"\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000001\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002264c7fda93ccf4c9086eb6da4000a1bf8\u0022\u003EWEDNESDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2024\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000003\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d6e821c69aba4f2b86243e3a649b8622\u0022\u003EWEDNESDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2024\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000002\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000004\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b5dd937102634b7bb81a9f65b90b0dae\u0022\u003EKarakia/prayers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000006\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ea7fb8bb593743a797ae091efe014380\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=\u00225f23031d91234ad094be2b75dbbfb011\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000005\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225f23031d91234ad094be2b75dbbfb011\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000007\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000008\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002257b198fd15c74c768255e76e89b05172\u0022\u003EPetitions, Papers, Select Committee Reports, and Introduction of Bills\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000010\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bf094ab6d8424800819bf7b79021ade3\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=\u00226b23fd4f47e74d9c99e819d87971975d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000009\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00226b23fd4f47e74d9c99e819d87971975d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No petitions have been delivered for presentation. Ministers have delivered two papers.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u00225429fe42ffba482d9235c073b3afa820\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000011\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225429fe42ffba482d9235c073b3afa820\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000012\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EBudget Policy Statement\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000013\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EHalf Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022f8837c7c732e47928c827352f2f1c806\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000014\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f8837c7c732e47928c827352f2f1c806\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I present the report of the Appropriations Review Committee entitled 9th Triennial Report. I\u2019d like to take this opportunity to thank Ian Fitzgerald, Felicity Cuzens, and Will Peet for their work, and their advisers Kate Wilkinson, Eugenie Sage, and Poto Williams. Those papers are published under the authority of the House. No select committee papers have been delivered to the Clerk for presentation. There are five bills that are to be introduced.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022\u0022 data-id=\u0022460a7687774b41bdba478d42012f156e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000015\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022460a7687774b41bdba478d42012f156e\u0022\u003ECLERK\u003C/span\u003E: \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000016\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ECustoms (Levies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000017\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003EAnti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000018\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Tribunals) Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000019\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill, introduction\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000020\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003ERegulatory Systems (Courts) 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=\u00223656e0d686474caaa2d00781b79c08db\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000021\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223656e0d686474caaa2d00781b79c08db\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Those bills are set down for first reading. The House comes to oral questions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u0022d7421af19f2e44ff8fd73e8571e5d993\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d7421af19f2e44ff8fd73e8571e5d993\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the Opposition):\u003C/span\u003E Does he stand by all his Government\u2019s statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000023\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00220cc1d707ffe247bf9fd6960d5d2fc01b\u0022\u003EMotions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000024\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a5b1ae6c71994ae9bb45d27ceb6c6d50\u0022\u003EVanuatu\u2014Earthquake\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022 data-id=\u0022fe925591b5ed4ce3b8f37dfddafcda17\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000025\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fe925591b5ed4ce3b8f37dfddafcda17\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order, Mr Speaker. Apologies, Mr Speaker. I apologise to the leader of the Labour Party. Could I move a motion in this House on the situation in Vanuatu?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000026\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227800e6a2791b4ffa9dde0c5f405ad96c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Is it a ministerial statement or\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000027\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f8684864200e406b93397377dc07465a\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Well, something like that, yes. Take it any way you like, but something has got to be said now.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000028\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5873d23c4be4f84946d42d34b9d229a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: All right. Can you tell us, is it a Government motion or a ministerial statement? I think we\u2019ll make it a ministerial statement by the Rt Hon Winston Peters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000029\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a42fa90557564118a76974a9c7be4396\u0022\u003EHon Chris Bishop\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s a Government motion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000030\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222b064a11205f4d518b93ce81cac38608\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK. A Government motion, then, by all means. Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000031\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226b1a7b8ce4dc436895a6414f54d237e8\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: I move, That this House send its condolences and best wishes to the people and Government of Vanuatu following yesterday\u2019s devastating earthquake. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000032\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EI note the Government\u2019s announcement that New Zealand will do all it can to help Vanuatu at this difficult time, in keeping with the very close ties between our two countries. I note that this offer of assistance will include the deployment of New Zealand military planes today; the first this morning to undertake surveillance and assess the damage, and another one, once the airport is open, to transport a search and rescue team and deliver relief supplies, and possibly a third one this evening. I note the Government\u2019s readiness to respond to any further requests for assistance from Vanuatu that might be received from them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022bd4ca623c3464eb587dc38bc701ef2c1\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000033\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022bd4ca623c3464eb587dc38bc701ef2c1\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Can I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for those comments. Mr Deputy Prime Minister, I read in the paper this morning that the reason that\u00A0the airport was closed in Vanuatu was that there were problems with contaminated fuel. Is that the reason why New Zealand relief aircraft have not been able to land in Vanuatu until now?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000034\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225510accffbd348e7bf55661e0f0fc29d\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Can I tell Mr Parker\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000035\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022363b89d38f864dd89fd5112b0922040b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just hang on a minute, sorry. Look, you need to be clear about this. It\u2019s a Government motion. The member may speak to the motion but it\u2019s not a ministerial statement, which has the question and answer attached to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000036\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229e809aae36d64c669869ca8538d10a38\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, then. Can I just clarify what is the status of the statement and what rights people have in response?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000037\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227f5aee3f8b2d46dcbce4e88122dc85e2\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, you can speak to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000038\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf462f7481414c65a7431b553d4e785e\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: I can speak to it. Well, point of order, Mr Speaker. Does the Minister have a right of reply at the end?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000039\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002213fdceec7fd24ec09481efeee1b0eced\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, not on a Government motion.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000040\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bcf86e58704f4f7a92a0e7b9db9408a7\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER\u003C/span\u003E: Right. Well, in that case, sir, I would endorse the Deputy Prime Minister\u2019s statements. I\u2019m sure that the House would be interested to know when it is that New Zealand aircraft are likely to be able to actually land and take assistance to the people in Vanuatu. I wish the members of the New Zealand Defence Force and supporting agencies who will likely be working through the Christmas period\u2014I thank them for their service on behalf of New Zealand and the assistance that they are giving to the people of Vanuatu.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000041\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000042\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022d4177c05ddd242b99fa5878dcd44e47a\u0022\u003EOral Questions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000043\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002294039ede12664ffbae0704c9bbbb9d9b\u0022\u003EQuestions to Ministers\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000044\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022046d4e2202db4225a043aedafd257915\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 1\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u00227fbe155a860947af90db8d89214d78d7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000045\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E1. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227fbe155a860947af90db8d89214d78d7\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the Opposition)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government\u2019s statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022 data-id=\u0022cfc508dead0b45fc83a64265c3af84b7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000046\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022cfc508dead0b45fc83a64265c3af84b7\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, I do. And absolutely, what a year. Inflation is down, interest rates are down, tax relief has been delivered, fast track delivered, confidence is rising, growth is coming back, crime is falling, police are on the beat, gangs are on the run, phones are gone from class, and kids are getting back to school. We don\u2019t need a year of delivery. Every year this team delivers. And that\u2019s what we\u2019re doing\u2014we\u2019re getting New Zealand back on track and cleaning up Labour\u2019s mess.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000047\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f243bfb190a1411bb2a3316e2d3add4b\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Why are he and Nicola Willis the only people surprised to learn that when you slash jobs, the bill for unemployment benefits goes up, the tax take goes down, and the economy stalls; or is this one of the economic lessons from the last 35 years that he thinks he needs to relearn?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000048\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d43f61eb26d434aad71e87c175f02ec\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: My goodness! The member has no economic credibility. I mean, this was a Prime Minister that increased spending by 84 percent, drove up domestic inflation, drove up interest rates, put the economy into recession, and that raises unemployment. And he has the audacity to stand up and ask us questions on economics. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000049\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a674db1065249ba9017ef9651050bcb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll just remind everyone that we will be coming to a fairly boisterous debate later in the afternoon, but we don\u2019t want to get there too quickly, because there\u2019s a lot of other business to be done before that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000050\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a7f18e6f4f6c4a9192dca498fff9ae60\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Does his definition of \u201Cdelivery\u201D include an announcement about an announcement with no budget, no build specifications, no builder, no concrete time frame, no actual ships, and, if not, what exactly has Nicola Willis actually delivered when it comes to the Interislander?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000051\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227b92f9ce0a9c4df7ae83130d4b7d6d33\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, Nicola Willis is going to go down as the best finance Minister this country has ever seen, because by God what a mess she has picked up. She is cleaning house and she\u2019s getting the job done. And she has delivered a value-for-money, reliable, sensible ferry solution of rail-compatible ferries. And our great Minister for Rail\u2019s got a limited window to try and improve upon it, otherwise we\u2019re going to get new ferries in 2029. Don\u2019t you worry about it. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000052\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220c47f663d3fc48cdaef865c8f9740747\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I couldn\u2019t hear most of that answer because of the loud noise coming from both sides of the House. So for that reason, I won\u2019t ask the Prime Minister to repeat it. But when a question is being asked, even on the last day where we\u2019re all a bit excited, please don\u2019t talk behind the person asking the question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000053\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d4420eadb2b840759a83cde02e45bd9d\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Does his definition of \u201Cdumb stuff\u201D that he said he was going to cut include spending nearly $14 million on the administration of the flailing FamilyBoost scheme that\u2019s only paid out $16 million so far, and is helping fewer than half the families he promised?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000054\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226a2368d3335e44bebc91644f9e360a38\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Isn\u2019t it ironic? The Labour Party used to care about working New Zealanders. This is the same party that actually opposed tax relief for low and middle income workers for the first time in 14 years. It\u2019s now getting all petty about a FamilyBoost programme designed to help working families with early childhood costs, which are incredibly high, thanks to the last Labour Government. We\u2019ve got 100,000 people eligible, we\u2019ve got 60,000 that have actually claimed, and we\u2019ve got about 42,000 that are actually settled. When you talk to people, they say it\u2019s a simple process: get on myIR. And I appreciate the member raising it, because we want as many people as possible getting their money back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000055\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d7eb25ca3b64656968a71806b1f4f7c\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: If it\u2019s such a simple process\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000056\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0a36a61f97948d4aa6cff19639daa5c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Wait on\u2014wait, wait.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000057\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c4278a09ced74047b75d0f7876581b40\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014why is it costing almost as much to administer\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000058\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022560fecfcad9b4feb959b0e8ef9e138e9\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no, hang on. No. When I start speaking, please stop. Would you mind asking the question again, because a lot of people were talking over the top of you, probably including me, but I have every right to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000059\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223b8c1247fb1c42b49d463e9c0c92743c\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: If it\u2019s such a simple system, how come it\u2019s almost costing more to administer than it\u2019s actually paying out to families?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000060\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221060c5d4a89e42aaa9adb96ec4593fec\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019d just say to that member: don\u2019t you want to help low and middle income working New Zealanders through a cost of living crisis? That\u2019s what we\u2019re doing on this side. We\u2019re making sure we actually help people. How have we helped them? Inflation relief, interest rate relief, tax relief, FamilyBoost, Working for Families credits\u2014that\u2019s what you do when you care about working New Zealanders, unlike you lot.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000061\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dd035f3df9b2447d8835617141c2891a\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Why did his Government cut funding for childhood immunisation services, despite warnings that those cuts would lead to a whooping cough epidemic, and given that that whooping cough epidemic is now a reality, will he admit that that was a mistake? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000062\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223505fe2ca3c04ef8a05e7231075662a7\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019d just reject the characterisation of that question, because we\u2019ve had a very good uptake, having inherited very low immunisation rates from the last Labour Government. I\u2019m proud of the work that we\u2019ve done in partnering with iwi to drive immunisation rates with M\u0101ori under-two-year-olds. That\u2019s great work. Actually, we have a whooping cough epidemic in this country, and the task for parents\u2014and we\u2019re making it as easy as possible\u2014is to go get your kids vaccinated, and get yourself vaccinated, as well. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000063\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224a45fe71ffa24533940a96e022473e5d\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Which of the following best reflects his Government\u2019s priorities: $3\u00A0billion in tax cuts for landlords while cutting first-home buyer grants, $200\u00A0million in tax cuts for tobacco companies while the number of daily smokers increases for the first time in recent history, real-terms cuts to the minimum wage while directors\u2019 fees increase by up to 100 percent, or saying that he wouldn\u2019t borrow for tax cuts, only to increase Government borrowing by a record amount? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000064\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e6243b3015c473d80e4c47c28821f0d\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, look, given I\u2019m getting economic questions from a leader of a party that famously said, \u201CWe will absolutely need to increase debt.\u201D. After having taken the keys to the car, driving it at great speed, and putting it in the ditch because of the economic mismanagement and vandalism, we\u2019re hauling it out of the ditch and we\u2019re getting it turned up the right way, and you can criticise as much as you like, but, actually, you had your go and you screwed it up. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000065\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229f355bf7cb324b739d3be4426309508a\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Mr Speaker\u2014[Interruption] \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000066\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226efbd54a3dcb496c9d65269e440859e2\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: We\u2019re now silent. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000067\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226c3454d203af4fa09f75ea6c73a97d10\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: Is the reason Andrew Bayly faced no sanction for calling someone working late \u201Ca loser\u201D, he defended Penny Simmonds\u2019 claims that disability support workers were ripping off the system, and his Government passed law changes stripping away workers\u2019 rights because those actions actually reflect what his Government thinks, which is that Kiwis who work hard for a living are losers and\u2014to use his own words\u2014\u201Cbottom feeders\u201D? