably. It did work and was a good model.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EWe carried it forward into the Natural and Built Environment Act with a number of changes. What was the main change? The Minister for the Environment\u2014which was, at the time, me\u2014was no longer the gatekeeper for whether projects could use that process. Why? Because I actually thought it was inappropriate that I had that role. I thought that decision should sit with officials rather than me. In addition, the panels under those fast-track referrals could hold an oral hearing if necessary, and, on occasions, they should be able to. If, for example, it is the first waste-to-energy project and it was put through fast track, I think people should have a right for public submission and to make oral submissions, rather than just written submissions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EWhat is this really about and what will be the outcome? What is the most expensive power project ever built in the history of New Zealand recently? It\u2019s the Clyde Dam. It was the Clyde Dam. It was an appalling waste of money. It was forced through by the Clutha Development (Clyde Dam) Empowering Act 1982. It was actually one of the things that led to, eventually, the RMA. It was an appalling waste of money, and you should avoid those sorts of mistakes, through due process. You\u2019ve got to be careful that you don\u2019t go too far with processes that are too shortcut.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003ENow, what clause 25 of this bill says\u2014that when the panel refers back to Ministers, the \u201CMinisters must not decide to deviate from a panel\u2019s recommendation unless they have undertaken analysis of the recommendations and any conditions in accordance with the relevant assessment criteria.\u201D I\u2019m not sure what that means, and I find it inconsistent with the next subclause, (5), which says that the Ministers may go back to the panel and \u201Cgive \u2026 any directions the Ministers think appropriate as to the reconsideration of whole or part\u201D. So they can, effectively, tell the panel what to do. If this is going to survive as legislation, that has to be limited because, if it\u2019s not, the threat\u2014and it was a threat from the Hon James Shaw\u2014is that there will be investment uncertainty in New Zealand because those consenting decisions will seem, on occasions, to be tainted by allegations of corruption, as allegations of special favours, and they will lack legitimacy. Accordingly, you will find that the other side of politics will react the other way and you will create investment uncertainty. In some of those consents, there is a risk that they will not last.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EThe final point I will make is that there are two things that this bill needs to do that it doesn\u2019t yet do, and this is relevant to aquaculture and to wind farms at sea. Sometimes you need a spatial planning approach where a high-level decision is taken as to where things can happen, and then you work through later details. That\u2019s the way to sort out wind farms and aquaculture, not through individual consents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022 data-id=\u0022c9bbb6e420af4e59888abb090cb041a3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c9bbb6e420af4e59888abb090cb041a3\u0022\u003EGRANT McCALLUM (National\u2014Northland):\u003C/span\u003E It\u2019s with pleasure that I rise to speak about the Fast-track Approvals Bill, because ultimately one of the biggest challenges we have is addressing the climate change challenge, and what has been holding us up in doing that is the Resource Management Act, because it\u2019s taking far too long to get projects approved so we can create more sustainable energy. It\u2019s for that reason, I take a blue-green approach and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u00227d2acc4061724f428ac6d308f0059837\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227d2acc4061724f428ac6d308f0059837\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I\u2019m very pleased to have the opportunity to speak against this bill today. Everyone in this House, if they haven\u2019t personally confronted situations like this, they certainly would have had representations from constituents about the frustration of long and drawn out consenting processes. There\u2019s no doubt that the Resource Management Act (RMA), as it was originally formed, had become costly and it had become cumbersome. I personally think of the example of the proposed water storage scheme in Wairarapa, which, despite getting significant levels of support from the previous Labour-led Government, was unable to get through what was a long and winding consenting process, and I think that is regrettable for the region. But it was still important that a process was followed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EIt is important that the local community has the opportunity to have a say, and I simply do not accept the argument from the Government that the RMA, which they themselves have decided to go back to, let\u2019s not forget\u2014there was a replacement that considered all aspects of planning in this country and took on board the perspectives of those that submitted. They got rid of that, they\u2019ve gone back to the old system, and now they\u2019re saying that the country\u2019s being held back by the system that they have reintroduced. It is absolutely counter-productive.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EI also do not accept that their Ministers are a better process than giving communities a say. What is stopping vested interests from wining and dining Ministers to encourage them to support their application? What is stopping them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222170b5bd-171f-4d9f-bfa6-cab72178f108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b0d6a8f3683340af829b3f01c94072c4\u0022\u003EJoseph Mooney\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, that\u2019s\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022da789f39a1c64f89b9aac87152b62c63\u0022\u003EGrant McCallum\u003C/span\u003E: Scurrilous!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d59131b37bc4350bf993e54569a2ff1\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY\u003C/span\u003E: And they scoff at that, but they don\u2019t have an answer to it. There is a reason that New Zealand consistently rates among one of the least corrupt countries in the world\u2014because we have processes to keep elected representatives away from decisions like this. They are opening themselves up to these accusations, and if they don\u2019t like it, don\u2019t support the bill, because that is what this bill is doing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EWhile they\u2019re at it, I invite them to speak to the residents of Makomako Road, near Pahiatua, who have been getting in touch with me lately. They are concerned that their views and concerns about the proposed windfarm, right above their properties\u2014they are not going to have their voice heard. They don\u2019t even know if their project is included in those that will be listed in the Schedule, because this Government is keeping it secret. If\u00A0they wanted to be upfront, if they were so confident that this was a better approach, if they were so confident that they were happy to have public submissions in select committee, why on earth are those schedules not included? They are doing it deliberately, I believe, and I think it is disgraceful.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EThe good people that live near Pahiatua, who have already done their bit, have already got a windfarm near their farms, so close that they can hear them working, are now, potentially, facing another windfarm with turbines twice the size, just as close. The Tararua district, an area just north of Wairarapa, is perfect for windfarms in many places. There are huge swathes of land that don\u2019t have people living near them. Why on earth are these people having to face the prospect of having a second windfarm right on their doorstep when there are more suitable places for it? No one here is saying that windfarms shouldn\u2019t be built; in fact, there should be more of them. But they should be in appropriate places. They certainly shouldn\u2019t be next to people who already have them surrounding them on one side of their farms.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EI also think of the people of Mt Munro near Ekat\u0101huna, who now may face the possibility that their views, and the processes that they\u2019ve been engaging in over weeks and months, mean absolutely nothing, because Ministers on that side of the House want to dismiss their views and think they know best. This isn\u2019t about a better process; this is a worse process. This is about doing what they think is better, and what takes no consideration whatsoever of the local views. It would have been very simple if they were that confident. If they really believed that this was a better process, why the hell aren\u2019t they publishing the things that are going to benefit from this bill?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003EDebate interrupted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d5fd791c78774d8794ffb487319e2f0f\u0022\u003EAmended Answers to Oral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bf2b670c18be45578d93cee2dee42af9\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3 to Minister \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022 data-id=\u002238e949cccd1947f0b2966c2310326514\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002238e949cccd1947f0b2966c2310326514\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA (Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing)):\u003C/span\u003E I seek leave to make a personal explanation. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b9ba703edd7e41e6ac0213cb5ad6ef45\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\u003C/span\u003E: Leave is granted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002232601127-a1e9-4ba0-b6af-99865a84a209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2ea80bcf0c943de8349a45e23a2fd62\u0022\u003EHon TAMA POTAKA\u003C/span\u003E: In answer to question No. 3 today in the House, the Hansard has me recorded as saying \u201CYes, the Government\u2019s new approach is part of a wider response to end largescale use of emergency housing\u201D. I wish to explain that my response of \u201Cyes\u201D was to acknowledge the Speaker when it was my turn to respond to the question from the Hon Carmel Sepuloni. My response to that honourable member remains as otherwise recorded.\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222d0c120f744b47da91c96be5ce83cc5c\u0022\u003EFast-track Approvals Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002211dbc5102ea242f1b8a562b1da4bc4e7\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000415\u0022\u003EDebate resumed.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d64de4c1-ef68-477e-9c50-db5cbdf99404\u0022 data-id=\u002203a8834370fa487b8862c681a8224e15\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d64de4c1-ef68-477e-9c50-db5cbdf99404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002203a8834370fa487b8862c681a8224e15\u0022\u003ETOM RUTHERFORD (National\u2014Bay of Plenty):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Last but not least. I\u2019m proud to stand in support of the Fast-track Approvals Bill brought to the House by Minister Bishop. This is a one-stop shop approvals regime which can provide approvals required under multiple legislation. This bill will help those who wish to build in New Zealand do more in a streamlined and efficient manner, while keeping the common-sense provisions and protections associated with a typical consenting regime. We are determined to cut through the red and green tape holding New Zealand back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d64de4c1-ef68-477e-9c50-db5cbdf99404\u0022\u003EThere is so much we could say, but instead of talking, this side of the Government is about action and delivery. So I\u2019m going to fast track this speech, and I\u2019d like to commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00227ea8d51e37754a8b8b9b2c30278b097f\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the Fast Track Approvals Bill be now read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 68\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 55\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori 6.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000418\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002201eaca4cdcc14a6f9919b9e1db99327b\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the Fast Track Approvals Bill be considered by the Environment Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Environment Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022133c1e3361494babb756fd77636099f6\u0022\u003EGangs Legislation Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f7bfa549686d470f8d5da7e3d83c148e\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022 data-id=\u00229bb1d7b7eecf4f5baf8abb168818ecf2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229bb1d7b7eecf4f5baf8abb168818ecf2\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (Minister of Justice):\u003C/span\u003E I present a legislative statement on the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fc20fe85a90a4e4abea5ac6f59a6b0f7\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2f08f98f0404e848f6c395f292b56db\u0022\u003EHon PAUL GOLDSMITH\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Justice Committee to consider the bill. At the appropriate time, I intend to move that the bill be reported to the House by 8 July 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe bill gives effect to one part of the Government\u2019s hundred-day plan to restore law and order and ensure that New Zealanders are safer in their communities. This is a response to gang membership increasing by 51 percent over the past five years, alongside violent crime increasing 33 percent. This Government wants to prevent the current level of violence from becoming a permanent feature of New Zealand society, so we\u2019re giving police additional tools to go after the criminal gangs that inflict fear and misery on our communities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill does four things. First, it creates a new criminal offence prohibiting the display of gang insignia in public places. This builds on our 2013 law that prohibits the display of gang insignia in Government buildings like schools and hospitals. This Government is extending these rules to all public places. Prohibition includes gang patches and also covers items such as clothing or vehicles that have gang signs or symbols attached to them. These insignia intimidate law-abiding Kiwis and are status symbols used to encourage others, particularly young people, to become part of the gang. They also make members of a gang identifiable, which may exacerbate inter-gang rivalries that could eventuate into gang violence. It will therefore be illegal to display gang insignia in public places, punishable by fine or imprisonment. Following conviction, the gang insignia used in offending is forfeited to the Crown and can be destroyed or disposed of as the court directs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThe bill also creates a new dispersal power which police can use to stop gang members from gathering in public. A dispersal notice will require the group to leave an area and not associate in public for seven days. This tool will enable police to disrupt gatherings that can escalate into criminal behaviour. Gangs gather in public places in order to create fear in our communities and to intimidate law-abiding Kiwis. Time and again, we\u2019re seeing criminal gangs block roads, harass the public, and disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens just trying to go about their business peacefully. We should not regard this as acceptable.