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000068\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5d6ccc7b7be4ee7b61da5fac22a9622\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, let me just look and compare and contrast the record of this Government versus\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000069\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022afae974e27014d2ca8ad6a21df831dad\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, just a moment. Enough\u2014the man had hardly stood up and the noise started. So just button it back. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000070\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022792846aeaf8f4490bef36765670cdea4\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: It was the way he stood up. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000071\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222d68db3e02104fde80cdac7c3fdc3f37\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve got an immediate response, and I\u2019m biting my tongue off. The right honourable Prime Minister. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000072\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002296e2c2d18abd49a3b7d04f58f0d3fc27\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am very, very proud of this Government\u2019s record with working New Zealanders, because\u2014let\u2019s go through it. Wages grew slower than inflation for 13 quarters in a row under a Labour Government. They\u2019ve had four quarters of wages growing faster than inflation under this Government. This is a Government that gave low and middle income working New Zealanders sensible tax relief for the first time in 14 years\u2014not an ideological issue at all; just sensible common sense. This is a Government that reduced the Auckland regional fuel tax. We got rid of the ute tax. I can tell you that average rents since we\u2019ve come into power are stable and not up $180 per week, as they were under the Labour Government. Inflation is down, interest rates are down, tax relief is being dealt to, and we have supported New Zealanders\u2014low and middle income New Zealanders\u2014through a cost of living crisis created by that Government. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000073\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226e25d65bbb3a4b699eede140d10e3f14\u0022\u003ERt Hon Chris Hipkins\u003C/span\u003E: So why does he think he\u2019s the most unpopular Prime Minister in New Zealand\u2019s history, and what does he think Nicola Willis is more likely to replace next year: the interisland ferries, or him, as Prime Minister? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000074\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fea4ef53f4fd40e98421dc9837913667\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, I mean, that is a bit rich, isn\u2019t it? Isn\u2019t that a bit rich? How are the conversations with David Parker and Kieran McAnulty working out, son? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000075\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b1560c273dfd4fb7b12be9332da7bc3b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK, so it is the last day of Parliament. There\u2019s normally a high degree of levity and excitement around the place, but that question has sort of soaked it all up. So we\u2019ll just calm it from here. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000076\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b4aa2837820743d0a1a07c089e901cfd\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 2\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022 data-id=\u00223893ae08abc74647b8be9148f8ecd93f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000077\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E2 \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223893ae08abc74647b8be9148f8ecd93f\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK (Co-Leader\u2014Green)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i ng\u0101 k\u014Drero me ng\u0101 mahi katoa a t\u014Dna K\u0101wanatanga?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000078\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E[Does he stand by all of his Government\u2019s statements and actions?]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022 data-id=\u0022f096220d9f83497ea95b229ba1710c8a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000079\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f096220d9f83497ea95b229ba1710c8a\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): Yes, and especially\u003C/span\u003E our action to pass fast track yesterday. I saw, last night, that one very brave Green MP acknowledged he\u2019s been listening at question time, saying in the House, \u201CThe Prime Minister wants to tell us that we should be supporting [fast track] because of the renewable energy projects, because of the housing projects\u201D, and I couldn\u2019t be more pleased that my message is finally cutting through to some Green Party MPs. And it\u2019s not too late, because fast track might now be the law\u2014thank you, David Parker, for the inspiration\u2014but there\u2019s still just so much more growth and development to come. So, once again, and not for the last time, I call on all those Green MPs who actually care about climate change to back the projects, back the economy, and back renewable energy and housing for working New Zealanders, because we need to grow this joint.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000080\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228bc7fc8688894b828af760415be1de2f\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: Does the Prime Minister stand by his statement that \u201CWe\u2019ve set ambitious goals for ourselves.\u201D, and, if so, can he please outline for the House what exactly is ambitious about his Government\u2019s goals to decrease emissions and persistent child poverty by just 1 percent?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000081\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226340825078d14975b07470f440853e79\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019d just say, on the point about emissions, I\u2019m very proud that our emissions reduction plan 2, delivered by an excellent climate change Minister, who is actually managing to deliver net zero six years earlier and keep our economy growing\u2014well done. I\u2019m very, very proud of that. We\u2019re on track to deliver net carbon zero 2050, as we\u2019ve committed to doing. The means may be different by which the Green Party may wish to do it, but we don\u2019t want to total our economy. We actually want to make sure we grow our economy, we want to make sure we get things built in this country, and we want to support low and middle income, working New Zealanders.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000082\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bf8d13e54729445d80a5e0d565571e1a\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Prime Minister confirm that his Government has cut services for vulnerable children and wh\u0101nau, increased benefit sanctions by 133 percent, and cut 9,000 jobs from the public sector, with 1,500 more to go at Health New Zealand, while setting aside $2.9 billion in tax cuts for landlords, in just this year alone?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000083\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d2220d56e9f4ad39201f2ea25d61873\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019ll pick one of those things, which is that I am very proud of the obligations that we have put around the unemployment jobseeker benefit, and that is entirely appropriate. We want to have a safety net, we want to support people when they need help, and that is funded by your fellow citizens and fellow taxpayers. But there are also obligations: meet with your case manager, put a resum\u00E9 together, and show up for the job interviews.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000084\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002265971eae653548a5b56c989554fc8af3\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: Is there a job for every New Zealander who is currently unemployed and on the jobseeker benefit?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000085\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022007441d17b3f492d8df2867f1cb30fbb\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: We are working hard to make sure we get off welfare and into work. But what we\u2019re not going to do is what the last Labour-Greens Government did, which is have low unemployment at 3.2 percent and yet 70,000 more people on the jobseeker benefit. We think there\u2019s a better pathway for people, which is a life of work, and that\u2019s why we\u2019re doing everything we can to get the economy growing; to support low and middle income, working New Zealanders; and to make sure we get people off welfare and into work, which is great for them and their families. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000086\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022314fabf8cd634e36a30384428c601b2e\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: What is a better\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000087\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca9ce7bd4bcb4a6cbbef9dd5c1485d36\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just hang on. Just wait; there\u2019s a lot of noise from both sides of the House that doesn\u2019t need to be there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000088\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002278b0fd76540e4d8986d2a4084b9881e7\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: What is a better use of public funds: $3 billion in tax cuts for property speculators, or funding essential services that all New Zealanders rely on?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000089\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002243d3fb67d5e4438b9a6f520c5823ab87\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, what\u2019s not acceptable is increasing spending by 84\u00A0percent, borrowing more, taxing more, spending more, hiring more, and\u2014on every account\u2014delivering worse outcomes under a Labour-Green Government. That\u2019s what we saw over the last six years. We\u2019re not doing that; we\u2019re making sure there is maximum value for money, that we are getting resources moved from the back office to the front line, and we\u2019re investing for growth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000090\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022db942dcbe85a423caa1b3cc168372f23\u0022\u003EHon David Seymour\u003C/span\u003E: Did the Government cut taxes for landlords or simply restore the very consistent and sensible tax policy that was the case for the first four years of the Labour-Green Government?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000091\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228e123e12986941848b2cb0bbbedd515a\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: I am proud of what we have done to make sure that we stabilise rents for renters. Isn\u2019t it interesting: since this Government came to office, average rents have not increased. They went up $180 per week; that causes huge pain and suffering on working New Zealanders. This is a Government that, by restoring interest deductibility\u2014a legitimate business expense\u2014by removing the brightline back to two years, and ensuring we get the balance right between tenants and landlords, has ensured that we actually have rental stability in this country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000092\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224b172ce7b2704358bb76b0a3f7dbb6d9\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, sir. Thank you very much, sir. Just for the clarity of the House, if a Minister makes an incorrect statement today, when are they expected to correct that: by the end of today\u2019s sitting, or will they have to correct it in the first sitting day back next year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000093\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a9271ed4271749c0a81812f13bb3427f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s the first opportunity that they\u2014where the House is sitting, first opportunity after they know or are able to confirm that there has been a mistake in something they\u2019ve said.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000094\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225f637c9aae854494835620ddc1a166a0\u0022\u003EChl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u003C/span\u003E: Can the Prime Minister confirm that since coming to office, rents have increased at double the rate of average Consumers Price Index inflation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000095\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022feb2c199103742019f3880c73b43c8fa\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Labour and Greens quoted that number at me last week, and I just would say to you that, since we came to power, our rents have been stable. If you take the full year, which is including the period of a Labour-Greens Government, rents are up as you\u2019ve talked about. But you\u2019ve taken an annual number, rather than the number from when we came to office. That\u2019s what we measure ourselves against.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000096\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229f0e8d1b37c3442a9f34b9782989b34d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Question No. 3, Rawiri Waititi. Can the member just wait while the House, seriously, goes into silence. Please go ahead.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000097\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ee991d30ceec471aacdd1d3ac72c2a62\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 3\u2014Prime Minister\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u00220147f75bf0bb4ef1aabea3a35836d61e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000098\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E3. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220147f75bf0bb4ef1aabea3a35836d61e\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori)\u003C/span\u003E to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government\u2019s statements and actions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022 data-id=\u00227fd7c3f401744256b2edf6fc43b4daa9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000099\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227fd7c3f401744256b2edf6fc43b4daa9\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000100\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002271c9251755464feeb9e3bb63c78e7486\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree that the poor economic outlook in the half-yearly fiscal update is a consequence of his Government\u2019s decisions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000101\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dee5f1a6659e47d599cf4715c315403c\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: It is a consequence of economic mismanagement and vandalism over the previous six years, but this a Government cleaning it up, and haven\u2019t we made tremendous progress? Inflation is back under 3 percent for the first time in a long time. We have had, actually, three interest rate cuts after having, I think, 12 interest rate rises. We have business confidence, farmer confidence, consumer confidence, and more Kiwis thinking New Zealand is heading in the right direction.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000102\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3afa3b7e5eb441fa4e190bc11303c0d\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Does he agree that it would be unfair to judge his Government for the poor forecast of the half-yearly fiscal update because one year is not long enough to influence any significant change?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000103\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e3793f05227040b8be3d77a5e169f40f\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, our Government is taking responsibility for the challenging economic conditions we\u2019ve inherited, and that is why our plan is so important for the future of New Zealand. What we know, and as we heard from Katie Bradford last night, is that if we allowed Labour to carry on running the show, it would actually be a lot worse with respect to our deficits and our surplus. What we know is that the shadow Minister says surplus is a moot point. We know the current leader of the Labour Party, the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, says we absolutely need to increase debt. Taxing more, spending more, borrowing more, hiring more, and non-delivery has led us to this position. [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000104\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b2a67c32da134a4984009e2ad86b8972\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just a moment. There\u2019s a member on my left who is commentating on every answer given. Commentary is not required and not allowed under the Standing Orders. Rare and reasonable interjections.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000105\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022be71ab5053ee42bb83b2151d8bdca3bd\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Why, then, did his Government decide to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora, because the authority was unable to unwind 182 years of oppression and unequal treatment in only nine months?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000106\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d53c10475bec4595856df816b9b1859e\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Sorry, can you ask the question again?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000107\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222d6005a980044c749e9adc90383167e5\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: So why did his Government decide to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora, because the authority was unable to unwind 182 years of oppression and unequal treatment in only nine months?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000108\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221de39283a9284c589dc74002a945fa00\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Because we don\u2019t believe that creating big bureaucracies and massive centralisation is the way in which you improve outcomes for M\u0101ori. We are fixated on actually improving outcomes. Despite the much-vaunted M\u0101ori caucus and a Labour-Greens Government advocating for M\u0101ori, outcomes for M\u0101ori went backwards, and so we are determined to make sure that we take them forwards. The fact that Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori hasn\u2019t had a conversation about why nine out of 10 young M\u0101ori students heading into high school are not where they need to be in mathematics is shameful.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000109\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225878b76ef7474b60a5ae27dc4489c67c\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: One more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000110\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c1a77c64e80040d0964dbe9516b624f8\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you. Fine choice. What does the Prime Minister say about the economist Bernard Hickey\u2019s statement that \u201CTreasury reports public service spending cuts to pay for lower taxes for landlords are shrivelling the economy, lifting spending on benefits, pumping up public debt \u0026amp; will put 20,000 more out of work\u201D?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000111\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002232062f5d10b94e5b9c16be6da88b697a\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I reject the characterisation that interest deductibility is a tax. Interest deductibility is a legitimate business expense, and the reality is that we have actually seen stable rents across this country since this Government came to office versus increases of $180 per week on average. The measures we\u2019ve taken\u2014interest deductibility, brightline test readjustment, and getting the balance right between tenants and landlords\u2014have made a difference in the rental market.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000112\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022087f492cf42e45c999aa779a6abb0624\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Is the Prime Minister\u2019s message to Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori and some of its supporters something that\u2019s totally alien: that shortly, they\u2019ll have to get off their backside and do some work?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000113\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222605e434f8034937ac37b9869d7b3f18\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I don\u2019t think that\u2019s something the Prime Minister has any responsibility for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000114\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002291742e5348324e4a98f96ecd63ee7a19\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: In short, what does the PM say about the Government\u2019s austerity policy driving the economy into a deeper and longer recession, that means it will have to borrow $20 billion more over the next four years than it stated six months ago?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000115\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002270064ed146af4c5582360757d3c02bd7\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019ll just say there is no doubt if we carried on with the previous lot, the economic mismanagement would be worse. But this is a Government that has found the right approach, because we know carrying on the programme as it was\u2014spend more, tax more, borrow more\u2014put us in this mess. What we know on this side is that we are finding a balanced approach through it by making sure that we actually move resources from the back office to the front line, we get value for money for every dollar being spent, we deliver tax relief to low and middle income working New Zealanders\u2014who that side should be caring about but don\u2019t seem to any more\u2014and, importantly, we\u2019re laying up the conditions for future growth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000116\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002204656529c3dc4731be84337786488cbc\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 4\u2014Social Development and Employment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022 data-id=\u00228ae0bcd93aad42e0ad6db53a645c0e12\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000117\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E4. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228ae0bcd93aad42e0ad6db53a645c0e12\u0022\u003EHon CARMEL SEPULONI (Labour\u2014Kelston)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement that \u201CThis Government is absolutely and deliberately focused on supporting people into employment, and the way we measure our success is to have 50,000 fewer people on the jobseeker benefit by 2030\u201D; if so, does HYEFU 2024\u2019s jobseeker forecast of a 36,000 increase by 2026 since she took office mean this target is on or off track?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022 data-id=\u0022dcf0350d571f4a7e9ae667b8620f869c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000118\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dcf0350d571f4a7e9ae667b8620f869c\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister for Social Development and Employment):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, absolutely. Our Government is committed to having 50,000 fewer people on the jobseeker benefit by 2030 and achieving this target is a priority for our Government. Jobseeker numbers have been rising steadily since 2022 and are expected to peak in January 2025. The forecast has always been for the numbers to get worse before they get better. When jobseeker numbers started increasing during the global financial crisis in May 2008, there were around 85,000 people on the equivalent of jobseeker benefit; our starting point was 190,000. Unfortunately, we\u2019ve inherited a low-growth economy where unemployment was forecast to increase above 5 percent. Treasury now forecasts this economic downturn to be longer and deeper compared to the Budget update. That\u2019s why our Government\u2019s work is to rebuild the economy and support more job seekers into work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000119\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ab04ef3d04fa48b2a73325e53275c167\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: How can her target to reduce jobseeker beneficiary numbers by 50,000 be on track when the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update forecasts there will still be 204,000 people on jobseeker benefit in 2029, and her target for 2030 is 140,000 jobseeker beneficiaries?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000120\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e681df862b334167a23516242bfe706f\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON\u003C/span\u003E: Very simply because, unlike the previous Government, we\u2019re not willing to sit back and watch the numbers grow. So what we have done in the last 12\u00A0months, in addition to setting target, we\u2019ve got now 70,000 people in case management; we\u2019ve got 2,100 with job coaches; we\u2019ve introduced phone-based case management; we\u2019ve introduced a traffic light system so jobseekers know where they\u2019re at. Our Government isn\u2019t sitting back and watching the numbers increase; we are taking every opportunity with an active welfare system, and I\u2019m so proud of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) front line, they are working incredibly hard to get more New Zealanders into work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000121\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ed6bd41d566246c58b8d84925e80c528\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: OK, brief answers are quite good ones.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000122\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220dca906367ea44088635384703155ca0\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Has she spoken to her finance Minister about the record numbers of people on benefit, and her beneficiary reduction target being at risk, given it is the economic conditions and job losses en masse that are putting her target at risk, or will she solely rely on sanctioning beneficiaries to get her numbers down?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000123\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221c5c51cee60849c188c8bf7f6f5d4f77\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON\u003C/span\u003E: I would like to go through that list of all the things we\u2019ve done in the last 12 months, but you have said to keep my answers brief. So what I would say is: our plan is working. In the last five months, we have seen over 30,000 New Zealanders on the jobseeker benefit exit into work despite very challenging economic conditions, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m proud of.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000124\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002295c946e662b44c87aab0d8013ab849fd\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Is she concerned that MSD themselves have decreased some of their own targets for getting people into jobs because of the worsening economic conditions, and how can she then assert that her 50,000 jobseeker reduction target is still achievable?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000125\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c14a0222b05b4e398070031140bced10\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON\u003C/span\u003E: As I said in my answer to the primary, the jobseeker numbers were expected to peak in January 2025. Unfortunately, because the economic conditions are going to be worse, deeper, for longer\u2014because of the record we have inherited\u2014the jobseeker numbers will be higher than we anticipated; actually, not as far as we would have expected, so we\u2019re on track. We\u2019ve got a challenging, ambitious target, but for not one day will we shy away from helping more Kiwis into work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5d4f5140eff46e0b908733bf34e62f8\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: What does she say to the New Zealanders who will be accessing welfare support this Christmas, Christmas 2026, Christmas 2027, Christmas 2028, and Christmas 2029, given the economic outlook is so bleak that the unemployment rate will not even be back to 2023 levels by 2029?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000127\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a68928ea-9dd8-4a30-8e2c-a0f49dfc8bea\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229a43169a89b84037ad437076cee316e7\u0022\u003EHon LOUISE UPSTON\u003C/span\u003E: I have this simple message for New Zealanders this Christmas: it is challenging when someone loses their job, it\u2019s challenging for them and their families. Unfortunately, one of the realities when you have high inflation, high Government spending, high interest rates, and a recession: unemployment follows. What I will say to New Zealanders is this Government is unwilling to destine young New Zealanders to 18 years on welfare if they go on to a jobseeker benefit under 25. We are doing everything to help them into work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000128\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002262ebd6867fa44f9e9ac0ff7e6caf5388\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 5\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228ba11b3f-65ea-4f86-92e4-fe78ea522647\u0022 data-id=\u0022c9bec01162cf40e0beeb991411c241d3\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000129\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228ba11b3f-65ea-4f86-92e4-fe78ea522647\u0022\u003E5. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c9bec01162cf40e0beeb991411c241d3\u0022\u003EDANA KIRKPATRICK (National\u2014East Coast)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made on Government finances?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u00223d1d60630c104d2584b332f14051e13b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000130\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223d1d60630c104d2584b332f14051e13b\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Can I say in advance the draft answers to these questions are very dry. A year ago, I found myself talking about sausages, and I do not intend to repeat that mistake. Yesterday, I released the Budget Policy Statement, and in it I set out the Government\u2019s response to a review of operating balance indicators, including the contribution of ACC. Among Government entities, ACC is distinctive. It is a long-term, levy-funded scheme whose funding is driven by the need to have assets matching the expected lifetime cost of outstanding claims. Those assets are currently around $50 billion, and mismatches between ACC\u2019s assets and its outstanding claims liability are intended to be reduced gradually over a 10-year period. It\u2019s not a pay-as-you-go scheme that results in annual costs to the Crown or annual revenue for the Crown.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000131\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228ba11b3f-65ea-4f86-92e4-fe78ea522647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d1a9c67547f84e39966c028b5c07bfbf\u0022\u003EDana Kirkpatrick\u003C/span\u003E: How do ACC\u2019s results affect the operating balance indicator?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000132\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5846a7bfa514c1296404b7d47024b8b\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: OBEGAL\u2014the operating balance before gains and losses\u2014was previously the Government\u2019s key operating balance indicator. ACC\u2019s contribution to OBEGAL has grown in recent years from a billion-dollar deficit in 2021-22 to $4.1 billion in 2023-24. Its deficit is forecast to average around $4 billion per annum over the forecast period. Having ACC in the Government\u2019s headline operating indicator gives too much weight to the point-in-time position of a self-sustaining, long-term insurance scheme which should have no impact on tax and spending decisions elsewhere in Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000133\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228ba11b3f-65ea-4f86-92e4-fe78ea522647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227a5961ec333a44609b2f2d0a3ca484a8\u0022\u003EDana Kirkpatrick\u003C/span\u003E: What change has the Government made in response to these issues?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000134\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225ff529853b0649179d9f6de8d08a2313\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: The Government has decided to look through ACC\u2019s deficits or surpluses when setting and monitoring its short-term fiscal intentions. These deficits or surpluses do not matter for short-term fiscal policy. The simplest way to look through them is to take ACC revenue and expenses out of the OBEGAL. That is what we\u2019ve done by creating a new measure called OBEGALx, which is simply OBEGAL excluding ACC. People who are attached to OBEGAL\u2014and who knows if members opposite have made their mind up on that, because they haven\u2019t made their mind up on borrowing tax, or anything for that matter, but if they are attached to OBEGAL, that measure will continue to be reported as a fiscal indicator.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000135\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228ba11b3f-65ea-4f86-92e4-fe78ea522647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022dfe5362ef4504128beb9eafc0eb4f30a\u0022\u003EDana Kirkpatrick\u003C/span\u003E: What reaction has she had to this change of indicator?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000136\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f20ed59d94954b1e82cc6dbb1b8d1f6d\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: This change has been well signalled, and I think people understand there is an issue that needs to be addressed. For example, I saw a report from the BNZ yesterday that said, \u201Cthe Government introduced a new fiscal balance this HYEFU called OBEGALX, the X standing for \u2018excluding ACC\u2019. The rationale for this is that ACC is a self-funding Crown Entity which is [currently] running a significant deficit. The view is that fiscal policy should not be adjusted to compensate for what should be a self-correcting ACC deficit over time. We agree with this stance.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022611e0d88293f4ec592890966baf58790\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 6\u2014Regional Development\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227dbfbd83-6770-4555-8477-85fa01511504\u0022 data-id=\u002261aff12f673e4c5897fd3ec883dc7576\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000138\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227dbfbd83-6770-4555-8477-85fa01511504\u0022\u003E6. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002261aff12f673e4c5897fd3ec883dc7576\u0022\u003EANDY FOSTER (NZ First)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Regional Development: What updates can he provide to New Zealanders on actions the Government has taken to restore prosperity to the regions?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022 data-id=\u00223e7e36c27d0440b68730403a594c5a09\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000139\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223e7e36c27d0440b68730403a594c5a09\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Development):\u003C/span\u003E Our Government is focused on growing the economy. After a long period of an absence of a development strategy and far too much influence from the woke-riddled Wellington belt, we are now turning our attention to the ideas and the energy within the regions. As evidence of that, a sum approaching $200 million has been ring-fenced to boost climate change adaptability and, also, geothermal developments. This technology reflects a report that lay gathering dust\u2014moulding\u2014over the last four or five years while Marsden Point was, sadly, closed down by the other side of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000140\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227dbfbd83-6770-4555-8477-85fa01511504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263edd8ba710a4280b1644bb384ead592\u0022\u003EAndy Foster\u003C/span\u003E: What can the Minister report on the regional summits he has held across the country?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000141\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002231d92d322a094ba5a40ef4669f94a9d2\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: Unheralded popularity. It\u2019s important that we acknowledge that when Wellington-based advisers venture out into the regions, the practical effect of ideas conceived in Wellington offices strike reality. The summits have been an opportunity to meet and greet people. Occasionally, there have been one or three protesters as I\u2019ve sought to engage with garden-variety Kiwis, but the days of those mung bean - meddlers are over.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000142\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227dbfbd83-6770-4555-8477-85fa01511504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b314c67d91ad463ba7ada2144d763eea\u0022\u003EAndy Foster\u003C/span\u003E: What steps has the Government taken to support the development of regional aquaculture? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000143\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220e94cd1da0474f13943267c9f61b29aa\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: The most recent report on primary produce export revenue shows there\u2019s an enormous future waiting for development in regional aquaculture. A sum of over $600 million was recorded this year, in terms of export revenue; a small but growing proportion of the $2.2 billion which is sourced in the regions in terms of fisheries revenue. Obviously, aquaculture is now going to enjoy an amazing growth period because for the next 20 years there will be no need for any more resource consents; they have been guaranteed. No more meddling from the Department of Conservation, no more interfering from unwise decision makers and regional councils. Certainty, confidence, and growth is about to hit regional New Zealand in the aquaculture sector, despite the best efforts of narrow-minded critics.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000144\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227dbfbd83-6770-4555-8477-85fa01511504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f5f47861bcd4accb94baa6946808da0\u0022\u003EAndy Foster\u003C/span\u003E: How is the mining sector helping to support New Zealand\u2019s regional revitalisation?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000145\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229b9ecffb49c44356abc5fdcae4d3edd5\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: Without a doubt, Taranaki will enjoy a boost with offshore mining opportunities. Sadly\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000146\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227a76db18-baa4-41c1-b366-89e2c753a1e7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228a5c32b8762b479bb59a0d5419770b6c\u0022\u003EDebbie Ngarewa-Packer\u003C/span\u003E: Take it to your backyard, then.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000147\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a31bc32b15d64e0685c8de00f4f5ec1f\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: No, that\u2019s enough from the k\u016Bmara munchers\u2014not going to have any of that today. Without a doubt, there is a vista of opportunity that will be delivered upon through science, technology, and economic rationalism. There may be a small group of ill-informed critics, but they will be marginalised once the triumph of science through the fast-track legislation emerges with clarity. As a final point, OMV, an international gas and oil explorer, announced at 6:30 a.m. this morning they are no longer withdrawing from New Zealand; as a consequence of the advocacy and the confidence instilled by this Government, they are staying to salvage the oil and gas industry in New Zealand. And on your behalf, New Zealand, I claim a little credit for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000148\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258f935f1-6646-40ab-9d99-17029396850c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220819d7d3ba134ca7894ece8f550ed928\u0022\u003EHon Julie Anne Genter\u003C/span\u003E: Is maintaining the rail freight connection between the North and South Islands by ensuring we have at least one rail-enabled ferry important for the economic prosperity of the regions, particularly in the South Island?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000149\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002255349929e1974234bd50e2dbdbbe9da4\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s a very important question and despite my willingness to put the member right, the man to my right is the appropriate person to respond to it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000150\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258f935f1-6646-40ab-9d99-17029396850c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002238b256ed54df4cbdb4b6529df5ad20eb\u0022\u003EHon Julie Anne Genter\u003C/span\u003E: Supplementary? [Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000151\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a343d7096a9c4b31b1869434c21b94e3\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just wait until everyone\u2019s quiet. OK.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000152\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002258f935f1-6646-40ab-9d99-17029396850c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ae28875e4f4849db89a9147fb557821c\u0022\u003EHon Julie Anne Genter\u003C/span\u003E: Will he speak to the Ministers for rail, finance, and transport to ensure they understand the regional development and prosperity implications of not having a rail freight connection between the North and South Islands before decisions are made on ferry procurement?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000153\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c9beaadc719d42f281b57034e5f54326\u0022\u003EHon SHANE JONES\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s beyond cavil; rail is important to the regions and, as the member is aware, all options will be exhaustively inquired into. But we want to see a massive improvement in the quality of management and leadership in KiwiRail; then, consequently, we\u2019ll look at backing options that are full of common sense.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000154\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022fcdd3228cace44719ae272696ec309cb\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 7\u2014Transport\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022 data-id=\u0022ac993304755d4607bc413857a7719a9a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000155\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E7. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ac993304755d4607bc413857a7719a9a\u0022\u003EGRANT McCALLUM (National\u2014Northland)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Transport: What reports has he seen on State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022 data-id=\u00229d0751825d7e4153a7e07f1d308bd808\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000156\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229d0751825d7e4153a7e07f1d308bd808\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Transport):\u003C/span\u003E Well, I\u2019ve seen some great news. State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will officially reopen to traffic on Friday morning, reconnecting the Far North with the rest of New Zealand after an extensive closure caused by severe weather in August 2022. More than a thousand workers have worked on this project to clear slips, improve the resilience of a critical route to support economic growth. This reopening is a result of their hard work and comes just in time for Christmas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000157\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002266e8b7b23d364c2d8ccd26267f03fe38\u0022\u003EGrant McCallum\u003C/span\u003E: What works have been delivered to ensure the Mangamuka Gorge route is reopened?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000158\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002263394a9816444d7d9f2e73d12a435ddb\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, so much work\u2014a significant amount of work\u2014has been done to complete and to strengthen the Mangamuka Gorge. This includes the installation of 1,337 piles; use of over 10,000 cubic metres of concrete; more than 5 kilometres of road has been repaved; and 50,000 square metres of asphalt installed, which is around the size of seven rugby fields, I am told. These critical works have addressed 36 slips to increase resilience on this critical route and get Northlanders where they want to go quickly and safely.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000159\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f597b02d1c0949988291737a90ca24cd\u0022\u003EGrant McCallum\u003C/span\u003E: What will the reopening mean for locals, businesses, and tourists in Northland?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000160\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222d7d7da8a5f24111963e75f3f34cd254\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Well, it\u2019s going to mean a lot for all of those people, including for the great MP for Northland, Grant McCallum. It will restore a vital reconnection for residents, freight operators, and visitors. With around 1,300 vehicles using this route daily, the improved road will ensure safe and more reliable travel. Northland has had a tough time with road closures and the opening will provide a major boost to local businesses, especially during the holiday season, which is crucial for Northland\u2019s economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000161\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002244967dc4-6cc7-4567-b8ef-cc3a9b354544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225d83481738ef401683d4f92301207dd1\u0022\u003EGrant McCallum\u003C/span\u003E: What message does the Minister have for Northlanders and those visiting the region this summer?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000162\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221de7ed4b043b4e3096c84f04d2154b5d\u0022\u003EHon Matt Doocey\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019ve got a great MP.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000163\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a179d74506354d8f82fd51ac5b709cc4\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, well, yes, they do have a great MP up here\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000164\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220034f50d3dbe4cb48aa9c63ee17aea82\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, hang on a minute.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000165\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022df8df59fbb314c3e9ead1da5fdae42a1\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: A very merry Christmas\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000166\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002273770afe5d3b4a95b86013e665b11526\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, no. Wait on. Think about the question. I don\u2019t think that lines it up at all. It\u2019s about \u201Cseen on State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000167\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002255d0b7a4-a2c9-4c38-9b77-475311a48a89\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e1762090567b4f5c872ebea65f28d8db\u0022\u003EHon SIMEON BROWN\u003C/span\u003E: Which is in Northland.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000168\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002227c5d9bb0690466dabf512e751f2e047\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Your endorsing tourist activities in the Northland\u2014it\u2019s not part of your ministry. We\u2019ll move on to question No. 8.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000169\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f5fc72ca33c54ff39c92eb41e71df948\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 8\u2014Finance\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022 data-id=\u0022fb8cf4f7bae4465daf39c83ac415dc4d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000170\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E8. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fb8cf4f7bae4465daf39c83ac415dc4d\u0022\u003EHon BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour\u2014Mana)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Finance: 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=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022 data-id=\u00223863a5829c1e4c468523753f156ae44f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000171\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223863a5829c1e4c468523753f156ae44f\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance):\u003C/span\u003E Yes, in the context in which they were given or made.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000172\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229224d71c7e784a859057622d576f64e7\u0022\u003EHon Barbara Edmonds\u003C/span\u003E: How can New Zealanders take her financial management seriously when she cancelled the ferries, costing the taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars, undertook creative accounting to make her books look better, and has delivered the highest debt in decades?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000173\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022aa77f9d8600541ff99f9f54e959f5801\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: I want to begin by wishing the member a merry Christmas, but I then want to say it is a not a question to string together a set of assertions, and, a year in, she should have worked that out. Actually, our position has remained, which is that we are going to be a Government that is careful about New Zealanders\u2019 tax and how we spend it. We are a Government that is going to drive growth, and we are a Government that has been consistent in our position that we want to see New Zealanders getting tax relief and we want to see the debt curve burn down. That member, on the other hand, within the space of two radio interviews this morning, managed to want more borrowing, less borrowing, more tax, less tax. She needs to make up her mind.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000174\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d675c659ad6d46d0b9b84a1bb55b50dc\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Before the member resumes her questioning, I just want to say this. I\u2019ve cut off one question because it was getting out of order. I will cut off other questions if people don\u2019t want to listen to the answer. That was a constant commentary from a large number of people on my left.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000175\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229555397bafc144118554b32a96c6b6eb\u0022\u003EHon Barbara Edmonds\u003C/span\u003E: What evidence, if any, does she have that a strategy of cuts would lead to growth?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000176\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d822cda46fa247ca8d6527ac04948c4c\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: That\u2019s not our strategy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000177\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002281edac41c33044349009b93aed84b843\u0022\u003EHon Barbara Edmonds\u003C/span\u003E: Does she agree with Christopher Luxon, who said, \u201CNicola Willis and myself understand economics. We understand Budgets. We understand numbers.\u201D, and, if so, can she point me to some evidence of this, because I can\u2019t find any?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000178\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022be45209fcd22472192ddae1664debfa1\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, I do agree with the Prime Minister, and what I put myself through this morning\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000179\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f9c4dd93784349c7a5b9e3dda21d8e61\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, with all due respect to the member from a seat not too far from where I live: keep quiet.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000180\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022601fb6cc9c204f57bd436c48ece4fceb\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: And what I put myself through this morning was the endurance battle of reading the transcripts of Chris Hipkins and Barbara Edmonds as they tried to explain what their policy for the economy would be, and across the course of several interviews, they\u00A0demonstrated no understanding of economics whatsoever.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000181\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002202a6ce7a61544ff7ae1c6601423c6516\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Going from the first supplementary question that you were asked, how can the Minister be responsible for the greatest debt ever when 80 percent of the Crown debt incurred here, at this point in time, was incurred under Labour?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000182\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229203a9048b5b48498b9651ff96bff42c\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: The Deputy Prime Minister makes a very good point. As I shared with the House yesterday, net core Crown debt went from $57 billion to $175\u00A0billion during the six years of the Labour Government, and now their position is that somehow that\u2019s our fault.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000183\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022663d09b88a6f4d418001f821d9b6d98e\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Talk about denial.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000184\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224ca6caf7a2974d1097e3bb13dd5a283f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Hang on, they\u2019re asking a question.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000185\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261725fea-7d5e-4d1f-8fd3-e5779bb7a14d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220a7031f726184063a8c5ebd63bd24a4b\u0022\u003EHon Barbara Edmonds\u003C/span\u003E: Is her Christmas present for Kiwis higher debt, more borrowing, no ferries, fewer jobs, more Kiwis moving overseas, and no growth?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000186\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f12da0af-dc73-4870-8f77-1d50a75eb44c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f37b8568dc1948df81f3e8b8544ae842\u0022\u003EHon NICOLA WILLIS\u003C/span\u003E: No. This Government\u2019s Christmas present to Kiwis is inflation under control for the first time in three years. Our Christmas present to Kiwis is official cash rate reductions, meaning cheaper mortgages. Our Christmas present to Kiwis is tax relief for the first time in 14 years, including FamilyBoost payments for kids in early childhood education. And here\u2019s the best present of all: next year we will deliver a growing economy with more opportunities and more choices for New Zealanders. That member may have lost sight of the importance of that, but I know that Kiwis will welcome it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000187\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022ba97cb2935134cfeb3c5e0bda93e3dca\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 9\u2014Mental Health\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022 data-id=\u0022b13ae831064a41b986c45506b7c7dff9\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000188\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E9. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b13ae831064a41b986c45506b7c7dff9\u0022\u003EPAULO GARCIA (National\u2014New Lynn)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent announcement has he made regarding faster access to mental health and suicide prevention support through the Government\u2019s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022 data-id=\u00229063e94a31734c12bd0965e38c842742\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000189\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229063e94a31734c12bd0965e38c842742\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY (Minister for Mental Health):\u003C/span\u003E More good news for mental health. Today\u2019s announcement continues to deliver on the Government\u2019s commitment to faster access to mental health and addiction support. I\u2019m pleased to announce the first three\u00A0recipients of the Government\u2019s Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund: Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, and MATES in Construction. Youthline will receive funding to expand its Counselling Your Way programme, which is an\u00A0eight-session structured intervention programme for young people aged 16 to 24. The Sir John Kirwan Foundation will receive funding to scale up Mitey, a free early-intervention preventative initiative that trains teachers to support children aged five to 13. MATES in Construction will receive funding for its community workplace-based programme, which aims to enhance the wellbeing of the construction industry workers and to build resilience within the industry. This extra funding will help expand its programme in main centres and into small regions around New Zealand.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000190\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227c127694ac824e2c916c364602d77ef2\u0022\u003EPaulo Garcia\u003C/span\u003E: Why was a matched-funding approach chosen for this fund?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000191\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e652d2563db44863a61b7a8e38e4401d\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: This fund will allow organisations who are already receiving philanthropic funding to scale up their innovative ideas and help deliver more Kiwis with\u00A0faster access to mental health and addiction support. The first three organisations being announced today will share more than $2 million from the mental health innovation fund, with this being matched with an additional $2 million in philanthropic funding, meaning the total investment in new mental health services announced today doubles to $4 million.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000192\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c38c3eee44914b0c8a9d02d51f6388f6\u0022\u003EPaulo Garcia\u003C/span\u003E: Why is the Government partnering with NGOs and community groups?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000193\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229d96a39821f4401ba190ac0a946973a0\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve firmly become of the view that some of the ideas and solutions to the mental health issues in New Zealand are already in the sector; they just need to be listened to and backed. That\u2019s what we\u2019ve done today with the Government committing to get money out of Wellington and into the front line of NGO and community services. On this side of the House, we know Wellington doesn\u2019t always know best. That\u2019s why we\u2019re backing hard-working NGOs and community organisations who are primed for growth and ready to respond to more timely access to mental health support among Kiwis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000194\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229188988b-e79b-4381-969a-982d0ebdb3ca\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a7d9b70943f64f2795d9e6eff0e54502\u0022\u003EPaulo Garcia\u003C/span\u003E: How will this announcement support the Minister\u2019s priorities for mental health?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000195\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228610282060aa4824ba43295c81fae398\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: Today\u2019s announcement will support my four priorities as New Zealand\u2019s first mental health Minister: to increase access to timely mental health and addiction support, to grow the mental health and addiction workforce, to strengthen the focus on prevention and early intervention, and to target 25 percent of investment towards prevention and early intervention.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000196\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d088ed10-ea30-49bf-892c-b67c5121038f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022fcbc9f7109a845b99551cfdaeefc776b\u0022\u003EBenjamin Doyle\u003C/span\u003E: What does the Minister think the value of takat\u0101pui and rainbow-specific mental health and suicide prevention organisations is, like OutLine Aotearoa?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000197\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00221b114da947c74a9cbe7d5db8c56606fb\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: For that member, he will be happy to know that out of the $5\u00A0million for the mental health and addiction innovation fund, we\u2019ve only announced $2\u00A0million of that. There is still $3 million available this year. And, equally, applications will open for next year\u2019s $5 million fund, again committing to delivering faster access to mental health and addiction support for all Kiwis.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000198\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d088ed10-ea30-49bf-892c-b67c5121038f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223d84cad28b864d799676337b3ff530a9\u0022\u003EBenjamin Doyle\u003C/span\u003E: Does he think there are some instances where criteria for funding should be based on the unique and significant needs of marginalised communities, like takat\u0101pui and rainbow; if not, why not?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000199\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ee649aea-c6fa-4610-9fcf-5c4bb2d3cd33\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e80d4d14df9a4f21bf1d06b678feb2eb\u0022\u003EHon MATT DOOCEY\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve always been very clear that the mental health and addiction innovation fund is no silver bullet. It\u2019s no surprise that every fund has criteria. Some services might meet the criteria for this fund or they mightn\u2019t, but I\u2019ve been very clear as the mental health and addiction Minister that I\u2019m going to try new things. This is one thing I\u2019ve tried, and it\u2019s already delivering.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000200\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00229fd77b5cef02417a91ab81f403c408bf\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 10\u2014Children\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022 data-id=\u0022c31dbe8afc5043e5b2190de9c8b95e54\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000201\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E10. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c31dbe8afc5043e5b2190de9c8b95e54\u0022\u003EHon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME (Labour)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by cuts to community provider contracts; if so, why?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022 data-id=\u00223d1770099f3f4048935ffcf18e0fba83\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000202\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223d1770099f3f4048935ffcf18e0fba83\u0022\u003EHon KAREN CHHOUR (Minister for Children):\u003C/span\u003E For one last time this year: there has not been a cut to the overall amount Oranga Tamariki is spending on contracted providers. There are contracts that will expire and not be renewed, some that Oranga Tamariki has decided to reduce, and others that will be increased. Oranga Tamariki spent more than $500\u00A0million with providers last year, and I\u2019m advised we\u2019re on track to do so again this year. However, unlike in the past, Oranga Tamariki is no longer accepting underutilisation and under-delivery, and it\u2019s making sure it\u2019s actually getting what it is paying for. This is what taxpayers expect and deserve when the Government is spending their hard-earned money and, actually, it\u2019s what most vulnerable children and young people deserve too.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000203\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002252b94cecc48e4cf58920968821dc6279\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: Is she seriously saying that cutting Stand T\u016B M\u0101ia\u2019s contract in April next year\u2014an organisation that provides specialised trauma treatment and intensive wraparound family support for thousands of highly vulnerable children and their families, with a waiting list of over 450 children\u2014is the right thing to do?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002234890c7ac49a4b9cae44112d5de2d4ed\u0022\u003EHon KAREN CHHOUR\u003C/span\u003E: Oranga Tamariki have two contracts with Stand T\u016B M\u0101ia, plus pay equity: integrated outcome agreement, originally $18.77 million per year; services in schools, $1.34 million per year; pay equity uplift, which was $5.18 million for the year. And Oranga Tamariki has reached a resolution with Stand T\u016B M\u0101ia and legal proceedings were withdrawn. The terms of this resolution are confidential to all parties involved and Oranga Tamariki is still having discussions with Stand T\u016B M\u0101ia about future procurement.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000205\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228dfea850a0114bf5998b0ae5bea299a6\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: Why didn\u2019t she go back to the Minister of Finance to ask for extra money when Stand T\u016B M\u0101ia has been told the reason their contract for last resort services to thousands of children has been cut is that there is no more funding left this year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000206\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a2d0a414314c4f0ab76a14f158f79d08\u0022\u003EHon KAREN CHHOUR\u003C/span\u003E: To be perfectly frank: that is the reason why we\u2019re in this problem in the first place, because spending more money seems to have been the solution to all the problems. But we\u2019ve seen it actually isn\u2019t. Outcomes got worse; children were suffering because nothing was based on outcomes. It was based on output, and we\u2019re not going to do that any more. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000207\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226340d41a311b4c3aa4de9b02b37e4ffc\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: Will there be more cuts to community providers delivering front-line services in the next financial year?