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003ETo ensure the safety of officers, Police can issue the dispersal notice at the time of the gathering, or Police can decide it would be more appropriate to issue the notice at a later time. The notice will apply for the next seven days, preventing the group from reconvening again in public. We recognise that there needs to be exemptions, and the dispersal notice will not apply to public meetings of immediate family members or where the people need to associate for a lawful purpose such as work, education, or healthcare. There\u2019s also the ability to apply to the Commissioner of Police for an exemption for other lawful purposes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EThirdly, the bill creates a non-consorting order. This order is issued by a court and will require specified people not to associate or communicate for three years. Crimes, like the importation and sale of illegal drugs, don\u2019t just happen; they require coordination and planning. Police often know exactly who these criminals are but are powerless to prevent them from planning and committing these crimes before it\u2019s too late. We believe the police should be able to act on the intelligence they have and apply to the court to stop known gang offenders from associating or communicating with one another, to keep our communities safe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EAs with the dispersal notices, our bill recognises that some association or communication may be required for lawful purposes. Exemptions are provided for immediate family and lawful purposes such as work, education, or healthcare. The court can also consider applications for exemptions for other lawful purposes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EFinally, the law gives greater weight to gang membership as an aggravating factor in sentencing. This will ensure that courts are not unduly limited in using gang membership as an aggravating factor. I expect this will lead to tougher sentences for gang members and send a strong message that gangs\u2019 unlawful activities will not be tolerated.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253f86481-33c1-48b2-893b-c11cc0bd673d\u0022\u003EAlthough these changes will impact on the rights of gang members, we believe the changes are justified. In addition, our human rights laws recognise that individuals\u2019 rights can be justifiably limited where this is required to achieve a sufficiently important social benefit such as the prevention of crime. New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. That means we need to take action to reverse the growth of gangs and reduce their ability to engage in criminal behaviour that endangers the lives and livelihoods of law-abiding Kiwis. Gangs will no longer be able to behave as if they are above the law. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u0022b6b6c0712c0f4580a2b5fc1105560a97\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b6b6c0712c0f4580a2b5fc1105560a97\u0022\u003EHon Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Labour Party accepts that there is a gang problem in New Zealand, and our work as the prior Government demonstrates that. We have had the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill to look at for an hour, and we don\u2019t want to be hasty with it. I\u2019ve read the bill once. I\u2019ve looked at the Attorney-General\u2019s report. The Attorney-General\u2019s report points out that there are inconsistencies with the rights and freedoms preserved in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. We want to make sure that any actions to suppress the contagion of gangs in New Zealand is proportionate and is reasonable, and that it doesn\u2019t impact certain communities in an inappropriate and negative way. We also want to make sure that legislation is workable, and my initial review of this raises some alarm bells.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe linchpin of this piece of legislation is what it means to be a gang member. We know that it\u2019s already a criminal offence to be a member of a criminal organisation, which is pretty much the same thing, and the definition here in the interpretation clause includes \u201Can individual who is involved in the affairs of a gang for the likely purpose of participating in a criminal activity\u201D. Now, that is looking into someone\u2019s intention. It\u2019s looking into someone\u2019s home. It\u2019s pretty much impossible to prove why people are hanging out together. So we think those kinds of things need to be very carefully examined.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EOf course, the kind of front piece for this is the ban on gang insignia. We know that some are going to be easy. A Mongrel Mob patch which says \u201CMongrel Mob\u201D is going to be pretty easy. But that\u2019s not what the definition says. It says, \u201Ca sign, symbol, or representation commonly displayed\u201D\u2014so not a one-off but common\u2014\u201Cto denote membership of, or affiliation with \u2026 a gang\u201D, so that also is very vague. Any pattern\u2014symbols are often adopted. There\u2019s the watermelon symbol for a current movement, and that is a symbol of affiliation with a movement. Now, those kinds of thing are very vague. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThat kind of vagueness is not really helpful, and there\u2019s one other thing tucked away in there. You\u2019ve got to remember that once you are identified as a gang member, you are subject to not being able to wear your insignia that affiliates you with it and subject to being dispersed and having non-consorting orders placed upon you. It\u2019s a very negative outcome, and what\u2019s the threshold when these orders come to be made or these dispersal orders are re-examined? Well, that\u2019s set out a bit later on in the bill, and it\u2019s balance of probabilities. So these very significant infringements of human rights are to be determined not on the basis of beyond reasonable doubt\u2014\u201CWe\u2019re sure you\u2019re a gang member.\u201D\u2014but on the balance of probabilities, and I raise concerns there because these are quasi-criminal impediments to someone\u2019s freedom. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EThe other point is, in terms of dispersal notices, in clause 9 of the bill, the trigger is not that the person is a gang member, which would be one thing, but simply that a constable suspects that the person is a gang member\u2014again, a very low threshold. Now, as I said when I started this speech, we\u2019ve had this bill for a little over an hour now. We agree there\u2019s a problem. We don\u2019t want to dismiss solutions out of hand. We are a constructive party, so we are going to support this bill going to select committee, but I do want to make it clear that that is not to say we\u2019re going to support this through the House. But we want to work as constructively as we can to see if a good balance can be struck between protecting the public and making sure we address the issue of gangs in an effective and appropriate manner. Kia ora, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022 data-id=\u00224b1bab9b666041d2bd012a73ca5a7498\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224b1bab9b666041d2bd012a73ca5a7498\u0022\u003ETAMATHA PAUL (Green\u2014Wellington Central):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora, Mr Speaker. I grew up in a town called Tokoroa, where there are many gangs, blue and red, all different colours. I have wh\u0101nau and friends who are in gangs and I know I\u2019m not the only one in this House. Maybe you are ashamed of your wh\u0101nau, but I know that you cannot choose the family or the place that you are born into. I know that this isn\u2019t a black and white issue. People aren\u2019t good or bad. People are products of the society that we in this House have created and maintained.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EThis week, I did something that I\u2019m pretty sure nobody on the other side of the House has done, and that\u2019s actually talk to people who are former and current gang members about what is happening in the House this week. Because talking to the people directly affected by the bills that go through this House is a basic principle that we all agree to, except when it\u2019s about gang members. I heard stories about the violent abuse that these men experienced when they were meant to be safe in State care because their home environments were too dangerous. But instead of being safe within the State, they were abused\u2014physically, mentally, sexually abused by people that were meant to keep them safe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EIf you look at the royal commission inquiry into abuse in State care, you find testimony after testimony about the horrendous abuse experienced by people who would go on to join gangs. And guess what! It was that abuse in State care that taught those children to be aggressive, antagonistic, and violent. So it\u2019s no surprise that they would go on to join gangs. These victims of abuse in State care joined gangs in the first place because it was the only group in society who they could talk to and relate to about the cruel and callous treatment that they experienced as children, and safety in numbers after being abused by people who are meant to care for them. But this bill further marginalises, further excludes, and further radicalises a group in society for whom nobody claims responsibility. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EWe are all culpable. We can\u2019t and won\u2019t arrest ourselves out of the gang problem. Throwing people into prison does nothing but further marginalise people. It doesn\u2019t make people reflect on their actions or the harm that they\u2019ve caused. People in prison are the most marginalised, most disenfranchised, one of the only groups in society who are not allowed to vote for the people that are meant to represent them, and the most exploited people in this country who contribute enormous amounts of free labour. And the majority of those people are M\u0101ori. A majority of those people have been abused at the hands of the State. A majority have got physical disabilities and mental health and addiction issues, and a majority come from the most impoverished, deprived, and neglected communities in New Zealand, like the place that I grew up in: Tokoroa, Whakat\u0101ne, Kawerau, Whanganui, Hawera. These are the communities where gangs are born and it\u2019s no surprise when you look at the neglect that they experience.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EFrom the cradle to the grave, this Government continues the cycles of colonisation by imprisoning, institutionalising, and objectifying our people. It was colonisation that caused our people to be displaced without a k\u0101inga, without a home to live in, without whenua to thrive on, and without our tikanga to guide us. We as a people have a natural longing for wh\u0101nau; it is intrinsic to who we are. When everything we have known has been stripped away from us, it is only natural to seek comfort by creating a wh\u0101nau that can understand our unique trauma and our unique struggle. I\u2019m not trying to undermine or minimise the real harm that is created by gangs. But what I am trying to say is that we do have an obligation to take an evidence-based approach and address the issue at the root cause. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EBills like this create more gang members, they fill our prisons, they increase tensions with police, and ultimately they make our communities less safe. That\u2019s just not my opinion; that is backed up by what the Minister\u2019s own officials told him recently. It\u2019s also a slippery slope. Banning what people wear and banning them from meeting together. What\u2019s next? You can\u2019t do this, can\u2019t do this, can\u2019t do this? Because that is exactly the slippery slope that you\u2019re going down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EThese things aren\u2019t innocuous. It is us that proscribe meaning to those things. And the worst thing that I learnt this week is that gangs were already having that conversation. They are aware that patches are intimidating to people. They were already having conversations about moving on and stopping wearing patches. But this just increases hostility and it\u2019s actually going to have perverse outcomes in making the issue a lot worse.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u00226ccb7a21437442dcb5fe1f035b172732\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226ccb7a21437442dcb5fe1f035b172732\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\u003C/span\u003E: The member\u2019s time has expired.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022 data-id=\u0022d460143a2a2d401e8aed6cb8c137e49b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d460143a2a2d401e8aed6cb8c137e49b\u0022\u003ETODD STEPHENSON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to speak in support of this bill. I just want to make a few brief comments. Gangs are an unwelcome part of our criminal landscape, and I actually do agree with the Hon Dr Duncan Webb when he says there has been a contagion of gangs. I think we already heard from the Minister, a 33\u00A0percent increase in violent crime\u2014you know, more than 3,000 new members, a 51\u00A0percent increase in gang members. I think this is the time to do something about this very difficult and really worrying problem in New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003EACT has long campaigned on some of these things. I think that the great thing about this bill is it is actually bringing together and showing the real strength of this Government. We\u2019ve actually brought together some of the policies that have come from all parties that make up this Government. We\u2019ve long campaigned on gang control orders, and also wanting to amend the Sentencing Act to make gang membership an aggravating factor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003EYesterday, my colleague Minister McKee, obviously, also introduced the Firearms Prohibition Orders Legislation Amendment Bill. So this needs to be seen in the context of a wider justice policy and law and order policy that this Government is putting in place.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003EAs has already been kind of covered, there are four main parts to this bill: you know, the gang insignia ban; the dispersal powers; the non-consorting orders; and, of course, the very important changes to the Sentencing Act to make it an aggravating factor.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003EI want to thank the Labour Party for actually supporting this to the select committee. I think we\u2019ve got a very good select committee that can constructively work through some of the issues they have raised. But it is very important for ACT and for this Government that we get on top of this gang problem and actually make Kiwis feel safer. I commend the bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022 data-id=\u00220e26da0480a840f78e7d5f995194189a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220e26da0480a840f78e7d5f995194189a\u0022\u003EJAMIE ARBUCKLE (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise on behalf of New\u00A0Zealand First to speak on the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill. Today is a great day because we\u2019re here to reduce the harm caused by gangs. That harm that is caused by gangs makes communities feel unsafe, so, today, we\u2019re here to try to make our communities safer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003EDuring the election campaign, you heard a slogan, and in that slogan you heard \u201CLet\u2019s take back our country.\u201D That slogan from New Zealand First is very much about what this legislation is about; we want to take back New Zealand and we don\u2019t want gangs. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003EGangs are intimidating. This bill sends a clear message to the gangs: your behaviour that has shut down streets and made people feel unsafe is no longer going to be tolerated. We often hear from the members of the public that they feel unsafe due to gang presence which has involved standover tactics and harassment, and that they want something done. Our communities do want something done. This bill empowers police to order gang members to be dispersed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003EThis bill also sends another clear message to the gangs: your membership in the gangs will be taken into account when you\u2019re sentenced for a crime. And a major thing New\u00A0Zealand First has always campaigned on\u2014and we start to deliver that promise today\u2014is we amend the Sentencing Act 2002 to make gang membership an aggravating factor at sentencing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003EWe also heard from the Rt Hon Winston Peters today about leadership. And on this side of the House, we are showing leadership, and we are going to show leadership around gang management. We will give the tools to the police\u2014what they require\u2014to control the gangs. We will not be like that last Government that gave gangs millions of taxpayers\u2019 dollars; what was totally unrequired and unneeded and something that the majority of New Zealanders totally disagreed with.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003ENew Zealand First will support this bill. We support it going to the Justice Committee and we support seeing the gangs disperse and gangs out of our communities. Today is about safe communities giving and taking back New Zealand from gang behaviour. I commend this bill to the House. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u0022f2cfd78bc4f44ea89401f822b013392b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f2cfd78bc4f44ea89401f822b013392b\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019ve never heard so much rubbish in my life. I just want to just make mention of your catch phrase, \u201CLet\u2019s take our country back\u201D. I\u2019ll tell you what, if that was a M\u0101ori Party catch phrase for a campaign heading into any election\u2014I\u2019ll tell you what\u2014there\u2019d be hell to pay, eh. \u201CLet\u2019s take our country back\u201D; let\u2019s take Aotearoa back. Yeah.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAnyway, this bill, here, is another form of a fishing expedition on our people. Let\u2019s understand\u2014let\u2019s just understand where this has come from. In this last election, I have never seen so much social theory being used by the other side of the House than I have ever in any political election in Aotearoa\u2014never. Now, social theory was used by Hitler. Social theory has been used by Trump to create moral panic and fear in people. Yes, elderly P\u0101keh\u0101 deserve to retire with dignity and in peace, but to allow this type of rhetoric to run rampant across the country and to scare people\u2014people who have never ever met with gangs, people who have never ever seen a gang, people who have never ever probably seen a patch. But to see it on TV, built up by the media, in places like \u014Cp\u014Dtiki, places like Tokoroa, places like Whakat\u0101ne\u2014none of them have ever been there to talk to those particular gang members or those communities. I\u2019ll tell you that right now. If this Government has taught us anything, it is that not every criminal is a gang member, but not every gang member is a criminal.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EBut I want to make mention\u2014during COVID-19, they played their part. I visited gang pads, I was there for the vaccination\u2014they did their bit. So when you say that it\u2019s all bad, I don\u2019t think so. I was reminded by my colleague here, who talked about how the gangs were actually the first ones to bring lunches into schools, in Huntly\u2014the Huksters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022489d736b-2629-4bc7-8d38-6319c7797a33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0ef63145341453395e04dfaf1942e16\u0022\u003EMark Cameron\u003C/span\u003E: And screwdrivers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a9e96d887a5b446599ef938cf39fdcfb\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI\u003C/span\u003E: So all of those things\u2014oh, don\u2019t worry, I went to a P\u0101keh\u0101 school and it wasn\u2019t gang members bringing screwdrivers into that school.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s get reality here\u2014let\u2019s get reality here. This is going to disproportionately affect M\u0101ori. We are already the highest incarcerated peoples in this country: 50 percent of the male prison population are M\u0101ori, 64 percent of the female prison population are M\u0101ori. Actually, you\u2019re wasting so much resource on this. There are 5.1 million people in this country, yet there are, according to your statistics, 8,000 gang members. What a waste of resource. That\u2019s 0.1 percent of the population. Let\u2019s work it out: 0.1 percent of the population that you\u2019re focusing on here. Of the wh\u0101nau in gangs, 80 percent to 90 percent have come out of State care. You created them\u2014sorry, Mr. Speaker, not you. The Government created them with their military schools, with their board schools, and with their State theft of our tamariki. This is the truth; and this is where gangs have come from.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThe only time M\u0101ori received any special treatment in the justice system is when we\u2019ve been profiled. We are being profiled\u2014because the majority of people in gangs are M\u0101ori. Associates\u2014am I an associate? I have wh\u0101nau in gangs. Am I an associate? Am I going to be affected by this bill? Is it because I don\u2019t wear a patch? Do wh\u0101nau who have members in gangs\u2014you\u2019re going to just charge into their houses? They have tamariki; they have pakeke. This is how absurd this particular legislation is. And you\u2019ve already committed them to a crime before they\u2019ve even committed a crime\u2014for wearing a patch. It\u2019s absurd. It\u2019s a waste of resource. And what\u2014you\u2019re going to rely on an under-resourced police department? Already under resourced, and now you want them to go around and chase people for wearing different clothes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThis didn\u2019t work in America\u2014this didn\u2019t work in America\u2014or in Aussie. They just moved from one region to another\u2014they\u2019ve banned gang patches. And then I heard the Minister today say, \u201CI wish I could do that here. I wish they could relocate to another country and leave us alone.\u201D E k\u012B r\u0101, if the majority are M\u0101ori, you\u2019ve got the manuhiri kicking tangata whenua out.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThis Government needs to wake up. This Government needs to wake up. This is not about gang patches. Let\u2019s look at the ultimate cause. The greatest violence you can inflict on anybody is poverty\u2014that\u2019s the ultimate cause; stop looking at proximate causes. We will not be supporting this bill to the House. Kia ora t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022 data-id=\u00221014a7c1836c4b96a2a9b4a963f30482\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221014a7c1836c4b96a2a9b4a963f30482\u0022\u003EJAMES MEAGER (National\u2014Rangitata):\u003C/span\u003E Can I acknowledge the previous speaker, Rawiri Waititi. He is wrong on many counts, but I do acknowledge his passion and his views on this. Can I thank the Minister of Justice, who is putting people first with this package of reforms, which will restore law and order in New Zealand and give the people of Rangitata a sense of security they have lost over the past few years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003EThis is not about putting people in jail. It is absolutely about rejecting gangs and replacing what they stand for in our communities. We must reject their presence\u2014that is what this bill does, that is what my community did when it bulldozed their pads, but it is only one part of the solution. We must also replace what gangs stand for. We must replace whatever it is that they offer and whatever it is that they use to entrap vulnerable young men and women in the evil and destructive gang lifestyle. It is a social investment approach that will eliminate those factors. It\u2019s an approach that this Government will take, eliminating poverty, abuse, substance abuse, welfare dependency, lack of access to good education, good healthcare, and good jobs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003EI commend this bill. I look forward to it going to the Justice Committee, where we will work collegially and make sure it is the best bill that we can. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022 data-id=\u0022a25594d2b2d04acaa86a33f54ad2bcbd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a25594d2b2d04acaa86a33f54ad2bcbd\u0022\u003EHon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Let\u2019s be honest\u2014this is politics. This is politics right here and right now, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re doing. We all agree right now in this House that gangs cause huge harm to our communities. We all agree on that. I grew up in Linwood in Christchurch. I went to school with children who were from families from the Mongrel Mob and from Black Power. When I was at high school, one of my former classmates was a victim of a retribution-style shooting in Woolston between the Mongrel Mob and Black Power. I grew up in a neighbourhood that had gangs in it. I\u2019ve seen firsthand the harm, the destruction, the violence, the drugs, and what that does to a community. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EWe all agree that gangs do harm to New Zealand. The big question is: what do we do about that? And the answer we have today is to hide that under a rock\u2014it\u2019s ugly and we don\u2019t want to look at it. It scares us. It\u2019s not nice\u2014\u201CLet\u2019s push it over the border. Let\u2019s cast it into the sea. Let\u2019s forget about it. Let\u2019s eradicate them.\u201D These are the words we hear, and the interesting thing is that history repeats itself. If you go back to the debate 10, 20, 30, even 40 years ago and look at the debates on this issue, the same speeches we have just heard from members opposite have been made time and time again. Gangs scare us, we don\u2019t like them, we want to get rid of them. Is there any reason that they keep asking for them to go away?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003ESo I think that now is the time to have a grown-up conversation about what we do about the harm that is caused by criminal organisations in our community, and it is for that reason and only that reason that we support this bill to select committee so we can continue this discussion. I lay down a challenge\u2014that any member speaking on the second reading read 13 pages, the abridged version, just 13 pages, of Towards an understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s adult gang environment. Let\u2019s have an informed debate at the second reading. Let\u2019s take this bill to the select committee and hear the submissions, but when we come back to this House for the second reading, if everybody could do their homework I\u2019d be really appreciative to have an informed, mature debate about the actual issues that we are discussing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EBoot camps are the same. I know that\u2019s not in this bill but it\u2019s the same issue. It\u2019s hiding something and pushing it away. It gives you an immediate feeling of gratification but it doesn\u2019t actually address the underlying problems that continue to plague our communities.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EWhen I worked in Police\u2014Police under a National Government\u2014police were instructed to not even talk to gangs. Police officers, or anyone, were not allowed to engage. Over a period of time, that changed. It changed so much there were even gang liaison officers who would go in and speak to gangs, understand what was happening when a tangi was happening, and understand greater information when a gang homicide had happened. When I met with those liaison officers, the area commanders and the district commanders all talked about how quickly crime was resolved when we had open communication and we understood things more. They minimised harm within the community when they had better-quality intelligence about what was happening.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EI saw that police officers who previously would have said, \u201CYes, let\u2019s smash them. Let\u2019s eradicate the gangs, get rid of them.\u201D saw the benefits of engagement. They saw the benefits of understanding what was driving offending, and they felt that it gave better outcomes, not only for the community but also for those young people growing up within gang families. It gave those young people hope.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c21f4beb-20c4-4b12-bc6f-fdc931e2dc96\u0022\u003EWhat this bill does, I\u2019m afraid, in its current form is it takes hope away from young people who want to live without a life of crime, and I fear that what bills like this do is just incarcerate the next generation of rangatahi in New Zealand in another cycle of crime and offending. It\u2019s within all our interests to break that cycle of reoffending. It\u2019s within all our interests to do our homework to understand what the actual issues are, to stop just scoring political points, and have a reasonable debate about how we make our country safer and about how we work together to achieve this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022 data-id=\u0022e36e8ee9b0384f838b26b9ab2053ac47\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e36e8ee9b0384f838b26b9ab2053ac47\u0022\u003ECAMERON BREWER (National\u2014Upper Harbour):\u003C/span\u003E I commend the long-signalled, long-awaited Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022 data-id=\u00226af52447833241a090dd260ca21246cd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226af52447833241a090dd260ca21246cd\u0022\u003EHELEN WHITE (Labour\u2014Mt Albert):\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019d love to take a call on this, but I\u2019d also, first of all, like to say that I will be reading what Ginny Andersen has just suggested I do, because it\u2019s a subject that I think we all do need to handle in a way that is as cross-party as possible. I was listening to the speeches from various people who\u2019ve given substantive contributions, and there are speeches on each side of the House that I respect. This is a really difficult area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI started life in Kawerau. A lot of the people that I started life with had kind of two pathways they could take, and one was into the gangs. I was grateful to not actually grow up in an environment where that was going on, because it was a very severe reality that they faced. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI recently went past a big gang funeral and I felt the degree of intimidation, even just in the urban environment, of one of those big meetings. But it also made me think that you had to be careful about the reaction that you had to these things, because what we really need to do is change something very serious that\u2019s been going down in New\u00A0Zealand society, not just make the right noises and make people feel better for 2\u00BD\u00A0minutes and change nothing, and, in fact, make the problem worse. The gravity of the problem is the challenge to us that we must not dog-whistle; we must actually do what makes a difference here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003ESo I will be taking a very interested role in schooling up between now and the next reading of this, because I want to make sure that whatever happens next really is effective, and the Labour Party will be voting with its conscience in terms of whether what is put up is likely to have a good effect. We can\u2019t obviously guarantee that, but it\u2019s a really important thing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI also take note of the comments that have been made by the Attorney-General on this. They\u2019re serious comments. One of the things I noticed was that there was a serious misgiving about some of the provisions, because other alternatives that might not have breached as many rights had not been examined fully. I hope that the inquiry that happens next at select committee will be an opportunity to look at those. There was a real issue around time frames, I appreciate, and this now going through a process means that we can look at those things and take that seriously, because we always have to be careful what we wish for in a situation where we start to look at these kinds of slippery slopes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EThat\u2019s a real thing; it\u2019s not something that liberals say. It\u2019s not woke. There are slippery slopes, and we really do have to be careful. So I think we should never apologise for being careful about that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI was concerned, and I have questions about the issue of wh\u0101nau and the number of people in a group that we\u2019re looking at people consorting with, because there is a difference between what I described\u2014a large gathering. Now, ironically, the funeral was one of the exemptions here, but it\u2019s a very big difference between the kind of reaction that human beings have when they\u2019re in a large group and the need they have for that close-knit support, and I was thinking about the definition that I read of \u201Cwh\u0101nau\u201D here. I was thinking about the people I know who are perhaps a little bit on the edge in my extended family, and those are the very people who wouldn\u2019t fit within the group, because the definition isn\u2019t large enough to encounter them. They have people who might not be acting as parent but might be acting as family and they are close to them, and they\u2019re the ones on the edge. Pushing them out, excluding them, making it difficult to communicate with them, isn\u2019t actually going to help a situation; it\u2019s going to hinder it in terms of bringing those people back within the fold of a functional family and support system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003ESo these things I take seriously, these things the Labour Party takes seriously, and we do accept we have a problem, so we want to be part of a proper solution, but I respect the need for this to go to a select committee and to be truly ironed out. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022 data-id=\u0022d47ddd09dc6e4d078615a79440dfe177\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d47ddd09dc6e4d078615a79440dfe177\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE (National\u2014Takanini):\u003C/span\u003E I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022dfb6717986aa48de918419b4753f735b\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill be now read a first time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 102\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; New Zealand Labour 34; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 21\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EGreen Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori 6.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000488\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u00223f6e4b7b4fdc49d189d7a1bed8cc38ba\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223f6e4b7b4fdc49d189d7a1bed8cc38ba\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill be considered by the Justice Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Justice Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002246d13f6e57da42e9894a2f516018522a\u0022\u003EInstruction to Justice Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022713ccc5b-7ff0-4fa5-ab58-4780620184fe\u0022 data-id=\u0022616ef64d206d4156b8a56788f7211f3b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022713ccc5b-7ff0-4fa5-ab58-4780620184fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022616ef64d206d4156b8a56788f7211f3b\u0022\u003EHon SIMON WATTS (Minister of Revenue)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Justice: I move, That the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 8 July 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022e4195fa348c249db986527c0bc9e6839\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 68\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 55\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori 6.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022\u003EBills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00220524e93fe3824fb6b6f46b7b7481bfba\u0022\u003ECourts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022fc25476621db46f6b086f2b416b8da81\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022 data-id=\u00225a50870303534bd684b87e5809d5af48\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225a50870303534bd684b87e5809d5af48\u0022\u003EHon NICOLE McKEE (Minister for Courts):\u003C/span\u003E I present the legislative statement on the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221a5c5481a3fa4e70a702d233380e0339\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\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=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281be315707054791b12271a9e49873f1\u0022\u003EHon NICOLE McKEE\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Justice Committee to consider the bill. At the appropriate time, I intend to move that the bill be reported to the House by 31 July 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThe court system is currently experiencing significant delays, particularly in the criminal and the family jurisdictions of our busiest court, the District Court. The drivers of court delays are complex and have been exacerbated by unpredictable events like pandemics and cyclones. This Government is committed to speeding up court processes so victims and other participants can move on with their lives. We see enabling more use of audiovisual technology as one part of our work to reduce court delays. This bill contributes towards the fulfilment of one of the Government\u2019s 100-day plan commitments: to enable more virtual participation in court proceedings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003ETo enable more virtual and remote participation in court proceedings, we need to make three targeted changes that can be implemented quickly. These changes involve allowing a victim and their support person to watch a criminal trial and sentencing remotely. This provides a safe option for victims to attend court, helping them to avoid re-traumatisation and intimidation that can sometimes happen. I anticipate that some victims will want to attend court in person, and they still will be able to do this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000501\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThe bill allows the use of audio links such as teleconferences for appropriate court proceedings, and it will be making permanent what was a temporary change to the law made during the pandemic that clarified remote participation in criminal proceedings is consistent with open justice. These changes strike the important balance between providing alternate ways to participate in court proceedings, fair trial rights, and the important constitutional principles of judicial independence and open justice.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EIn 2024, we\u2019re living in a virtual world where audio and video technology is part of daily life. This bill has the potential to increase access to justice and the efficiency of our courts, as well as providing a safe option for victims to participate in court processes. Audiovisual links\u2014or AVL\u2014for defendants in custody reduces the possibility of violent incidents either in court or while they are in transit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThis bill cements the lessons learnt during COVID and affirms them in law. However, we need to recognise that it may not always be appropriate or even possible for technology to be used in court proceedings. For example, remote observation would not be appropriate if the victim has yet to give evidence in their proceedings. Proceedings that apply to vulnerable parties\u2014for example, those under mental health legislation where a determination as to whether the party needs to be compulsorily detained and treated\u2014are exempt from the audio link provisions in this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EIt is also critical that defendants can participate effectively in proceedings that affect them, particularly when evidence is being heard in those proceedings. The threshold is higher for the use of AVL technology when the defendant\u2019s guilt or innocence is being determined. Judicial officers are best placed to decide on a case by case basis whether remote participation is in the interests of justice. Currently, audio technology, such as teleconferences, is already widely used in the courts, but it is not used for proceedings that defendants attend\u2014and this will continue to be the case under this bill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EAs I have mentioned, it is critical to the delivery of justice that defendants can engage effectively in proceedings that affect them. However, in some cases, judges will need to be able to actually see the defendant during a court case to make sure that they understand what is happening and to determine their credibility. In this regard, the bill maintains the important constitutional principle of judicial independence and it recognises that judges must be able to control the conduct of court business in their courtrooms.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThe targeted amendments in this bill will improve and clarify the law around remote participation in court proceedings. The changes allow victims and their support people to watch a criminal trial and sentencing remotely, reducing the stress and the anxiety that victims often experience.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThis bill is an initial step in advance of an upcoming first-principles review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act. This bill is just one step towards the wider goal of enabling more virtual participation in court proceedings. I just mentioned that we\u2019re about to undertake a more comprehensive look at the Courts (Remote Participation) Act so that we ensure it is fit for purpose into the future. Because the Act has not been substantively reviewed since it was passed in 2010, there have also been considerable advances in technology and the use of technology since the Act was first developed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EThe Ministry of Justice is also working on initiatives to address delays, including improving case management, reducing adjournments, and increasing the use of text messaging to ensure participants turn up in court. But we\u2019re not doing this alone; the police and the judiciary are also focused on court timeliness. We intend to develop a modern and fit for purpose regime that enables an increased use of remote participation in courts, and also upholds core constitutional principles, including the separation of powers and the defendants\u2019 fair trial rights. This work will require the involvement of the justice sector and other relevant agencies as well as the judiciary. We will be working together to make sure the legislation works for the justice sector as a whole.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003EI look forward to the Justice Committee\u2019s consideration of this bill, and I note that the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill is the last legislative item on our 100-day plan. I commend this bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022 data-id=\u00224abd1da6abee496c8899b64fb61572fd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224abd1da6abee496c8899b64fb61572fd\u0022\u003EHon Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour\u2014Christchurch Central):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. The enthusiasm with which the Minister for Courts congratulated herself for having the last piece of the 100-day plan tabled a little under two hours ago is a little concerning. I\u2019m standing here having to express my party\u2019s view on the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill, having had only less than two hours to look at it, and this isn\u2019t something that should be rushed. The idea that we should be using technology to assist the courts goes without saying, but the balance to be struck between fair trial rights and the expediency at which the court system can churn through its workload is actually really, really important. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve read the bill once, having spoken on an earlier bill today, and much of it seems to have merit. Certainly, allowing victims to observe proceedings through audiovisual or audio-only links is a good initiative, and I congratulate the Minister on that, because we know that being in the same room as an offender, perhaps at a sentencing or trial, is problematic, but, at the same time, the victim\u2019s choice to be part of the proceeding is an important one that may be important to that victim in their own journey. Again, the suggestion that there is use of technology in civil proceedings\u2014important, deserves examination, but clearly doesn\u2019t quite reach the same threshold when it\u2019s someone\u2019s liberty at stake.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003EAs someone who has practised law over a long period of time, I\u2019m always cautious about the substantive procedural distinction. The idea that technologies can be used because it\u2019s only procedural is kind of an easy escape, because all we are considering is whether or not to admit a piece of evidence \u201CIt\u2019s procedural.\u201D; \u201CIt\u2019s just a routine question.\u201D. Lawyers take those procedural points because cases stand or fall on them, and, in many a case, it\u2019s really important that the defendant is there in person with their lawyer, providing instructions and giving context, for many reasons but also for the pretty fundamental reason that the right to a fair trial and the right to open justice is one that is very hard to translate to the virtual sphere.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s be honest. Let\u2019s just understand what \u201Cvirtual participation\u201D means for an accused\u2014and I\u2019ve seen it; I\u2019ve been to Christchurch Men\u2019s Prison and seen where they do it. It means sitting in a little cubicle with a screen in front of you, where the camera is pointed, usually, at the person who\u2019s speaking. Now, if you\u2019re in a courtroom and you\u2019re looking around, you can see a whole lot of things and understand a whole lot of things. You can see the Crown lawyer raise an eyebrow in disbelief at an argument that\u2019s being made, and that\u2019s important because it enables you to understand what\u2019s going on. You can hear the sigh of a judge whilst the Crown prosecutor is speaking, and it tells you what is going on in the courtroom. Now, I just want to be clear: I\u2019m not saying that this is a bad thing, but we\u2019ve got to be really, really cautious because we are dealing with open justice and the right to a fair trial.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f7fc7ac3-5ce1-43ca-8cd6-dbb0941bf3ae\u0022\u003ESo, yes, we want to look at this. We absolutely want this to go to a select committee\u2014absolutely. But I just want to express here in the House that we want to make sure that the balance is struck between an absolutely fair trial, the right of a defendant to be an active participant, and the pressing need\u2014and I\u2019m glad the Minister recognises it\u2014to address the backlog of cases in both our Family Court in particular, and our criminal courts. Because justice delayed is justice denied, and justice at the present time is absolutely and most certainly delayed. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022efc3349871754425805ee3996245e653\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022efc3349871754425805ee3996245e653\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I was supposed to say at the beginning of the Hon Dr Duncan Webb\u2019s speech that the question is that the motion be agreed to, but I\u2019ll say it at the end, and I\u2019ll call Tamatha Paul.