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000208\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a16433d66eea41db9f34402cbd189672\u0022\u003EHon KAREN CHHOUR\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s normal process to go over contracts when they\u2019re being renewed. If they are providing the service that is required of them and that is required of the priority spaces which this Government is doing, then they will continue. If they are not providing the service that they\u2019re supposed to, if they are underutilising and if they\u2019re not providing the service they should, then they won\u2019t continue.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000209\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221ebd1031-ea10-4c3d-bb56-2cd99528ae91\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b9099e51e71b4bdba3348f26ebc493b1\u0022\u003EHon Willow-Jean Prime\u003C/span\u003E: Is it true that despite all the word games, in fact, she has broken a promise to the people of New Zealand that front-line services would not be impacted, when across the country we have seen cuts to vital services for our most vulnerable children and wh\u0101nau?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000210\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002286ae9a20-33bd-4912-8dc1-5b4eb670be44\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022edf393accb6e4f7ea960f93f0e248973\u0022\u003EHon KAREN CHHOUR\u003C/span\u003E: I campaigned saying that more money does not fix a problem. What fixes a problem is actually making sure that we\u2019re delivering the outcomes that are needed for our most vulnerable children. The outcomes have not got better over the last six years. They will get better when the focus is clear and precise that we need to concentrate on children and young people in care and children that come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000211\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022bb52b31279ff416ea03506eb9fa278ac\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 11\u2014Regulation\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022 data-id=\u002217e191400b5547bf99ba3d5fff819e8f\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000212\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002217e191400b5547bf99ba3d5fff819e8f\u0022\u003ETODD STEPHENSON (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker, and merry Christmas to you. My question is to the Minister\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000213\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002264a3637405d842cf8895281f2c5fe29e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. I\u2019m going to take supps off him if he keeps that up.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022 data-id=\u00222aac7adbcc3f44cda47c185686efd963\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000214\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E11. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222aac7adbcc3f44cda47c185686efd963\u0022\u003ETODD STEPHENSON (ACT)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister for Regulation: What recent announcements has he made regarding regulatory sector reviews?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022 data-id=\u0022ef9e02919c464ebead0b02520b1623d0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000215\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ef9e02919c464ebead0b02520b1623d0\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR (Minister for Regulation):\u003C/span\u003E Today, I released the early childhood education, or ECE, regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so that service providers can get on with what they do best: providing safe, high-quality spaces for children to reach their potential. The ministry has recommended removing, changing, or merging approximately three-quarters of the 98 licensing criteria for centre-based services, simplifying the system so it focuses on children\u2019s welfare and education instead of paperwork. I\u2019ve accepted all 15 of the review\u2019s recommendations for regulatory changes, ranging across licensing workforce compliance and regulation. In order to promote innovation, quality, and growth, I\u2019ll be taking a paper to Cabinet in the new year with the intention of implementing these recommendations.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000216\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022848a74f8b8fc44caa965891f28ccd2b3\u0022\u003ETodd Stephenson\u003C/span\u003E: How did the Ministry for Regulation form these recommendations?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000217\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002267848b0eb10c45c891f896d525731711\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: The Ministry for Regulation went out and listened to people who use and operate and regulate early childhood centres. The terms of reference were based on a paper agreed by Cabinet on 5 June, and over the following six months the ministry analysed nearly 2,300 submissions and written feedback; met with parents and caregivers, providers, and workers; visited 16 early childhood centres; and conducted a series of structured interviews and workshops with agencies that engage with or regulate the sector. I want to thank everyone who\u2019s been part of this. It\u2019s been done in less than six months. I think it\u2019s a fantastic piece of work that the sector\u2019s long been calling for.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000218\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225265e21bcbc548b9b4501867b8dc8b47\u0022\u003ETodd Stephenson\u003C/span\u003E: Has he received any feedback from the early childhood education sector?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000219\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bdf1c356cbfd4d508ac759a2a1dea72d\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: I most certainly have. To spare the House\u2019s time, I will refer to only two. One, Kelly Seaburg, Director of Advocates for Early Learning Excellence, says, \u201CFor once the sector feels like we are working with the various ministries to create meaningful change, rather than having continuous change that have had unintended consequences foisted upon hard-working ECE teachers.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000220\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022cfc7b7eeee77418595d5814fdb058ec5\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: What did the teachers say?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000221\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ddbfebc848c84761994dc3e49e2dfa2c\u0022\u003EHon Peeni Henare\u003C/span\u003E: What about k\u014Dhanga reo?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000222\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f72ddc101e674571b9ca8fcf92b8cad0\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: And yes, many teachers and k\u014Dhanga reo were consulted as part of this review. What\u2019s more, it means \u201Cproviders can focus on what matters most\u2014teaching and supporting New Zealand\u2019s children to grow and thrive early and be successful in school, by removing unnecessary administrative burdens that are not linked to quality or safety. In turn, parents will have an even greater level of confidence in the system and what it is delivering for their wh\u0101nau.\u201D That was Cathy Wilson, the Chief Executive of Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand. I\u2019d love to go on\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000223\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220ac97dcfa95b4fc1a7f0b4ecfd2bc335\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No. I\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000224\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226f7622a14e9c4e71a7f0378fc4e9c18b\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014we even consulted the unions\u2014but I won\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000225\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002236bbab3f52fd43609317bb5dd3710feb\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, there\u2019s absolutely no need. The member\u2019s done very well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000226\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b2672720-3dfe-421a-af8c-20f00d44da3d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002258442a85c1d540dbb8a9be8c442d6216\u0022\u003ETodd Stephenson\u003C/span\u003E: What other announcements has he made regarding other regulatory sector reviews?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000227\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a1cd9e5c4e7e4d2bbf73416f4f765bca\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: Last week, I announced the third sector review\u2014following the second, which will report shortly, into the importation and regulation of agricultural and horticultural products. This third sector review I have to say some members of the Government who will remain nameless weren\u2019t initially enthusiastic about or didn\u2019t see the value in because it\u2019s into the hairdresser and barber industry. The sector is regulated under the Health Act. What we\u2019re going to be doing at the Ministry for Regulation is going into the salons and the barbershops of this country, and listening to people who are absolutely sick and tired of being overregulated. Once we hear what they say, just like we have with ECE, we\u2019re going to get rid of the red tape that holds them back.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000228\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f2c4b36e364040c3b147367664586286\u0022\u003EQuestion No. 12\u2014Commerce and Consumer Affairs\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022 data-id=\u0022435c0f7d3f404efcaf5c55a4382e1360\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000229\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E12. \u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022435c0f7d3f404efcaf5c55a4382e1360\u0022\u003EJAMES MEAGER (National\u2014Rangitata)\u003C/span\u003E to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What recent proposal has the Government announced regarding credit and debit card fees?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022 data-id=\u00225d6c8bc8da4a4ace8044fc8e6d7a71a0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000230\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225d6c8bc8da4a4ace8044fc8e6d7a71a0\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW BAYLY (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs):\u003C/span\u003E Christmas is off to a fabulous start for Kiwis: I\u2019m pleased to say that surcharges are about to be \u201Csleighed\u201D. The Commerce Commission has today released a draft proposal to significantly lower card fees. The commission estimates that Kiwi businesses and consumers will save $260 million every year. Even a Christmas grinch can get excited about the level of savings.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000231\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c0e29af77eb24b938ae90773475bb0db\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yeah, well, I\u2019m struggling.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000232\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a48db57977a34622ba4ab1b50ebd9608\u0022\u003EJames Meager\u003C/span\u003E: What are interchange fees, and how have they been wrapped up in higher costs for consumers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000233\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222ed6a403df2b4435a75791a62714f779\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: Interchange fees are the fees businesses pay to accept Visa and Mastercard transactions. These fees are typically passed on to consumers through higher prices or surcharges.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000234\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002276c2d467e3ae4083bcec83722a0a195e\u0022\u003EJames Meager\u003C/span\u003E: What is the Minister\u2019s expectation for these \u201CChristmas come early\u201D proposals for consumers?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000235\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002237be6a9187dd4fddac1e11482f7bbbd0\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: It does not take three wise men to know that the existing card fees are confusing and painful for customers. That\u2019s why I\u2019m thrilled that the Government is delivering a Christmas gift of good cheer and lower prices. I\u2019ve expressed to the commission the urgency of this work. I expect the commission to have finalised the new caps for card fees by mid-2025 so it can be implemented soon thereafter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000236\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ef094bb1-be4f-48b8-bb53-52ce955a1c2d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228db0bf5c88214faba19d0a40814e21b5\u0022\u003EJames Meager\u003C/span\u003E: How will this proposal benefit Kiwis?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000237\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022859e13f9-33bb-41bb-b2f0-d848eaf25407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223956e3d1bcd34e3aa7ac98dfbb69105c\u0022\u003EHon ANDREW BAYLY\u003C/span\u003E: To put it simply, lower fees mean businesses will have reduced operating costs and consumers will get more jingle for their jangle. Mr Speaker, I wish you and the House a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000238\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b520cb212bb74586be7cd4b295eaa462\u0022\u003EMotions\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000239\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u002291c7f319132b4897b13dcbb22f9338fa\u0022\u003ENo Confidence in Speaker\u2014Leave Declined\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022a5945285042841d38759cbe2bc0a22eb\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000240\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a5945285042841d38759cbe2bc0a22eb\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order. Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I seek leave to move members\u2019 notice of motion No. 5 in my name\u2014a motion of no confidence in the Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000241\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223caaba4215f1457fac04db56dadbc71a\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: Grinch.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00228d664496dfee411e9200c1ea6238b3be\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000242\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00228d664496dfee411e9200c1ea6238b3be\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Wait on! There\u2019s a point of order in place. Leave is sought. Is there any objection? There appears to be objection.\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000243\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u00222b6a259a95d7480ba87fafdc862fb590\u0022\u003ESecondary Legislation Confirmation Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000244\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002215e75311716a484f9fc63f96f4fa3fc0\u0022\u003ESecond 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=\u0022dd103138daa74b57af19ec0d94db4384\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000245\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022dd103138daa74b57af19ec0d94db4384\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Secondary Legislation Confirmation Bill be now read a second time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000246\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThis bill is an auspicious bill in the sense that it signals the beginning of the end of every parliamentary sitting year. And what can I say? Bring it on. Every year, we have to pass this bill to confirm legislation that would otherwise be revoked if not confirmed by Parliament. Can I just say, as I introduce the bill and make some brief remarks, we should probably do something about that. It\u2019s always struck me as slightly strange that every year, at the tail-end of the parliamentary year, we have to come together at 3.05 p.m. on a Wednesday before Christmas, where everyone\u2019s looking forward to the end of the year, and pass a piece of legislation just to confirm things. Anyway, it is what it is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000247\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThis relates to legislation made between 1 July 2023 and 30 June this year. It relates to seven Acts: the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997, the Commodity Levies Act, the Customs and Excise Act, the Food Act, the Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001, the Social Security Act 2018, and the Tariff Act 1988\u2014seven Acts. We have to confirm the commodity levies for kiwifruit, as well as those for mussels, oysters, and salmon. We may as well rename the bill the \u201CGreat Christmas Dinner Act 2025\u201D. Sounds like a great meal\u2014mussels, oysters, and salmon.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000248\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002283b9d30c6344437d90ac7dc6bdf01d4b\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: God, that was worse than the sausages joke.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000249\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227aebc390c1df4cb49923ae61f50290cc\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, ha! Can I thank the Regulations Review Committee, and I see the chair is in the House, the Hon David Parker. I started my parliamentary career on the Regulations Review Committee. Maybe, sometime in the long distant future, I will complete my career on the Regulations Review Committee in a perfect piece of symmetry, by no means implying\u2014\u201Cby no means implying\u201D, he says, accidentally realising what he\u2019s done\u2014that the Hon David Parker\u2019s career is coming to a circular end. It is a very good committee\u2014underrated. I understand they went through the legislation from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry of Social Development, and Customs, and I want to thank the committee for their work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000250\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EI hope this won\u2019t take up too much of the House\u2019s time. It is, as they say, a relatively pro forma piece of legislation, and maybe one day in the future, we\u2019ll change the law so we don\u2019t have to do it. But that day is not now. We have to do it, otherwise these things will be extinct. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u00229c1d338c12d44e7495e3890b36502ea7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000251\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229c1d338c12d44e7495e3890b36502ea7\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u002277311b4ac304431dba3a3b999a5c5a94\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000252\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002277311b4ac304431dba3a3b999a5c5a94\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E The Labour Party will be supporting this bill. This bill does perform an important function. There are levies that are imposed by regulation, some of which are in the nature of taxation. It is the remit of Parliament to impose those sorts of costs upon society, and, therefore, the regulations which bring them forward have to be confirmed by year end, otherwise they lapse. It doesn\u2019t take a lot of parliamentary time, it doesn\u2019t take a lot of select committee time, but it is an important check on the ability of the executive to increase the costs on society, the most important of which, probably most years, is adjusting the excise and excise duties, the equivalent duties, on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. That should be done every year so that they keep pace with inflation and don\u2019t decline in real terms. None the less, it should be confirmed by Parliament because it is in the nature of a tax. All of these instruments should be confirmed, which is why we\u2019re supporting the legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022 data-id=\u00221531914022214264a881c39ca5ed7493\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000253\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00221531914022214264a881c39ca5ed7493\u0022\u003ERICARDO MEN\u00C9NDEZ MARCH (Green):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. In this case, we are not supporting this bill and made our concerns noted in the first reading. We do take the point that traditionally these bills have been relatively technical and non-controversial; we don\u2019t think that this is the case, actually. We do think that the Government has used secondary legislation to update some things but also to advance a political agenda due to its inclusion of reduced excise for heated tobacco products in this bill, and we think that\u2019s actually not the way to go. This has been well canvassed. Our communities have long had issues with the fact that the Government is doing this, particularly when we\u2019re already seeing that in the bigger scheme and bigger picture of things, the health of our communities is being undermined and that public health overall, when it comes to issues around smoking, is being undermined. We don\u2019t think that this is the way to go.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000254\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EI also want to note the social security changes, particularly the changes that mean that benefits will now be changed to an index with the Consumers Price Index (CPI). That, actually, is also problematic because when we start adjusting things to CPI when it comes to benefits and relationship to the economic forecast that we have right now, those things will lead to lower increases to income support rather than if we adjusted those to wages, or whichever was higher, which is actually the Green Party\u2019s preference when it comes to how we deal with some of these adjustments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000255\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EOn the whole, like I said, while we acknowledge that, overall, a lot of these changes are necessary and technical in nature, there are components to this bill that we just simply cannot get behind. And, therefore, the Green Party won\u2019t be commending this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000256\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000257\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002219ed20db-5d6c-4464-9327-6cdd072bb4fe\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022ccc382b07a47440c9b46c7141dc40884\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000258\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ccc382b07a47440c9b46c7141dc40884\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: This bill is set down for third reading immediately.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000259\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a924ffcc1be346658560523f34740ef7\u0022\u003EThird 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=\u002276fbfae5327747e6a2ab2427205b1f9b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000260\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002276fbfae5327747e6a2ab2427205b1f9b\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E I move, That the Secondary Legislation Confirmation Bill be now read a third time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022a0feb6bdde4041ed8be78421d413d5b7\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 Secondary Legislation Confirmation Bill be now read a third 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 15\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EGreen Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15.\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000261\u0022\u003EBill read a third time.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000262\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00226851121b3e8b4ee5878f7f0a40e3f895\u0022\u003EAppointments\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000263\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022e507915b30124945b83441edff5a255f\u0022\u003EInspector-General of Defence\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022 data-id=\u002295fc0ad3de2b4347a00afe7bcb6cedfc\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000264\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002295fc0ad3de2b4347a00afe7bcb6cedfc\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS PENK (Associate Minister of Defence)\u003C/span\u003E on behalf of the Minister of Justice: I move, That, pursuant to section 7 of the Inspector-General of Defence Act 2023, this House recommends to Her Excellency the Governor-General the appointment of Brendan John Horsley as the Inspector-General of Defence for a term commencing on 26 January 2025 and ending on 30 November 2025.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000265\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThank you, Madam Speaker, and Merry Christmas to you and all members of the House. The role of inspector-general was set up in response to the inquiry into Operation Burnham and related matters, which recommended independent oversight of the activities of the New Zealand Defence Force. The inspector-general\u2019s functions and powers, as detailed in the Act, would enable the office to operate in a way that is consistent with the recommendations of the inquiry. The functions of the inspector-general are to investigate (1) incidents that have occurred in the course of activities of the Defence Force and any subsequent acts or omissions of the Defence Force in relation to those incidents, and (2) to assess and identify potential improvements or additions that the Defence Force policies and procedures governing the activities may make.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000266\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EThe inspector-general must have regard to the activities of other oversight bodies and is expected to consult and cooperate with other relevant people and agencies in the course of exercising the functions of the office. Those include the Secretary of Defence, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, WorkSafe, the Human Rights Commissioner, and the\u00A0Independent Police Conduct Authority. The inspector-general is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the House of Representatives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000267\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EMr Horsley has held the office of Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security since June 2020. In that role, he is responsible for overseeing the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, SIS, and the Government Communications Security Bureau, GCSB, to ensure that\u00A0they act with propriety and operate lawfully and effectively. He was the Deputy Solicitor-General, criminal group, at Crown Law from 2014 to 2020 and had responsibility for the\u00A0professional leadership and supervision of the Crown prosecution network. He was also the first national director of the Public Defence Service in 2011 to 2014.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000268\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EI am proposing that Mr Horsley concurrently hold the appointment as Inspector-General of Defence, in which capacity he will provide experienced and expert oversight of the role until I am in a position\u2014or perhaps a ministerial colleague is in a position\u2014to confirm a longer-term appointment. I anticipate that that will take place in late 2025.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000269\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f96cdca1-b63c-4602-b2b3-276f58ebb518\u0022\u003EIn conclusion, colleagues of the House, Mr Horsley\u2019s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022a07a61acb837470a81fbdbae8391bba7\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000270\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022a07a61acb837470a81fbdbae8391bba7\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: The question is that the motion be agreed to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022 data-id=\u00229306672cac7b48f78fdd12468803fcde\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000271\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229306672cac7b48f78fdd12468803fcde\u0022\u003EHon PEENI HENARE (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I stand on behalf of the Labour Party to support and endorse the recommendation of the Government for this appointment. Mr Horsley brings significant experience to the role. As already mentioned by the Minister, his track record and his career speak for themselves, so we won\u2019t labour the point too long other than to say that we support this appointment. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000272\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EThe Minister has also highlighted the pathway that has been trod by Operation Burnham and the significant hard work of a working group led by Lyn Provost to make sure that we can come to this point and make this appointment. I thank the Minister for explaining the process moving forward after having set the date for Mr Horsley\u2019s appointment. We look forward to working with the Government on that particular appointment when that time comes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000273\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e77494a0-1be1-432f-b492-fd160f4c119d\u0022\u003EWe thank the Minister, we wish Mr Horsley all the best, and, on behalf of the Labour Party, we say to all of our New Zealand Defence Force personnel, current and former, all the best, merry Christmas, and happy New Year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u00223f33890d3ec1410db9e910cba881e725\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000274\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223f33890d3ec1410db9e910cba881e725\u0022\u003ETEANAU TUIONO (Green):\u003C/span\u003E I rise on behalf of the Greens to also support this motion appointing Mr Brendan John Horsley as the Inspector-General of Defence, noting, as others have noted\u2014the two speakers before me, the Hon Chris Penk and the Hon Peeni Henare\u2014that he has significant experience\u2014for example, in his role within intelligence and security and other statutory bodies as well. He has been the Deputy Solicitor-General, director of the Public Defence Service for the Ministry of Justice, a member of the Commerce Commission\u2019s litigation team, and a solicitor and Crown prosecutor. So he has significant experience there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000275\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EI just acknowledge the role that was established in response to the findings of Operation Burnham and the importance of those findings as well to make sure that we have parliamentary oversight and that there is ministerial responsibility in relation to defence matters. These things are incredibly, incredibly important. I would just like to highlight, for those listening at home as well, that there\u2019s two essential functions, as I understand it: an investigation function with appropriate supporting powers to scrutinise in response to issues that have occurred; and an assessment function to assess processes, procedures, and policies, and identify gaps to prevent issues from occurring in the future. This is a good thing\u2014transparency and accountability\u2014and I join with others around the House wishing all the personnel in our defence forces a merry Christmas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000276\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000277\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022caade1f369d44d308eed8ed54e088865\u0022\u003EBroadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000278\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u002289a4a266774e48498100b5087f56e8ee\u0022\u003EFirst Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000279\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 17 December.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022 data-id=\u0022fa383c0474af4e1c96e6c52e6b7f6443\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000280\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022fa383c0474af4e1c96e6c52e6b7f6443\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I have determined that the subject of this vote will be treated as a conscience issue. In this case, I know there are members who want a personal vote, and I\u2019m prepared to accept one. This is the process we\u2019re going to follow: I\u2019m going to put the question, I\u2019m going to announce the result, and, at that stage, any member can ask for a personal vote. When we were debating this call, we were up to call No. 4\u2014the ACT Party call.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022 data-id=\u0022d97a9cb47e3f49c69430395b09bee9fa\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000281\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d97a9cb47e3f49c69430395b09bee9fa\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Point of order, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much. Just to clarify the process: if a party chooses at the point when you call for a party vote, they could indicate a split vote at that point?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000282\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002285876c730d054d9d888a231cc3071a87\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That is my understanding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000283\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022963702e8c93f4c8ba75282a709964734\u0022\u003EHon KIERAN McANULTY\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000284\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002261720d2e-5b1d-4742-b4f0-30424316ccc1\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022134355941dec47dfaab80d62728cedf4\u0022\u003EDEPUTY SPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00228f20b644-642a-4c85-ade9-d5af32dc690b\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1e6eaed7c7c4831a4e4725a4dbff5ae\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000285\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00228f20b644-642a-4c85-ade9-d5af32dc690b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1e6eaed7c7c4831a4e4725a4dbff5ae\u0022\u003ELAURA McCLURE (ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in support of the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill. It is the last day of Parliament, and I want to wish everybody in the House a really lovely, merry Christmas, and those viewers back at home. 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=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022 data-id=\u0022b4ed814d1ee74b4c9632a55dac1b1b03\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000286\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b4ed814d1ee74b4c9632a55dac1b1b03\u0022\u003EJENNY MARCROFT (NZ First):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Madam Speaker. It\u2019s a privilege to stand on behalf of New Zealand First to speak to the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for noting that this bill raises\u00A0an issue of conscience and that a personal vote will be made, should people wish to do so, because, of course, for elected members, that personal vote provides a bit more freedom, in fact, to express the views of our constituents, the views of our communities that we represent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000287\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003ENew Zealand First stands on a conservative platform, keeping the best regulations and, in fact, avoiding the unintended consequences of deregulation. I\u2019ll just go back to the time when the regulations in section 81 were made in the Broadcasting Act 1989\u2014New Zealand has quite a strong Christian foundation; we have a history of it; we have heritage around Christian values. At the time, a boundary was drawn around carving out the days that are meaningful for religious observance, so having a personal vote is important. These boundaries that we draw around our working lives and our special celebrations are important, and we would be all the poorer without them.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000288\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EIn the last decade, we\u2019ve seen a great migration in the way Kiwis engage in media. There\u2019s been a migration from mainstream media to new, emerging media, a migration from traditional linear broadcasting to digital. However, there is some good news\u2014there is a bright spot. Radio audiences have remained pretty stable. Now, the way advertising has shifted from traditional media to large global platforms\u2014we\u2019ve seen that migration. Digital advertising, now, is around $2\u00A0billion a year, with about $1.8 billion going offshore to big tech. This has had a massive implication on the mainstream media\u2019s advertising revenue streams.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000289\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EThat shift in revenue to the global platforms means that media-business models are no longer viable. The old media that we grew up with is no longer able to operate and flourish under market forces. They need to find new ways of engaging the eyes and ears of New Zealanders, so these old media entities are in financial flux. The digital paradigm has completely flipped that media model on its head, and the legislation that applies to old media does not and cannot apply to big tech, which is situated offshore in Silicon Valley.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000290\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EThere is a reality that so far has evaded a workable arrangement by any nation, and this is a global problem that is being looked at. However, that issue now sits at the OECD level, and it\u2019s not something that New Zealand is able to lead. What new media tends to do is extremely clever. These big tech giants use the connectivity, the fibre, and the internet\u2014all that infrastructure\u2014that was paid for by Government with our ultra-fast broadband roll-out investment. Also, we contribute to that as well by paying our monthly internet bills.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000291\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003ENow, until we find a satisfactory solution to our old media / new media dilemma, until that can be engineered, and until the question of trust in news is addressed and we return to more rigour in our journalism\u2014and we are seeing some green shoots of that\u2014the migration of audience from our old media to our new media will continue, and this is putting a strain on our mainstream media.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000292\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EHowever, in terms of this bill, it\u2019s extremely unlikely that relaxing advertising rules on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day morning will make the slightest difference to the difficulties overall that New Zealand media organisations are facing. Whilst the case may be able to be made that a little bit of revenue\u2014it\u2019s predicted about $6 million, inside this bill\u2014might go and be generated for some of these media entities in a deregulated situation, a counter case can also be made that the same amount could be spent on either side of the days that are currently restricted.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000293\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022676b0bc5-331b-4818-b261-ecf892d0bf23\u0022\u003EIn conclusion, I understand the media entities\u2019 argument that this will level the playing field, but it\u2019s the public and the audience that we need to hear, should this go to select committee. The repeal of section 81 will not necessarily make or break traditional media. There are those bigger factors at force, such as the influence of big global tech, which I spoke to earlier. Whether or not advertising on Christmas Day or even Easter Sunday will make a jot of difference is anybody\u2019s guess. If this bill does go through to select committee, New Zealand First is very keen to hear from submitters. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022d4f894dc-da63-4b45-9c2a-c07b41a65e64\u0022 data-id=\u0022297f9cdca4ef47edac4e785896772248\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000294\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022d4f894dc-da63-4b45-9c2a-c07b41a65e64\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022297f9cdca4ef47edac4e785896772248\u0022\u003EDr VANESSA WEENINK (National\u2014Banks Peninsula):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise in support of this first reading of the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill and I look forward to it coming to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee. I heard, through another committee today, that it\u2019s not just about revenue but about the ability to contract for other services that were previously limited because of this advertising restriction\u2014for example, with the Cricket World Cup for TVNZ. I look forward to what this could do for the sector, and I commend the bill to the House. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022 data-id=\u002267454ab4a9bb4e75944112e9a98d8376\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000295\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002267454ab4a9bb4e75944112e9a98d8376\u0022\u003EREUBEN DAVIDSON (Labour\u2014Christchurch East):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Look, it\u2019s a real privilege to rise and take a call on this, the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill, because I think you\u2019d be hard pushed to find someone in this House who doesn\u2019t agree that our local media sector is in crisis. The inaction to do anything about that is, ultimately, a threat to our democracy, because we\u2019ve seen such\u00A0rapid shifts, changes, and closures across our local media sector just this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000296\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EI just want to take the time\u2014and I think it\u2019s important that we do, rather than rushing out the door\u2014to acknowledge that, across this year, we\u2019ve seen, starting at 28 February, Warner Bros. Discovery proposing to close Newshub; on 7 March, TVNZ announcing 68\u00A0job cuts, including the end of midday and late-night news bulletins, as well as programmes like Fair\u00A0Go and Sunday; on 9\u00A0April, Newshub confirming their closure plans, which resulted in more than 200 job losses; and, on the same day, in relation to the 68 TVNZ cuts, then media Minister Melissa Lee is reported by Radio New Zealand as saying, \u201CIf only I were a magician.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000297\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EWell, on 24 April, Melissa Lee lost her role as Minister for broadcasting, and Paul Goldsmith was appointed Minister. Now, on 2 July, he put out a press release saying that the Government was taking action to support the media sector. Since then, Newshub closed down; TVNZ announced a further 50 jobs to save a further $30 million; Radio New Zealand reported that the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill is \u201Cin limbo and not ready.\u201D; NZME announced plans to close 14 regional community newspapers before Christmas, resulting in a further 30 job losses for the media sector; and, this week\u2014this week\u2014the Minister for broadcasting wrote in and announced a repeal totalling 73 words. If he\u2019d written a word a day, he could have done it in two months, not eight.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000298\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s a fact that there are more solutions between the biscuit tin and between legislation sitting, waiting, and wanting at the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee. There are more solutions sitting in those two places than there are coming from the Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000299\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003ENow, the Minister wasn\u2019t in the House last night to speak to the introduction of the bill, and we were surprised. He wasn\u2019t at select committee this morning to hear from NZ On Air, to hear from RNZ, and to hear from TVNZ, and I thought: \u201CThis is how the industry feels.\u201D They want engagement, they want to talk about the issues, and the Minister is simply missing in action. This is at a time when the largest and most powerful media companies to have ever existed have out-of-proportion influence over the local media content that New Zealanders can access.