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022 data-id=\u0022f88b5a9463fe44c4a1b6aa3da707e180\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f88b5a9463fe44c4a1b6aa3da707e180\u0022\u003ETAMATHA PAUL (Green\u2014Wellington Central):\u003C/span\u003E Kia ora. T\u0113n\u0101 koe, Madam Speaker. Oh, it\u2019s so nice to be able to stand up and support one of the bills going through the House this week; it\u2019s been a really long week. And it\u2019s really simple and straightforward for the fact that, as the Green Party, and having had the very first Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, we know that we have a justice system that often fails the needs and the rights of survivors. To me, this bill goes a way to centring those rights of survivors and their safety and their experiences within the justice system. It makes complete sense that we would make the justice system more accessible for survivors and that we wouldn\u2019t contribute to re-traumatising those survivors. Just this morning, at the Justice Committee, we heard from survivors about how traumatising it can be going through the justice system and having to prove the harm that has already been caused to them and that contributes to that harm. This goes some way to creating some slightly more positive experiences within our justice system. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002253958f14-2b54-4d1c-bfac-7b3ea85e1c2b\u0022\u003EI think, just to wrap up, this bill is good because it shows that that side of the House is capable of thinking about and implementing justice policies and laws that centre humanity and empathy. I just wish they would do it a little bit more often. So I encourage this approach, and in the same way that I believe in the potential of people to change their behaviours\u2014and, you know, I would encourage that we took that view for people who have committed crime and caused harm in their communities\u2014I believe that everyone of us in this House can take humane and empathetic responses and approaches towards where harm has been created in our community. So I commend this bill to the House. Kia\u00A0ora.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022 data-id=\u002279b20d630fde4ce8a2af54a00d58d4bd\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002279b20d630fde4ce8a2af54a00d58d4bd\u0022\u003EJAMES MEAGER (National\u2014Rangitata):\u003C/span\u003E A justice hat trick\u2014we look forward to considering this bill in the Justice Committee; I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022 data-id=\u00223f6f7383188f4aaead95fba2c4ce7690\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a910e826-1964-4e6b-bdb6-958820a11514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223f6f7383188f4aaead95fba2c4ce7690\u0022\u003EJAMIE ARBUCKLE (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to speak on the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill. This bill enables more virtual participation in court proceedings, and it will contribute to the Government\u2019s objective of improving court performance generally. What I\u2019d like to say is this bill will help victims, and helping victims and supporting victims through the court process is something that we all should want to achieve. We all realise there are delays in our court systems at the moment, and when we have delays, we have costs. And those costs are something that this Government wants to be more efficient on. Allowing participation by virtual means is a way of delaying delays, and it\u2019s also reducing the cost of court proceedings. It\u2019s also about giving justice to our victims. On that case, New Zealand First will support this to the Justice Committee, and I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022 data-id=\u002248282b2bce5b49c2a0c5cfd4e0741339\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002248282b2bce5b49c2a0c5cfd4e0741339\u0022\u003EHANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE (Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori\u2014Hauraki-Waikato):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 r\u0101 koe e te P\u012Bka, otir\u0101 t\u0113n\u0101 r\u0101 t\u0101tou e te Whare. Ae e tika ana ng\u0101 k\u014Drero a t\u014Dku tuahine i konei, koinei te pire tuatahi e tautokotia ana e te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori m\u014D t\u0113nei K\u0101wana, heoi an\u014D e m\u014Dhio ana au kei te huri te ao. Koinei t\u0113tahi \u0101huatanga e \u0101hei ana \u0113tahi o ng\u0101 t\u0101ngata ki te kuhu mai ki runga i t\u0113tahi matahiko hei akiaki i a r\u0101tou i roto i te justice system. \u0112ngari m\u0113n\u0101 e tiro ana m\u0101tou ki te whakapapa o t\u0113nei pire, e m\u014Dhiotia ana e te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori ko \u0101 m\u0101tou wawata ko \u0101 m\u0101tou tino maru\u0101p\u014D nui kia whakat\u016Bngia t\u0113tahi o \u0101 m\u0101tou ake M\u0101ori justice system. Hei aha? Hei whakatinana i t\u014D m\u0101tou tino rangatiratanga.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Speaker, and greetings also to the House. Yes, what my sister here has said is correct, this is the first bill by the Government that Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori supports. However, I understand that the world is changing. This is one of the ways in which people are able to join in via technology to support them within the justice system. But if we look at the origin of this bill, Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori understands that our aspirations and our dreams are to establish our own M\u0101ori justice system. What for? To implement our true sovereignty.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003ETo take self-responsibility\u2014that keeps getting directed over to this side of the House. That is what we want. So, i roto i t\u0113nei pire, ae e tautoko ana Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori [yes, this bill is supported by Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori], but when we look at the whakapapa of this bill, I think the issue, though, is that, yes, this Government is going to need a faster system\u2014to its victims, but more so that they can lock M\u0101ori up. So I think that with the different bills, with the different laws that are being particularly impacted on M\u0101ori, it is so that they can do it faster. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EAe e tautoko ana m\u0101tou i runga an\u014D i te mea, m\u014D te remote participation pire. Heoi an\u014D, ki te wherawhera i t\u0113nei o ng\u0101 kaupapa, ko te wawata nui kia whakat\u016B a Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori i t\u0113tahi M\u0101ori justice system. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003E[Yes, we support it because of the remote participation bill. However, if we inspect this matter closely, it is Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori\u2019s wish to establish our own M\u0101ori justice system.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EN\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022 data-id=\u0022b965fabce370414e90423d33fc4ef95b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b965fabce370414e90423d33fc4ef95b\u0022\u003EPAULO GARCIA (National\u2014New Lynn):\u003C/span\u003E I am standing in support of the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill. The bill seeks to address issues in the court process that will facilitate the process. We, currently, in the Justice Committee\u2014after having multiple hearings in respect of how the process of justice begins from when an accused is brought to court, through the court process and into corrections\u2014have found that the time element that a case goes through from when an accused is brought to court is so long and protracted. There are many issues behind why the court process takes such a long time. The bill seeks to address that process and to facilitate the time involved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003EOne of the main issues that we see is the difficulty that victims are faced with in terms of coming face to face with an offender, an accused, in court. Understandably, there are many situations where a victim would hesitate and could be re-traumatised by having to go through that process of being there in the presence of the offender. A lot of the detail of the court process is very confronting, and being face to face is understandably difficult and a huge hindrance for victims and witnesses to be ready and willing to go through the court process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003EThe bill wishes to provide an avenue of safety to witnesses and victims so they may be present, even if they\u2019re not actually face to face. That, undoubtedly, will facilitate more readiness and willingness to come into the court process. Doing so, and allowing victims and witnesses to be present and to participate, and to actually, essentially, be present without the face to face with the offender, will facilitate the process. There will be less hesitation; there will be more willingness to do so. The effects of delay in the process are felt throughout the system. The courts are just a part of that, and the whole justice system, all the way to remand and corrections, where the accused have to be in remand waiting for the court process to finish, is, itself, another issue that demands the process of the courts to be facilitated and move more quickly.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003EThe bill also wishes to address the fact that the victims must be given and provided with some level of comfort to be able to face the people that they have suffered an injury or pain from. This will give them that confidence to be able to come and be there and go through the process themselves, without hindering the timing of the process. This is a very worthy amendment bill. We in the Justice Committee are very pleased to see this now in the House, and to go over it in due course, and we commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022 data-id=\u0022ed26a75d9479411fa89055a54c0f2919\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ed26a75d9479411fa89055a54c0f2919\u0022\u003EHELEN WHITE (Labour\u2014Mt Albert):\u003C/span\u003E I would like to first of all congratulate Nicole McKee on her ministerial role. I just haven\u2019t had that chance to do that formally yet. And it was an interesting contribution because it showed a lot of thought in terms of the balancing of this. Those assurances met the contribution from the M\u0101ori Party today, where there was a real concern about what that would mean in reality. I think that\u2019s a very natural tension that happens over legislation. I remember when there was a movement towards community care for mentally ill people, and that was seen as a very ideologically pure thing, but there was a real concern that it would become something that was done, because it saves some money. And there were consequences, when it was used to that end, that were not good for our community. So it is always a case of moving with the times and doing things differently. There is nothing wrong with moving in this direction, except if we are not mindful of the negative use of it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI guess my experience is not in these arenas but in employment law. But I even became aware of it when we moved to mediation that was remote. It did exactly what Duncan\u00A0Webb has talked about. It was very difficult to read the signals of people. It meant that it was easy to be dismissive when you were trying to move people, and they needed to trust each other. So there are limits to the use of this, but there\u2019s also a great opportunity for even\u2014and I don\u2019t think we should be ashamed of it\u2014getting rid of some of the delay in our systems. The delay in our court processes and the cost of them is very real and very hard on ordinary people. And I can see the use of this, with regard to victims, as having that plus, so long as it is safeguarded by the ability of the victim to take a different course if they want it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003ESo I would love to see this, again, teased out in as cooperative a way as possible in a select committee. I think there\u2019s a lot to discuss here. I am interested in this idea of the trial that actually took place during COVID. There were lots of things like that that happened in COVID, where rules got set aside and things got done in a different way, and we really do need to make sure that we make the most of what was a traumatic experience but was also one where people were innovative, because they had to be. So I\u2019m not at all opposed to this, but I share the concerns that have been raised by my colleagues in the House, and I think those are very much ones that have been made in good faith. I don\u2019t think anybody is trying to be destructive in this situation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI think the issue about consulting with the legal profession is one I\u2019d raise. The Minister and I share a friend, actually. I was in a chambers with two defence attorneys who taught me a lot quite quickly about the difference in that area between what they were doing and what I was, and how important it was to safeguard the rights of defendants in that situation, and how delicate it was and how different it was because of the conditions that people were living in, often, who were the defendants in those cases. So it\u2019s a very different thing if you\u2019re in a salubrious house in Devonport with a pool if you\u2019re being put on home detention, from if you are in a very small space, sharing with others.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EThat is the sort of thing that I would love to see taken into account, and I think that you might get a rich contribution from the lawyers in this situation who are defending people, and actually also from the victims\u2019 organisations. Those are the places I\u2019d love to see contribute. I\u2019d love to see victims given a very special place in that process, because the harm that has been done often means that they are quiet; they don\u2019t necessarily even want to participate. So I would love to see some encouragement of those voices in this situation, because being heard is so important to the healing process. Thank you. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022 data-id=\u0022d859445537fc4884ae0bdde9d28ef13a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d859445537fc4884ae0bdde9d28ef13a\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE (National\u2014Takanini):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to speak to this bill that we\u2019re having a conversation about today, the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill. It\u2019s been interesting experiencing what we have this afternoon, where for one of the first times since some of us newbies have been in the House, there\u2019s a kind of basic agreement across the House, and it\u2019s really lovely, actually. So thank you to Helen White, the member just before me, and thank you, Tamatha Paul, and Dr Duncan Webb, for what you shared, which was that, yes, you will support this bill to select committee, and then we can have those deeper conversations\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002200fb6b306c344edfaa28b1eb4fa6a373\u0022\u003EJames Meager\u003C/span\u003E: Great committee\u2014excellent committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ff025ae671a7448bb6409f06175c1542\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014excellent committee with an excellent chair, my mate here: James Meager\u2014about the concerns that you rightfully raised. Dr Duncan Webb is not in the House right now, but we really appreciated what you added as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225570ca5d5bfb4f0c882d4f2daf895418\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, the member\u2019s not allowed to refer to somebody who\u2019s not here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221f02c5e7df9d44dc8d548deeff7c6c75\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not allowed\u2014that\u2019s right, yes. Yes, thank you. I tested you\u2014you passed the test! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022debb9ab24b8f4433923a56d44bec05b8\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m still listening. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221a49cb5e0e5048e39e3e6464b865b086\u0022\u003ERIMA NAKHLE\u003C/span\u003E: So we really appreciated those concerns you shared, and I\u2019m looking forward to having deeper conversations about those during the select committee stage. Now what I will say\u2014Madam Speaker, I\u2019d like to add, if I may\u2014is that as a student when I was studying law, I also worked in the Magistrates Court in Sydney. I remember very distinctly what I\u2019d observed with victims\u2014with witnesses that just felt physically sick because they had to be there in person in court. The anxiety was real, the dread was real, and, like I said, they talk about feeling physically sick. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003ESo with victims of crime that do have to go through this process\u2014and we want it to be a fair process\u2014this helps to alleviate some of those feelings of anxiety that they do find themselves in when they\u2019re going through the court process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002239b9bac1-a992-4ccf-a473-9591aeb3a298\u0022\u003ETo the Hon Nicole McKee, thank you very much for bringing this to the House\u2014it\u2019s important. There\u2019s three main changes that we want to make, which we\u2019re proposing, and as a Government we agree about these. But, as I said, we will discuss them more deeply during the select committee phase. As I said, it\u2019s great to stand here and find some form of consensus around the House. I commend this bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022 data-id=\u00223c67203483634c3e99e0b53eb04252c2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223c67203483634c3e99e0b53eb04252c2\u0022\u003EGREG O\u2019CONNOR (Labour\u2014\u014Ch\u0101riu):\u003C/span\u003E Criminals hate going to court. It\u2019s a place that when they are messing around or committing crime, they actually, in the process\u2014the thing that they are most scared of, it\u2019s often not going to jail, it\u2019s often not going to the police cells; it\u2019s going to court, because that\u2019s the one place where it\u2019s all on display, where what they\u2019ve done, they are called to account for it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ENow, I\u2019m always wary of anything that takes what is the centre point of the criminal justice system, which is the court, out of being the centre of that very thing. I\u2019ll give you a really good example of that. In about 2012, the then National Government instructed the police to reduce the number of entries into the criminal justice system by 19 percent over 12 months. The police were very successful. They brought in a system called pre-charge warning, and whereas before, people who were picked up on the street would end up having to go to court on Monday or Wednesday morning\u2014number one court\u2014and face it, that stopped happening and all of a sudden that consequence was gone. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003EPolice embraced it. It went to 25 percent very quickly, and the behaviour changed over time. I coined a phrase then, \u201Ctag and release\u201D, which it became, because you would get the police going around on a Saturday night picking up people, putting them in the cells, but they would go out and there was no consequence; they didn\u2019t have to go to court on that Monday or Wednesday morning. That has affected behaviour of a new generation of criminals coming through who are never called to account by standing in court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo, while I\u2019ll be supporting this, and we\u2019ll be supporting this to select committee, we have to be very wary, at the same time, that we\u2019re not, for the sake of maybe cutting down the number of people we will need, the number of buildings we will need, that we\u2019re actually not taking away the essence of the criminal justice system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ENow, criminals sitting at home, I can just see it now\u2014\u201CI was at court, I appeared, and I was sitting there with a joint sitting next to me.\u201D It will become a joke because there will be other people sitting there watching, sitting and standing\u2014or, more importantly, standing in front of a judge in number one court is a very important point. We put the judges at the centre of our system too, and we give them the authority\u2014incredible authority\u2014to take people\u2019s freedom away, to take their bail away. So having to front up at court and be part of that system is an incredibly important part of this whole system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo I know this bill is going to be about enabling more work to be done remotely, but I just say: be very careful, because it will work fine for about one or two years, but, all of a sudden, in five years, like we did with the tag and release, we will actually start to regret this. So, yes, use the system. You\u2019ve only got to be part of the court system to see that it is pretty primitive. The paper-based system is only just moving on to electronic, because one of the problems with that, of course, is you\u2019ve had to have the judges, you\u2019ve had to get the lawyers, you\u2019ve had to get the police, and even now you\u2019re going to have to get the criminals involved in the electronics, and someone, a flash salesman from an IT company will come and tell you that you can join all these things up, and will call it INCIS, but it\u2019s very hard to make it happen. So having now another player in putting these three, now four parts of the system together electronically, and still keep the essence of an important part of the criminal justice system\u2014it\u2019s not that easy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo I\u2019m quite happy that we will support this, but I\u2019d encourage particularly those members of the Justice Committee who\u2019ll be hearing this to take a wider view of this and see how this will look, how this will change behaviours. It\u2019s a short-term measure. It will certainly, hopefully, make the process a little bit cheaper and maybe less courts, less people will be needed, but just think, as a Justice Committee\u2014and I know there are lawyers who will be on that Justice Committee who may end up standing in number one court again at some stage. They will see the impact of these behaviour changes that will come about as a result of more electronic use of the court system. They will see those changes. They won\u2019t see them instantly; they will see them in about five years\u2019 time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002202e74c40-9529-4e15-adc2-c032eadc2205\u0022\u003ESo never take that number one court on a Monday morning out of being the centre point of the criminal justice system, and make sure, as I said at the start, that criminals don\u2019t want to go there and they will think twice before doing some of the things they do. I\u2019ll support this to select committee. Thank you, Madam Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022 data-id=\u0022d21d1f2f520e49ac93acc9ce885ae7a8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d21d1f2f520e49ac93acc9ce885ae7a8\u0022\u003ECAMERON BREWER (National\u2014Upper Harbour):\u003C/span\u003E I also stand in support of the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill. Why don\u2019t we just dial it back a bit? It certainly seems to have been engaging a few of the Labour Party here, but let\u2019s have a look at the purpose of this bill. I might have to dial it back. The bill makes targeted legislative changes, designed to boost remote participation in court proceedings, including the ability for victims to observe a criminal trial and sentencing remotely. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00226007dc96-f459-4cdd-9972-4fde2c994088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022020055cb4c774699877655d48ea58321\u0022\u003EHon Grant Robertson\u003C/span\u003E: If only this member was remotely participating.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d1d741a9b7ed492a9091cb8cd34f2781\u0022\u003ECAMERON BREWER\u003C/span\u003E: Reducing court delays is a key priority for this Government, Mr Robertson\u2014it\u2019s a key priority. As our justice Minister Goldie\u2014colloquially known as the Hon Paul Goldsmith\u2014says, justice delayed is justice denied. As Derek Cheng from the New Zealand Herald said not so long ago in an interview: 500 days for a jury trial, 18\u00A0months for victims of serious crime before they get their day in court.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003ESo this Government is very, very focused on addressing the court delays. It\u2019s one of the priorities for our justice Minister. This sits amongst six law and order priorities in the 100-day plan. The Hon Dr Duncan Webb asked, \u201CHow many points do you have in your 100-day plan?\u201D Well, there are six law and order points. And I know that you\u2019re always keen for me to keep focusing back to the bill, so as well as the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill, this Government has introduced legislation to ban gang patches as one of its law and order priorities. As well as the bill we\u2019re discussing now, we\u2019ve introduced legislation to give police greater powers to search gang members for firearms. As well as this bill, we\u2019re stopping taxpayer funding for section 27 reports. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022456a60c7ac9e4ad7ac131cf3884d72a3\u0022\u003EHon Andrew Bayly\u003C/span\u003E: This is a great speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228e3f59d815c64610a5827704944b753f\u0022\u003ECAMERON BREWER\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re extending the eligibility for remand prisoners to access rehabilitation, Mr Bayly. We\u2019re introducing legislation to crack down on serious youth offending, and we are now introducing legislation to enable more digital participation, remote participation, in court proceedings. I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u00229a8ba8ec4c464fb39984db5cf63c7660\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000558\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u002266a0a109956d439796ac44fd57e6f6fa\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ECourts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill be considered by the Justice Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 68\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 55\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori 6.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u002271e48c66324c4ee88451f60fbff4df25\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002271e48c66324c4ee88451f60fbff4df25\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Justice Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022439f347ebb1c4965bbe177da3dab55f3\u0022\u003EInstruction to Justice Committee\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022 data-id=\u00228c8da2ab2d5f44bebc899b7f56da5e45\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258baa209-edaf-42a5-92d6-b2613c144bfb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228c8da2ab2d5f44bebc899b7f56da5e45\u0022\u003EHon NICOLE McKEE (Minister for Courts):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 31 July 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224e668b3c8c86437186a294a1dc5d8696\u0022\u003EMaiden Statements\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022deb1167d8277465e9e232a7270275496\u0022\u003EMaiden Statements\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00226d315ef2a40143d48e1705bb897e124e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226d315ef2a40143d48e1705bb897e124e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Members, in accordance with the determination of the Business Committee, we now have maiden statements. Following the maiden statements, the House will adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 March 2024. I now call to make his maiden statement to the House, Reuben Davidson.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022 data-id=\u002256cd8bb305434363b60498f0de0a8c9a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002256cd8bb305434363b60498f0de0a8c9a\u0022\u003EREUBEN DAVIDSON (Labour\u2014Christchurch East):\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKia ora koutou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKo Reuben t\u014Dku ingoa\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EN\u014D \u014Ctautahi ahau\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI tipu ake ahau i ng\u0101 tahataha o te \u014Cp\u0101waho\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI tipu ake ahau i Ng\u0101 K\u014Dhatu Whakarakaraka o Tamatea P\u014Dkai Whenua\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKo toku kainga noho inaianei \u014Crua Paeroa\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKi au nei ko Te Tiriti, te mana motuhake o Aotearoa\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAhakoa e ako tonu ana au i te reo M\u0101ori, he aroha tonu \u014D \u0101ku kupu.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E[Hello everyone. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EMy name is Reuben. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI am from Christchurch. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI grew up on the banks of the Heathcote River \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI grew up on Banks Peninsula \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EMy home is currently \u014Crua Paeroa \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000582\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ETo me, the Treaty is the special authority of New Zealand\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000583\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EEven though I am still learning the M\u0101ori language, my words still have compassion.] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000584\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI acknowledge you, Mr Speaker, and congratulate you on the elevation to the only role in the House that apparently comes with a sheepskin seat. Just don\u2019t let them pull the wool over your eyes. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI acknowledge Christchurch East. Thank you. I feel lucky every day to be your MP, and I will work hard to serve you. We swear an oath to become an MP. It\u2019s a few short words, delivered in the language of our choice on a taonga that we choose. It\u2019s a pretty succinct contract\u2014one of the many things about this place that seems more Harry Potter than Aotearoa. But I see the role of this, the maiden speech, as the fuller oath. It\u2019s my opportunity to tell you who I am and to tell you why I\u2019m here. And I also ask that you hold me to this\u2014my longer oath, my maiden speech.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000586\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EIn the late 1970s, my parents left Auckland with my brother, in a van, with a tent. They put a pin in a map, and they stopped in Christchurch. My dad rode his bike to work shifts at Boon\u2019s Bakery, and my mum worked as a delivery driver for the gas works. I don\u2019t know why that\u2019s emotional. After my sister and I were born, they capitalised their child support entitlements and bought our family a home in Woolston. It was a combination of good Labour Government policy and good luck\u2014I\u2019ll come back to that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000587\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EWe have a family history of hard work. My grandparents were coal miners, nurses, and teachers. My father, John Davidson, trained as a teacher, dedicating his life to education across New Zealand and Australia and coming to this very House to ensure special character schools survived. My mother, Glyn Abott\u2014she will kill me for this\u2014is hospitality royalty. She\u2019s an amazing baker who opened incredible cafes, and this meant friends were always too scared to ask us over for dinner, but she was always in demand to come and cook on our school camps. Hard work is in our family DNA.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000588\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EMy parents separated, and our family grew. New relationships brought new siblings. There are a few of us\u2014a coalition if you will\u2014and I\u2019d like to thank and acknowledge them all\u2014the siblings, not the coalition\u2014and it\u2019s safest if I do that by order of age. So,\u00A0Michelle, Delaney, Naomi, Jessie, Marina, Francis, Carlos, and Joseph, thank you for your support, your friendship, and your love.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000589\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ENow, when you tell people you\u2019re from Christchurch, they always have one question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000590\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223c8a5ff45ab04e9091eccc2e67af8e1e\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: What school did you go to?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfdd54a1a6b64256bc21808292f1f216\u0022\u003EREUBEN DAVIDSON\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s the one: \u201CWhat school did you go to?\u201D And my answer is often a little bit of a curveball, because I went to the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner school. So the next question is usually: \u201CWhat\u2019s that all about? How long have you got?\u201D, and that\u2019s best explained, succinctly, by Rudolf Steiner himself, who said, \u201CLife as a whole is a unity, and we must not only consider the child but the whole of life; we must look at the whole human being.\u201D That education shaped my life and, in part, my approach to politics\u2014to look at the whole issue and to look at the broader solution. Now, the Steiner philosophy also meant I grew up in a house without a television\u2014most of the time. We were allowed to watch Gloss. The 80s were full of contradictions. We all did things that we regret in the 80s\u2014even Labour.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAt high school, I was elected onto the board of trustees as the student representative, campaigning for equality, arguing that it wasn\u2019t fair that the teachers could smoke on the school grounds but the students couldn\u2019t [Laughter]. Some allies in the House tonight. It didn\u2019t seem fair to have one rule for teachers and another for students. It really didn\u2019t seem right that anyone smoked at a school. The result was a win: smoking was banned on the school grounds\u2014a great way to endear yourself to those teachers who smoked and marked your work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000593\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ESo, after a blissful TV-free childhood and a successful smoke-free crusade at high school, I left school, got a broadcasting degree, and became a TV producer that smoked. True story. And it gets better and worse, because I stopped smoking and I started producing TV shows especially for children. I spent almost 20 years working with children and animals. A few people have suggested that that might help me in this place. I worked with so many talented people to produce What Now? and create shows like Fanimals and Brain Busters. A huge thanks to Janine and Jason for the belief, the support, and the freedom. I loved creating content for children. They tell you what they like, what they don\u2019t like, they tell you why, and they don\u2019t wait until an election to do it. You don\u2019t have to take my word for it; I\u2019ve bought evidence: \u201CI\u2019m writing to tell you that the Muppets do not live in Sesame Street. Elmo and his friends live there! Kermit lives in the Muppet studio. Please, if you\u2019re going to ask any more Muppet questions, make the answers true. From Billie.\u201D The request is pretty clear: make your answers true\u2014good advice for this place. And another, which ends \u201CThanks so much for the amazing experience, prizes (and the food!), I will never forget it! From Lola.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000594\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EPeople know when you care, and they will never forget it. That\u2019s the same in this place, for the decisions we make and for the people we are here to serve. And our kaupapa in serving children was a simple one: first, do no harm; and second, ensure our tamariki and rangatahi leave walking taller. Dame Whina Cooper put it best: \u201CTake care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.\u201D It\u2019s the same here, in this House. We need to take care, we need to show care, as we work to grow Aotearoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI was originally going to deliver this speech on 22 February. It\u2019s an anniversary. Christchurch people all know where they were at 12.51 p.m. on 22 February 2011, because it\u2019s the day that everything changed. It\u2019s the anniversary of the earthquake that took 185 lives and changed the future for everyone in Christchurch. This is the first year I didn\u2019t spend that anniversary back in the car park that we ran to as the ground literally roared and the building buckled underneath us. We lost a lot: lives, homes, large parts of the central city, and whole suburbs erased into a red zone. But we actually gained something too. Our communities came together and many got stronger. Strangers helped each other, hugged each other, dug liquefaction out of homes, and shared stories, tears, and the contents of our defrosting freezers. There was an energy and a spirit that got us through and gave us strength. I think that spirit is called \u201Ccommunity\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAnd there was a challenge to community\u2014that challenge was called Government. Because, whilst locally there was a willingness to work together, to reimagine, redesign, and rebuild our city, too much was done to us. Top-down decision-making often didn\u2019t hear or respect our strong and proud communities. The answers weren\u2019t always true; the care wasn\u2019t always shown.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EIn Christchurch East, we lost eight schools, thousands of homes\u2014thousands. Our roads and bridges were broken, some still haven\u2019t been replaced. Many people felt like they were left behind or forgotten\u2014some still do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the hard work and care from Lianne Dalziel, the local MP for Christchurch East at the time, and later as the Mayor of Christchurch. And I celebrate Poto Williams\u2014and her team, Heather and Leeann\u2014who took up the baton as the MP for Christchurch East for a decade, with a proud legacy of earthquake recovery, strengthening our social services, and an enviable set of completed shovel-ready projects that will serve the community for decades. You leave very big\u2014and fast\u2014shoes, and I\u00A0am so grateful for your work, your advice, and your support. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ENo one ever gets elected on their own. [Blows nose] They blow their nose on their own, though. Thanks to my family who helped with fund-raising, deliveries, doorknocking, and such good food. It means a lot to have you stand with me.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000600\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EThank you to the amazing team who worked so hard on my campaign for the opportunity to represent and serve this community. There are so many to thank, but I\u2019ll try and do that now: Joe Davies, Tim Baker, Omer Shadich, Alana Pidgeon, Douglas\u00A0Shaw, Jenny Hughey, Sarah Whitcombe-Dodds, Bebe Frayle, Yani Johanson, Jackie Simons, Paul McMahon, Simon Lawrence, Maryanne and Craig, Roland and Jackie, Chris and Ken, Emily Caygill, Joe Sole, Tracie Palmer, John and Mary, Norm and Chris, Liam Bateman, Colleen Philips, Jackie Simons, Kirsty McNab, David Close, Ihorangi Reweti Peters, Anne-Marie Reynolds, Alex Hewison, and Jen Miller. David, Jenny, and Sarah for that very long meeting this time a year ago\u2014thanks for digging in. To Ruth and Martin, for your rock-solid guidance and constant support. David Lawrence, for being an unstoppable doorknocker. Hugh Perry, for your wisdom as campaign chair. And especially to Libby Caygill for being the best campaign manager a candidate could ever wish for. A huge thank you to every deliverer, caller, sign waver, and hoarding host across our campaign.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI am so grateful for all of the love and hard work we put into this campaign for Labour and, most importantly, for the people of Christchurch East. Because that\u2019s what we worked for: the opportunity to serve the people of Christchurch East. The mighty Christchurch East [Voice wavers]\u2014I don\u2019t know why that one gets me\u2014the mighty Christchurch East. Communities with diversity, opportunity, energy, and passion. Communities that need more warm, healthy, dry, and safe homes that people don\u2019t just call home but actually own; that recognise that schools are at the heart of community, they\u2019re about so much more than an hour a day of reading, writing, and maths\u2014without a cell phone\u2014and they\u2019re better with a healthy school lunch. Amazing entities like The\u00A0Loft that provide wraparound services for families who need help and support. Community organisations like the Aranui Community Trust Incorporated Society, and the Shirley Village Project that set targets of a 100 percent family violence - free community\u2014because how could we aim for anything less?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAnd why should we? We shouldn\u2019t be making cuts to our social services\u2014the scars will outlive the cuts. We need to work with community, not against it. That\u2019s what I\u2019m here to do for Christchurch East: to serve you, to work for you by working with you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI talked at the beginning about my parents having good Government policy and good luck to be able to buy our family home. Today is day 99 of the first 100 days of this coalition Government. Take the time this weekend to compare the last 100 days with the first 100 days of our last Labour Government. The actions taken in your first 100 days means that there are already people in New Zealand who will now need good luck to make it through the day\u2014good luck to make it through the day. You can shrug and blame your coalition agreement\u2014but know that you will be held responsible. Because it\u2019s not about the people in power; it\u2019s about the power in the people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI\u2019m proud to be here as part of a united, Chris Hipkins - led Labour team that will work hard to serve people\u2014I know we can, and I know we will. A team that doesn\u2019t divide but that brings people together. A team that understands the immediate challenges, like how we ensure local media survives the current crisis so that democracy thrives\u2014and so they can report on our plans to deepen our commitment to Te Tiriti, act with pace on the climate crisis, ensure fairer tax, deliver better health and education outcomes, and look after workers and people that can\u2019t work. Because people don\u2019t fall into poverty; they\u2019re pushed there\u2014and you are pushing. I commit to ask the right questions, for true answers, and, through my actions, show that I heard and that I care\u2014because I do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EWhen my mum was growing up in Waitomo, her family was often joined for dinner by Wiremu Te Tau Huata. He wrote a song for his children, a song about working together, seeking knowledge, love for others, and always staying united. I want to finish with a song\u2014but, don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m not going to sing it. We can all do that together at the end. But I will read it as my oath\u2014in te reo M\u0101ori first. E Winiata, kaua e mataku.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ET\u016Btira mai ng\u0101 iwi\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ET\u0101tou t\u0101tou e\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ET\u016Btira mai ng\u0101 iwi\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ET\u0101tou t\u0101tou e\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EWh\u0101ia te m\u0101ramatanga\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EMe te aroha, e ng\u0101 iwi\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKia ko tapatahi\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EKia kotahi r\u0101\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000614\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ET\u0101tou t\u0101tou e\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E[Line up together\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAll of us\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000617\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ESeek after knowledge \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000618\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAnd love of others\u2014everybody\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000619\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EBe virtuous\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000620\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAnd stay united\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000621\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAll of us\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EAll of us]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EN\u014D reira, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000624\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EWaiata\u2014\u201CT\u016Btira Mai Ng\u0101 Iwi\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E[Applause, hongi, and harir\u016B]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022 data-id=\u0022976912588ee848c4924f0a29867ea270\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022976912588ee848c4924f0a29867ea270\u0022\u003ECUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWhere we live,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThe grass is green,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThe water\u2019s pure,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAnd the air is clean.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAnd if you wondered where heaven is on earth,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWe\u2019re telling you, yes, telling you,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s our place of birth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EKo Hikurangi te maunga\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[Hikurangi is the eponymous mountain]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EKo Waiapu te awa\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[Waiapu is the glistening river]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAnd we are,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003Ewe are,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ENg\u0101ti Porou children.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAha\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ENg\u0101ti Porou children.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EE te M\u0101ngai o te Whare, t\u0113n\u0101 an\u014D koe.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EKo taku mihi tuatahi ka tika ki t\u014D t\u0101tou nei runga rawa n\u0101na nei ng\u0101 mea katoa. Ka mihi hoki au ki ng\u0101 mate huhua o t\u0113nei w\u0101. Koutou m\u0101 haere haere hoki atu ki te w\u0101 kainga tuturu m\u014D t\u0101tou te hunga tangata. Otir\u0101 ki taku wh\u0101nau Reipa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, aku hoa katoa o t\u0113nei whare ahakoa n\u014D t\u0113hea p\u0101ti t\u0113nei te mihi atu ki a koutou, ki a t\u0101tou. Huri noa ki a t\u0101tou katoa, aku hoa, aku wh\u0101nau aku kaitautoko katoa. T\u012Bhei mauriora! Kei te aha? \u0100, m\u014D taku wh\u0101nau Paniora\u2014adelante para siempre!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[My first acknowledgment, rightly so, is to our most high for he is the creator of all that exist. I acknowledge also the many who have recently departed. Return back to our true home. Also to my Labour family, thank you all, all my friends of this house no matter which party you\u2019re from, I express my utmost respect to you all. Also to our friends, our families, and all our supporters, let the force be with you! How is it? And to my Spanish family\u2014adelante para siempre!]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ENow, let\u2019s see what I\u2019ve got written on this paper.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EIt is truly humbling to stand here as a member of the 54th Parliament of Aotearoa New Zealand. I actually want to start by saying thank you to the people of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti who brought me to this House: the wh\u0101nau who created unprecedented queues in Ruat\u014Dria to vote and those of you who deemed me worthy of your first ever vote. T\u0113nei te mihi ki a koutou. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[Here is my expression of gratitude to you all.] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EYou did this. You brought me here; the mana of your voice. I runga i t\u014D mana i t\u014D reo kua tae mai au hei kanohi m\u014D koutou i roto i t\u0113nei Whare. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[Due to your support and your honour, I am here to represent you all in this House.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EMy earliest memory of delivering a speech is in the primers class at Tapere-nui-a-Whatonga. I was nudged to the front to deliver a thank you speech. It was your stock-standard \u201COn behalf of Room 5, I would like to thank you for \u2026\u201D, and ever since then, whatever I\u2019ve done in life, it\u2019s been \u201COn behalf of\u201D. Reuben, I\u2019m catching your tangiweto. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EA life of service is what we were born into by our parents, affectionately known as Cina and Nunu. Our father was a reverend, historian, farmer, kura kaupapa tumuaki, but, more importantly, the best dad and papa, who was always present and extremely tolerant. He demonstrated the balance between taha M\u0101ori and Christianity, and loved to quote the Desiderata. One of his favourite lines was, \u201CAvoid loud and aggressive persons, they are a vexation to the spirit.\u201D Sorry, Dad, I walked right into this one. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EHe\u2019d often say to me, \u201CYou can do whatever you want. You\u2019re your own boss.\u201D My mother, on the other hand, frequently reminded that, in fact, I was not\u2014sometimes, by means since outlawed in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThe education system hadn\u2019t been ready for my mum. Encouraged into secretarial work, she was far more at home on horseback or in any machinery Dad made the mistake of leaving keys in. When people needed land for a papa k\u0101inga at the height of her own illness, Mum jumped on the tractor, hooked up a slasher, and cleared the land. Houses are still being delivered to that whenua this day\u2014ka pai, Labour. Mum normalised women in the workforce for our wh\u0101nau, remaining a loyal employee of the Waiapu Farmers\u2019 Co-op in Tikitiki until its doors closed in the early 1990s.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOur parents seemed to have enough of everything, for everyone\u2014time, love, kids! We shared them, and they shared us. Mum and Dad gave me everything I needed to prepare for this journey, including the nurturing of a whole community. The Waiapu Valley is known as Waiapu k\u014Dk\u0101 huahua\u2014Waiapu of many mothers\u2014and I was fair game. My mother issued a warrant to the whole community to tune me up if I needed it. But, to the contrary, I was nurtured, mentored, and loved by my community. Raised on the shoulders of Project Employment Programme (PEP) workers and privileged to sit at the feet of our elders, I am number eight of nine of Cina and Nunu\u2019s children. Edward stole my thunder as baby of the family when I was five, even charming his way into my godparents\u2019 lives, who I am so happy to have here today\u2014Ollie and Eddie. But, clearly, I\u2019m over that! My siblings always keep my feet firmly on the ground, never letting me get carried away and think I\u2019m too neat. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOnce, when we were planning our mother\u2019s 60th, I stood, hand on hip, and declared that we should all learn a song. Patrick and I always do the speeches, and we always sing the song. My eldest brother, Paul, stood up and he said, \u201COK, I\u2019ll sing a song. You kill the mutton.\u201D I sang the song! But the point is he knew my lay\u2014they all did\u2014and they\u2019ve supported me in everything I\u2019ve done. So to Materoa, Paul, Anne, Ruvae\u2014who I know is watching and hopefully not crying\u2014Patrick, Hiria, Dorothy and Edward, who were all taken too soon, thank you. And also, thank you for heckling me all my life so that I\u2019m prepared for it in this House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EI loved my primary school education at Tapere-Nui-A-Whatonga in Rangitukia\u2014so much so that I haven\u2019t left, now serving as the presiding member. My brother is the principal, and my sister is the other teacher\u2014very hard! When it came time for high school, my parents decided I\u2019d be educated at home and attend Ngata Memorial College. I\u2019m so glad they did. At the time, I felt like we were \u201CDial-a-P\u014D\u2019hiri\u201D, but that\u2019s only because we were! But to be entrenched in my Ng\u0101ti Poroutanga [in my being Ng\u0101ti Porou] right up to adulthood set me in really good stead for the rest of the world. It also set a frame for a pretty good campaign, but we\u2019ll talk more about that later. To the current students of Ngata K\u0101reti who are here today, nau mai ki t\u0113nei \u014D Whare\u2014welcome to your House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EFrom there, as predetermined by my wh\u0101nau, I moved here to Wellington to attend Victoria University. The whole time, my eyes were firmly fixed on getting back to Rangitukia. On arrival, my Uncle Cassidy gave me a pep talk: he said, \u201CNow, make sure you don\u2019t leave university with your BA\u2014\u2018Bugger All\u2019 \u201D. Well, technically, I\u2019m still on a gap year, but I certainly didn\u2019t leave with bugger all. It was a defining time where I made lifelong, non - Ng\u0101ti Porou friends, and some dear friends who are here, which gave me a true appreciation of the richness of my upbringing, and the value that the skills and knowledge bestowed upon me have in our society. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThat said, it was time to get back to Rangitukia. As a founding student of k\u014Dhanga reo, I went full circle and became a kaiako at Ngai T\u0101ne Kohanga Reo while doing voluntary youth work. That evolved into mahi with Paraire Huata\u2019s Te Ngaru Learning Systems. Teaching M\u0101ori models of practice and affirming and sharing m\u0101tauranga M\u0101ori is something I remain committed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWhen Mum passed away in 2003, I decided it was time to revisit my childhood dream of getting paid to talk. My brother said he\u2019d pay me to shut up\u2014still waiting! That led to a very fulfilling career in the media, and I\u2019m so happy to have some of my hoamahi here this evening. Unfortunately, there was actually much more to it than merely talking, but I loved it, capturing stories for generations to come. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EIt also afforded me the opportunity to\u2014you guessed it\u2014move back to Rangitukia. Living the East Coast dream, Russell and I headed to the 2012 Ng\u0101ti Porou East Coast Heartland rugby final versus Whanganui with his parents, Ma and John. You know the game\u2014the one where Ng\u0101ti Porou East Coast made the best comeback of all time. On the trip there, my father-in-law, \u201CBig John\u201D\u2014the guy who rode the blue horse\u2014noted that East Coast were looking for a CEO. I thought, \u201CWell, that\u2019s not really a TV story.\u201D, but I let him finish his k\u014Drero. \u201CNek minnit\u201D, I\u2019m attending the New Zealand Rugby Union AGM as CEO of Ng\u0101ti Porou East Coast Rugby, the only female CEO or chair in New Zealand Rugby at that time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EComing from Ng\u0101ti Porou, that was a far bigger deal to everyone else than it was to me. That\u2019s where the people decided I could be of service at that time, so that\u2019s where I was. It was one of my most challenging and rewarding phases. It was never merely about the oval ball; it was about pride\u2014it\u2019s still about pride\u2014value, identity, setting pathways, and daring to dream. Again, lifelong friendships were established, and I thank my provincial union, New Zealand Rugby, and New Zealand M\u0101ori Rugby Board colleagues present tonight. By the way, rugby and politics\u2014not so far removed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EBut there is a saying that life is what happens when you\u2019ve made other plans, and when I answered a call in June 2023, I was not expecting, \u201CCaz, I want you to be the next Labour candidate for Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti.\u201D Adequate greasing up ensued, but it was not flattery that swayed my decision; it was legacy\u2014the legacy of my parents, wh\u0101nau, and community, and the legacy of Parekura Horomia, who was truly an MP of the people and became synonymous with this seat and the seat of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti. So to the Horomia wh\u0101nau and all you \u201CHauitians\u201D, you are a force of nature. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOf course, it was the legacy of T\u0101 Apirana Nohopari Turupa Ngata. I said yes in that very phone call, and I couldn\u2019t help but imagine Mum and Para\u2014old mates from those PEP days\u2014having a chuckle up there, and Para saying, \u201CFinally got her, Cina.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThen came those three words: \u201CPush for Cush\u201D. I wasn\u2019t initially a fan, but, boy, did it work. I imagined myself getting pushed all over the place. Nobody seemed shocked by my announcement. Like my siblings, you were confident that this was my lane. Strangers who have now become trusted friends, who are too many to name, from Wainui\u014Dmata, Wairarapa, Heretaunga, Ahuriri, Te Wairoa H\u014Dp\u016Bp\u016B H\u014Dnengenenge Matangi Rau, T\u016Branga-nui-a-Kiwa, tae noa atu ki P\u014Dtaka [all the way towards P\u014Dtaka] saw hope in me, and you formed a formidable campaign team and pushed for Cush, trusting that I would push for you, and I will. I thank you for your confidence and your aroha.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAnother group of campaigners who quite literally rose out of the w\u012Bw\u012B were my ir\u0101mutu, who went from not giving two hoots about politics and elections to now being budding political analysts. My name even became \u201CPush for Cush\u201D to the mokos: \u201CWho\u2019s that?\u201D \u201CPush for Cush.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAgain, my ir\u0101mutu are too many to name, but I want to acknowledge those who are here in person: so Tina-Mei, Krisynthia, Paks, and my mokopuna taku ingoa Kushla, Fusion, Hone Hayes, and Donny Hunaara Russell. You guys are pretty meke. I might keep yous on for the next campaign. If I said, \u201CI love you.\u201D, they would think I was ill. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EI framed my campaign on the whakatau\u0101k\u012B of T\u0101 Apirana Ngata\u2019s \u201CE tipu e rea\u201D, and I\u2019m so proud to have brought the hou, the seat home to te Riu o Waiapu for the first time since he held it 80 years ago. The wisdom and relevance of the message of \u201CE tipu e rea\u201D of walking in both te ao M\u0101ori and P\u0101keh\u0101 naturally resonated with everyone throughout my campaign, and it\u2019s been demonstrated in this House that it resonates with that side as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ERecently, a few misguided souls have sought to appropriate T\u0101 Apirana\u2019s thoughts on the Treaty of Waitangi a hundred years ago\u2014mischief-making. His wh\u0101nau, iwi, and M\u0101oridom are concerned by this, but I have it on good authority from the Ngata wh\u0101nau that T\u0101 Apirana would have offered the offenders a wry smile, tamped down his pipe, and got on with winning everyone over to his ultimate cause\u2014as will I. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOn the note of development, some of the key issues which arose consistently were recovery and slash. I\u2019d like to thank our leader, Chris Hipkins, for heeding the call of our people and allocating me a spokesperson for cyclone recovery, forestry, and tourism and hospitality\u2014all areas of opportunity for Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti. There\u2019s a bit of a theme developing here, too. On the date that I asked my first question, it was the anniversary of Gabrielle, and today is the anniversary of Cyclone Bola, so ka hoki ng\u0101 mahara [so the memories return].\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ESo how do I serve you best from Opposition benches? Mahi tahi relationships. I acknowledge our incumbent Labour MPs Ginny Andersen and Kieran McAnulty, and I thank you for your support during the campaign. To the National MPs who hold seats throughout my electorate\u2014Mike Butterick, Catherine Wedd, Katie Nimon, and our resident Coastie, Dana Kirkpatrick\u2014t\u0113n\u0101 koutou. I trust we will see beyond politics and prioritise our people. I\u2019m pretty awesome to work with too, even in Opposition. That\u2019s why there\u2019s some Opposition heartland unions here today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EDuring the campaign, I said I was raised by the village, and, on that note, I want to acknowledge my Uncle Boydie and Auntie Bonnie, who are here, and my Auntie Taina\u2014siblings of my mother and father\u2014and acknowledge my two aunties watching from Darwin and Melbourne, Auntie Goosey and Auntie Dette: t\u0113n\u0101 k\u014Drua. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EI said I was raised by the village and I\u2019m accountable to the village. This remains true. The village has just grown to become the whole of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti and, indeed, anyone who feels I\u2019m the right voice for you. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ETimes may seem dark right now, wh\u0101nau, but I come from the northern end of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti, Te Uranga-o-te-R\u0101, where each day we are first to see the light, and I will continue to shine the light on the value of our rohe wh\u0101nui. You will hear your reo. You will hear your stories, hopes, and vision for future generations. I will bring your light to this House and to the Aotearoa wh\u0101nui. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000675\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EHeoi an\u014D r\u0101 e hika m\u0101, t\u0113n\u0101 an\u014D koutou katoa i tae mai ki te tautoko i taku kauhau tuatahi, nei r\u0101 te mihi ki a koutou katoa, n\u014D reira e te M\u0101ngai o te Whare, i raro i ng\u0101 manaakitanga o t\u014D t\u0101tou nei runga rawa, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, t\u0113n\u0101 koutou, kia ora t\u0101tou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000676\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[However, dear friends, thank you all for being here to support my maiden speech. I express my utmost respect to you all, also to the Speaker, under the guidance of our most high, thank you, thank you, thank you all very much.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000677\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWaiata\u2014\u201CPaikea\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id202403075c8ec70dc013418abeabbbc96d395e40000678\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 6.17 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"