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000300\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EThis is a little bit like that scene from Austin Powers when Dr Evil proposes a hostage fee that is so not adjusted for inflation that he is laughed out of the room, because this repeal\u2014at best\u2014proposes an additional $6 million in ad revenue. Now, if you can find a single person in the media sector that agrees with that statement, I\u2019ll buy them a round of drinks. And that round of drinks is actually what media commentators are suggesting this legislative change is, occurring eight months after Paul Goldsmith was appointed the Minister of broadcasting. about all it\u2019s going to stack up to be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000301\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022631d9edd-77fb-4f22-8b5d-a7c81d997865\u0022\u003EThis is a woeful, woeful, embarrassing bill. It shows a complete lack of engagement with the industry, a complete lack of understanding for exactly what is at stake with the losses that we are seeing across our media sector, and a blatant disregard for the threat to our democracy that the inaction from this Government to look after our local media presents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022 data-id=\u0022f1879c4dcaf14331a9faf169e60ce0a2\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000302\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022f1879c4dcaf14331a9faf169e60ce0a2\u0022\u003EDAN BIDOIS (National\u2014Northcote):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, my apologies for the previous speaker, Reuben Davidson, who was wanting to be the Grinch that stole Christmas! It is actually a good day in this House\u2014that we\u2019re here debating the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill\u2014and it\u2019s a good day because National will be supporting this bill through to select committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000303\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EI just want to pick up on a couple of things that previous members have spoken about. Firstly, my colleague Minister Goldsmith is working very, very hard and diligently in this portfolio. He does have COVID, which is why he wasn\u2019t able to be at the select committee, but let\u2019s come back to the facts of the industry. The facts of the industry are that it has been under a huge amount of change, not just in the last couple of years, but since the iPhone, the media landscape has significantly changed. That member was part of a Government, and Labour had six years in which they were actually able to enact changes, and what did they do? They didn\u2019t make any changes at all.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000304\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EWe inherited the media bargaining bill which is before the fantastic and hard-working Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee, and we\u2019re working through that, but let\u2019s be under no illusion: the media bargaining bill is a very small solution to a much bigger challenge, which is the upending of the media business models, and it\u2019s incumbent on the organisations in those sectors to innovate and create new business models that will enable them to sustain and create vibrant business models in the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000305\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EAs I said, that is one such component of this landscape, but we are here debating another important bill, and this bill, I think, does away with the restrictions that were in place, which may have made sense back in 1960s and 1970s New Zealand but, frankly, don\u2019t make sense in a modern New Zealand and going forward, particularly with the upending of the media sector, as we\u2019ve seen. I certainly want, and most of my colleagues I hope would agree, a country with fewer regulations, not more, and so we welcome this bill taking away the unnecessary burden that will enable these companies and those who wish to advertise on these days.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000306\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EJust for those at home\u2014those two people across New Zealand who are live streaming this speech at home\u2014this bill will allow advertising on Anzac Day, on Sundays, on Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. It is without further ado that I commend this bill to the House, but I do want to take the time to do two things. The first is to say that I look forward to hearing submissions on this bill as a member of the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee. We\u2019ve got other committee members here in the House, and this bill will get a fair hearing at that select committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000307\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003EFinally, I just wish to say a very special, merry Christmas to all those members from across the House, no matter which party you\u2019re from. Thank you to the staff, who diligently work and serve this Parliament. Thank you to my team back in the Northcote electorate. Thank you to my colleagues. It\u2019s been a wonderful year\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022a1f7bbd1-b6ae-41c0-963b-dbe1251f5540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e5c62b7c304647ad95bb4fb96569db95\u0022\u003EHon Kieran McAnulty\u003C/span\u003E: Why are you filibustering?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000309\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f429fecb-a955-4d95-8105-e5144e651204\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220ccfabd712d344c3902660c1fbf197ec\u0022\u003EDAN BIDOIS\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m not filibustering. This is the only time I\u2019ve spoken in the House this week. This is my opportunity, Kieran McAnulty, to say some departing thoughts before I head back on to my flight to Auckland to spend Christmas with my family and my son, Noah. I\u2019d like to wish you all a very special, merry Christmas. Take a good break and come back next year to work hard to get our country and our economy back on track. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022 data-id=\u00227c80195d5cf94be2954db3d05cf7f526\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000310\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00227c80195d5cf94be2954db3d05cf7f526\u0022\u003EHELEN WHITE (Labour\u2014Mt Albert):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you. I would like to extend my Christmas greetings to everybody in the House, particularly Dan, who has a small baby. There are people in this House who\u2019ve got small babies, and I would like to extend my absolute sympathy to you this Christmas! Ha, ha! It\u2019s always an interesting situation when you\u2019re exhausted and you\u2019ve got that level of pressure on you, so kia kaha.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000311\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EWhat I want to talk about is this bill. I want to talk about it in a wider context. The bill, unfortunately\u2014I\u2019m going to support the bill, but the bill is, basically, going to produce $6 million in an industry that is absolutely on its feet. I agree with my colleagues: this is an industry that is vital to our democracy. It is incredibly important that we have a thriving media and that it isn\u2019t all about algorithms and social media. What we have done is we\u2019ve left a playing field that\u2019s very uneven between the two parts of that industry, and it\u2019s really not a very good sign that this Parliament has not been able to get this moving faster or find solutions that are much wider.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000312\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EWe did have some good policy progressing, while we were in Government, and I urge the Government to look at its own view of that policy but also to accept, maybe for the first time, that not everything is something that you leave to the market, because this is what happens when you\u2019re just totally hands off and there are no rules. What you have is big businesses actually ruling the roost and doing exactly what they want, because it\u2019s a cowboy world. What we have is an industry of good people, who are dedicated and intelligent and want to do the best for our democracy and want to actually make sure that New Zealanders get what they need out of their media and who will help people to understand what\u2019s going on in a very challenging world.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000313\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EWe are not helping that at the present time. We have got stuck because we now have a Government that is very committed to this idea for everything, \u201CWe\u2019re just going to get rid of regulation. We\u2019re going to get rid of rules.\u201D Well, there\u2019s a place for these things. It\u2019s all about balance. I want to fix things too. I don\u2019t want regulation for regulation\u2019s sake, but this is a really good example of where leadership involves actually making some rules, making it fair for people, thinking about the contribution that people make to this community, and fostering it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000314\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EI would urge this Government to consider, pretty quickly, its responsibility to get a plan, because I accept there isn\u2019t one at the present time that they are happy with, but they had better get a plan, because, actually, we\u2019ve got a whole lot of people who are relying upon free and good media\u2014quality media\u2014in this country. We have people who are really wonderful at their jobs, who are using them hand over fist. They are not able to bring New Zealanders the news that they need, the culture that they need, and the information perspective they need, because we are not doing our job in this Parliament anymore. We are not finding new, creative, interesting, pragmatic solutions to the new problems that we face. Those problems may not have been there 20 years ago, and $6 million of advertising funding is not going to cut it; it\u2019s simply not. I wish it was, but it\u2019s not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000315\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225ec01d23-b55e-45b9-a668-d3bf14212126\u0022\u003EWe have to rethink our politics and our world and become pragmatic, but we also have to drop an ideology that\u2019s, perhaps, as old as the previous regulation or part of this legislation. It\u2019s so old, it needs to be chucked out. We need a Government that\u2019s prepared to lead. Please do so. The voters voted for you to do it. We are the Opposition, so all we can do is advocate for that to happen. Please do so. Pick up the mantle. Lead as you should. Merry Christmas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022 data-id=\u002226e00074538144298773dde7a6f38753\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000316\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002226e00074538144298773dde7a6f38753\u0022\u003ETIM COSTLEY (National\u2014\u014Ctaki):\u003C/span\u003E Mr Speaker, merry Christmas. I\u2019m just reflecting on the speech we\u2019ve just heard from Labour\u2019s Helen White, and I\u2019m contrasting it with what we heard from Labour\u2019s Reuben Davidson and trying to work out where we stand here. On the one hand, we\u2019re hearing, \u201CWe need to act. We need to do something. We need to take a step forward.\u201D On the other hand, we\u2019re hearing, \u201CDon\u2019t do anything. Don\u2019t take a step forward.\u201D We\u2019re hearing, \u201CThis is terrible; it\u2019s too much.\u201D, and then we\u2019re hearing, \u201CIt\u2019s not enough.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000317\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s just boil this down to first principles. Let\u2019s just think about what this is saying. This is taking a 1989 law which said we don\u2019t want to have advertising on particular public holidays and on Sundays on free-to-air media. At the time, that was with an intent to preserve some of the more community, social content, which was considered non-commercial programming at the time. Of course, as we know, over the last 35 years, culture has evolved, programming has evolved, and media has evolved, but what hasn\u2019t evolved is the legislation that walks hand in hand with that, and that\u2019s why the change is needed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000318\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EI err more towards what Ms White was saying\u2014that we actually need to do something. We need to take a step forward, and we need to think about what happens now. I remember growing up in the 1980s and the 1990s, and you\u2019d set the VCR to record. There was always a war movie on on Christmas Day\u2014don\u2019t ask me why but there was\u2014and you could record it with no adverts. It was fantastic. It was great. Now, that makes no sense to a lot of people out there\u2014what\u2019s a video, and why would you set it, and how did all this work?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000319\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EThe point is that media has evolved. In fact, we have a tradition in our family. Our Christmas movie is Top Gun. I went to watch it on Netflix the other day, and it wasn\u2019t on, so I\u2019ve introduced my daughter to Saving Private Ryan as a new Christmas movie. The point is that we now watch things on demand. I remember that when Dad was still around, at 5.50 p.m. every Christmas Day, he\u2019d walk through to the lounge because we had to see the Queen\u2019s message. These days, of course, it\u2019s the King\u2019s message. It was the only time and the only way you could watch it. Gran would be there with her brandy on the couch, and this is what would happen.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000320\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EThe point is that we have moved on from 1989, and so the legislation needs to now. Even if people want to watch TVNZ programming\u2014and one of my other daughters and I love watching Taskmaster together, and we watch it on demand because life is busy and I don\u2019t have a lot of time to sit around watching TV. When we can, we grab those moments, and we watch it on demand. If you want to watch the cricket highlights from the great test in Hamilton\u2014and well done to the Black Caps; what a great victory it was to finish Tim Southee\u2019s career\u2014you watch it on demand. It\u2019s all there. You can get the full replay. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000321\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002274a2c741324a4a9ebfec0b25542d1e1f\u0022\u003ESteve Abel\u003C/span\u003E: He doesn\u2019t have figures like Tim Costley, though.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000322\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6900ecdecd646698b3dbd8c0041ef74\u0022\u003ETIM COSTLEY\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, you\u2019re a generous man, Steve Abel. The point is that we have moved on, and these offshore corporates are taking the advertising revenue that goes with programming. Why would we go and place what now seem like arbitrary rules on top of our free-to-air media, local media, New Zealand media? Why would we restrict them when not everyone else in the market is? Surely we believe in one rule for all. Surely that would be a guiding principle for what we do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000323\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EI am in support of a bill and a mechanism that applies that principle, which says, \u201CLet\u2019s put everyone on an equal playing field. Let\u2019s give the Kiwis in media a chance. Let\u2019s give them a chance to nudge forward so that we get some of that great Kiwi programming.\u201D I take the point that it\u2019s $6\u00A0million\u2014but it\u2019s $6 million. I tell you what: go and talk to those that work in this industry. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000324\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EToday, in fact, this very day, is the final ever K\u0101piti News publication, the last newspaper for the K\u0101piti Coast. Friday will see the last ever Horowhenua Chronicle. Those are two great publications. Here are Kiwis in media who are directly impacted, ultimately, by the amount of advertising revenue that can keep Kiwi media afloat. Well, translate that to visual media, translate that to television, and translate that to programming and to advertising. This is why it makes a difference.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000325\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003EThis might not be the panacea, the fix-all, for New Zealand media, but it makes a difference. It\u2019s a logical thing. It puts everyone on an even playing field. It gives Kiwis a chance. It will, I hope, keep some more Kiwis employed. You can still watch the King\u2019s message online. You can watch it delayed. You can watch it when you\u2019re ready. You can go and find a great Christmas movie like Top Gun online. I\u2019ll be doing that with my daughter this Christmas, but this bill is the right step forward. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000326\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022b9dc1924-4df4-4d8f-91ec-8a0f29348308\u0022\u003ECan I just take the last couple of seconds to wish everyone, particularly those in \u014Ctaki, Horowhenua, and K\u0101piti, a merry Christmas. I am thinking of those who have lost their jobs with the closure of those two papers today. To everyone in the \u014Ctaki electorate, I say it\u2019s a privilege to represent you. I look forward to a strong and productive 2025. Merry Christmas. I commend the bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca id=\u0022296c049628dd46098566b73c2b71201c\u0022 name=\u0022division\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA personal vote was called for on the question, That the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) 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 94\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\n        \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022\u003E\n          \u003Ctable\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EAndersen (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EFleming (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcLellan (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESimpson\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EAnderson (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EGarcia (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMeager\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESmith (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBates (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EGoldsmith (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMitchell (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESosene (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBayly (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EGrigg (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMooney (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EStanford (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBelich (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHalbert\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ENakhle (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EStephenson\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBennett (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHamilton (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ENimon (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ETangaere-Manuel (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBidois (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHenare (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EO\u2019Connor D (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ETinetti (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBishop (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHipkins (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EO\u2019Connor G (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ETwyford (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBoyack (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHoggard (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EParker (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EUffindell\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBrewer (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EJackson (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EParmar (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EUpston (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBrooking\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EKirkpatrick (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPenk (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EUtikere (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBrown (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EKuriger (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPotaka (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003Evan de Molen (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EBrownlee (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELeary (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPrime (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003Evan Velden (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EButterick\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELee (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPugh (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EVerrall (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECameron (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELu (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ERadhakrishnan (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWatts (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECampbell\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELuxon (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ERedmayne \u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWebb (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECheung\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELuxton C\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EReti (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWedd (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EChhour\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELuxton J (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ERurawhe (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWeenink (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECollins\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMacLeod (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ERussell (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWhite\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECostley (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcAnulty\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ERutherford\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWilliams\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECourt (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcCallum (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESalesa (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWillis N (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EDavidson R (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcClay (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESepuloni (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWoods (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EDoocey (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcClure \u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESeymour (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003E\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EEdmonds (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMcKee \u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESimmonds (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003E\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n          \u003C/table\u003E\n        \u003C/div\u003E\n      \u003C/div\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENoes 29\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\n        \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022\u003E\n          \u003Ctable\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EAbel (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EGenter (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMen\u00E9ndez March (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EUnkovich (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EArbuckle\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EHernandez (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ENgarewa-Packer D (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWade-Brown (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECarter (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EJones (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPatterson (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWaititi (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ECostello (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EKapa-Kingi\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPaul (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EWillis S (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EDavidson M (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EKemp (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPeters (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EXu-Nan (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EDoyle (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ELyndon (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EPham\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003E\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EFerris (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMaipi-Clarke\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ESwarbrick (P)\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003E\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n            \u003Ctr\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EFoster \u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003EMarcroft\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003ETuiono\u003C/td\u003E\n              \u003Ctd\u003E\u003C/td\u003E\n            \u003C/tr\u003E\n          \u003C/table\u003E\n        \u003C/div\u003E\n      \u003C/div\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EA party vote was called for on the question, That the Hauraki Gulf / T\u012Bkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill be now read a second time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003EAyes 117\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ENew Zealand National 49; New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; 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 6\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp class=\u0022HpsDivision\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsItem\u0022\u003ETe 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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000327\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to.\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000328\u0022\u003EBill read a first time.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022b9cedbe9d6ef433f8bb70916a5ad98f6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000329\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b9cedbe9d6ef433f8bb70916a5ad98f6\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\u003C/span\u003E: The question is, That the Broadcasting (Repeal of Advertising Restrictions) Amendment Bill be considered by the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000330\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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000331\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003EBill referred to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation 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=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000332\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022aea05d0dec064ae3b9b13382e94a032c\u0022\u003EHauraki Gulf / T\u012Bkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000333\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubproceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u00224784c1c8e90946f0b68f09924ee1b2a3\u0022\u003ESecond Reading\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000334\u0022\u003EDebate resumed from 13 November.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022 data-id=\u0022d7c0f88d4a9a4e879210e4aa2d59b7a4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000335\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d42e8cf-544e-415d-892b-f4ef8014d80f\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d7c0f88d4a9a4e879210e4aa2d59b7a4\u0022\u003EASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono)\u003C/span\u003E: I call the next speaker, which was call No. 6, which is a split call for Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022 data-id=\u0022db273f65ba174af387848a55e3083680\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000336\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022db273f65ba174af387848a55e3083680\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. E t\u016B ana ahau ki te waha i ng\u0101 k\u014Drero m\u0101 Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori i te rangi nei. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000337\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EM\u014Dkau ki runga, T\u0101maki ki raro, Mangatoatoa ki waenganui, ko Pare Hauraki, ko Pare Waikato, ko Te Kaokaoroa-o-P\u0101tetere ki Te Nehenehenui. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000338\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EE mua i taku t\u012Bmatanga o t\u0113nei o ng\u0101 pire, ka tika me mihi ki ng\u0101 mana whenua o Hauraki wh\u0101nui. N\u014Dku te maringa i tae \u0101-tinana atu au ki t\u0113tehi o ng\u0101 marae i t\u0113r\u0101 wiki, ar\u0101 ko Ngahutoitoi Marae. Ng\u0101ti Tara, Ng\u0101ti Tokanui, Ng\u0101ti T\u0101whaki an\u014D hoki, ng\u0101 hap\u016B, \u0113tehi o ng\u0101 hap\u016B o Hauraki. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000339\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Speaker, indeed greetings to all of us in the House. I stand to give voice to the statements on behalf of Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori today. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EM\u014Dkau to the south, T\u0101maki in the north, Mangatoatoa in the centre, the Hauraki Plains, the Waikato basin, and Te Kaokaoroa-o-P\u0101tetere to Te Nehenehenui. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000341\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EBefore I begin on this particular bill, it is appropriate to acknowledge those who hold the mana over the land in the greater Hauraki region. It was my good fortune to attend in person one of the marae last week\u2014i.e., Ngahutoitoi Marae. Ng\u0101ti Tara, Ng\u0101ti Tokanui, and Ng\u0101ti T\u0101whaki are the hap\u016B, several of the hap\u016B of Hauraki.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000342\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EI was privileged to be in Hauraki last week, as it is my electorate base in Hauraki-Waikato, and to meet with the mana whenua and meet with the local iwi marae within Hauraki. So n\u014Dku te maringa nui. [So it is my great honour.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000343\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EThis bill seeks to contribute to the restoration of the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf / T\u012Bkapa Moana. The bill introduces two new tools called high protection areas and seafloor protection areas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000344\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003ETe P\u0101ti M\u0101ori notes concerns from the Hauraki Gulf Forum, a statutory body responsible for promoting conservation management of the moana, and this statement by the forum\u2019s co-chair Nicola MacDonald: \u201CYears of collaboration with successive Governments with iwi, communities, and industries have been undermined.\u201D Regarding existing Treaty settlement arrangements, we also note concerns raised by Te Ohu Kaimoana, which has opposed this bill in its current form, citing that the bill\u2014I quote\u2014\u201Cprohibits \u2026 and inappropriately imperils [those] customary rights \u2026 affirmed to Iwi/M\u0101ori, (and \u2026 poses a [significant] threat \u2026 to customary rights recognition and protection [across] all Aotearoa).\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000345\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EWe support the existing tools and arrangements currently utilised by the iwi, but they are often underutilised by central, regional, and local authorities. The Hauraki M\u0101ori Trust Board iwi management plan and other tools should be brought to bear upon any discussions regarding the restoration of taiao, including under the Fisheries Act. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000346\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003EFinally, in their recent submission to the Environment Committee on the bill, the Hauraki M\u0101ori Trust Board said\u2014I quote\u2014\u201CThe iwi of Hauraki, through many submissions to Parliament since 1869, have opposed attempts of Government to take greater control of T\u012Bkapa Moana and placed limitations of the exercise of tino rangatiratanga over our taonga for the iwi of Hauraki. T\u012Bkapa Moana is an integral part of the tribal territory over which our iwi exercises mana and tino rangatiratanga, which has never been extinguished or annihilated.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000347\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220ef5a38c-0ef7-4d68-8621-dcbb47077e6e\u0022\u003ETe P\u0101ti M\u0101ori supports aspirations for the protection and restoration of Hauraki Gulf / T\u012Bkapa Moana. Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori does not support efforts to undermine the protection and restoration of the moana, and while the bill may have started with the right intentions, it has landed in the wrong place. Therefore, Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori oppose this bill. T\u0113n\u0101 r\u0101 koe, e te P\u012Bka. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022 data-id=\u0022e9fa245003b74d1588ce6bfc30c77d8a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000348\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e9fa245003b74d1588ce6bfc30c77d8a\u0022\u003ESTEVE ABEL (Green):\u003C/span\u003E T\u012Bkapa Moana\u2014the Hauraki Gulf\u2014is one of Aotearoa\u2019s most valued and loved coastal areas. It has sustained people, culture, and identity for generations. It is a taonga tuku iho\u2014a treasure passed down through the generations. It once had flourishing shellfish, k\u016Btai, and scallop beds over thousands of hectares which helped ensure that the water was clean and provided kai for all. It was a food basket. It contained some of the earliest areas settled by tangata whenua M\u0101ori. It is critically important to local iwi, and it is critically important to all New Zealanders; that\u2019s why the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established 24 years ago.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000349\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003EWe want to acknowledge the mahi of mana whenua, activists, organisers, and local community continuing to keep up the pressure to get us to where we are and how we must continue to fight to get this bill right, because, sadly, last month it was revealed the Government will be making last-minute changes to allow a type of fishing known as ring netting to take place in two of the new high protection areas\u2014zones which had been explicitly designed to exclude both commercial and recreational fishing and provide a safe haven for marine life to recover. It is an affront to all of those who have advocated tirelessly for the gulf that this coalition have allowed themselves to be lobbied at the last minute by the fishing industry to allow fishing in high protection areas. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000350\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003ESadly, this Government is pushing their exploitative regime into these high protection areas, into public conservation land, overriding water conservation orders and our outstanding natural landscapes through the Fast-track Approvals Act. Now, this high protection gulf agreement, which was a mark of multipartisan agreement on the need to protect this magnificent gulf, is under threat. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000351\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003EMarine protected areas are places where activities such as fishing and mining are limited. They are essential for ensuring marine species and habitats thrive. There is no reason that this bill needs to be amended to allow a handful of fishers to contribute to the 57 percent decline of key fish stocks in the gulf, a 67 percent decline in seaboard birds, and a 97 percent decline in whales and dolphins. Commercial fishers will still be able to operate in over 90 percent of the gulf outside the high protection areas. The Government\u2019s most recent amendments will allow commercial fishing in 52 square kilometres of the gulf\u2019s high protection areas. Aotearoa\u2019s ocean protection remains pitiful, frankly, and this bill is one step\u2014in its original inception\u2014towards saving the gulf from the brink of ecological collapse.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000352\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003ERecognising customary rights by enabling authorised customary fishing to continue to occur in high protection areas, supporting M\u0101ori culture, knowledge, and learning as well as kaitiakitanga in the marine area\u2014it was an unanimously supported bill at the Environment Committee. Many members on that side of the House spent months listening to the concerns and support of our communities. Can this Government not be bold enough to commit to the bare minimum of not allowing commercial fishing in areas explicitly designated for protection? Today should be a day of celebration, a celebration for the hard work of communities, but, sadly, New Zealand First have ruined what should have been a happy story for the National Party at the last minute by allowing Shane Jones to lobby the Minister of Conservation after he himself had been lobbied by the fishing industry. It is not too late, though, for the Government to follow through with actual protection and not put forward these damaging amendments.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000353\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e29c400e-467a-4398-818d-270ef48b80cf\u0022\u003EThe Department of Conservation advice said that changes would be incompatible with the purpose, will undermine biodiversity outcomes, and create significant equity issues. I urge the Minister of Conservation to reconsider. I urge the National Party to step up to your better instincts. This important and historic bill offers the best and perhaps the last chance to halt the decline of that taonga in the Hauraki Gulf\u2014that magnificent thing that we should all treasure and we should all care for. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022 data-id=\u002207bc9a6d723d4172bbdf849d47d52af4\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000354\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002207bc9a6d723d4172bbdf849d47d52af4\u0022\u003EHon SCOTT SIMPSON (National\u2014Coromandel):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I had the privilege of chairing the Environment Committee towards the end of the select committee process into this piece of legislation. I wasn\u2019t on the committee, nor did I chair it during a period of time when most of the submissions were being heard, but, as the member Steve Abel has just indicated, there were a lot of submissions, and that is an indication of how important the gulf is to so many New Zealanders. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000355\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EIt is the most intensively recreated piece of marine space in our entire exclusive economic zone, and it has been for decades deteriorating, and I\u2019m sad to report that degradation continues today. Now, Steve Abel made the very good point that the Environment Committee reported back to this House unanimously in support of this legislation. Subsequent to that, there has been indication that Cabinet want to make a change to just two of the high protection areas to allow a small number of individually named fisherfolk\u2014I think five or six. Now, we\u2019ll have an opportunity during the committee of the whole House to discuss that potential change that may be introduced by the Minister. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000356\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EToday is not the day for that debate, in my view, but I think it\u2019s important just to remember the evolution of this bill and how it came to the House. It was in, literally, the dying days of the last Government that the bill was introduced and sent off to a select committee. At that stage, at first reading, the bill had unanimous support across the House, in the last Parliament. I thought that was a very good indication of intent and desire, cross-party, to improve the gulf, because what was being proposed was legislation that would see the protected area in the gulf\u2014largely through a new concept of high protection area; a concept that has not been available to us in the past\u2014go from a very meagre 0.3 percent to just 6 percent. That would be, undoubtedly, the largest attempt, or the most significant protection attempt in the history of the gulf. It was something that, personally, I was very proud of.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000357\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EIs this piece of legislation perfect? No. Is this piece of legislation going to achieve everything for everyone? No. Is this piece of legislation going to keep commercial fishers happy? No. Is this piece of legislation going to keep recreational fishers happy? No. Is this piece of legislation better than nothing? Absolutely yes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000358\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI think that we should, in the words of Raewyn Peart from the Environmental Defence Society, who is an acknowledged expert on the gulf and the history of the gulf\u2014she\u2019s said in a very good thoughtful piece that we should not in this Parliament let the perfect be the enemy of the good. It\u2019s my desire and hope as the member for Coromandel, which encompasses a very big part of the gulf, that this House does pass this legislation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000359\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to put on record that I am in favour of more protection, not less, and I know that there are many members of this House that share the same view that I have. The gulf is deteriorating; all the indicators, all the science, point in the wrong direction, and we have, I think, an obligation to make good and do the best we can while we have that opportunity, as members of this House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000360\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003ENow, I also want to make it clear that at first reading I was concerned and suspicious and unsure what a high protection area might mean, particularly for recreational fishers that fish on the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel. I made my concerns and questions clear in my first reading speech but since then, the concept of high protection areas has been made clear. It\u2019s a new type of reserve; it\u2019s a new type of marine protection of the sort that, as I said before, we have not had an opportunity to implement. I think it\u2019s worth a shot. I think it\u2019s worth a try because, as I say, we do need to do a lot more to protect the gulf.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000361\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI think that, on this side of the House, we support this legislation. We\u2019ll look forward to the debate in terms of the committee of the whole House, and it will be very interesting to see which members of Parliament\u2014and for what reasons\u2014support protection of the gulf and which do not. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022 data-id=\u0022751180f8d76d497a959537093231cedf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000362\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022751180f8d76d497a959537093231cedf\u0022\u003EHon RACHEL BROOKING (Labour\u2014Dunedin):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Unusually, I don\u2019t disagree with most of what the previous speaker, the Hon Scott Simpson, just said, and I wish the member for Coromandel a very merry Christmas. Look, this is a really important bill that many people have worked on for a very, very long time, and of course it represents a large area that is important to our largest city, but also the member\u2019s constituents in the Coromandel, and further south in the electorate of one of the previous speakers as well, and, of course, further north.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000363\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EI was very pleased, when I was the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, to work with the then Minister for Conservation, the Hon Willow-Jean Prime, to get this into the House before the end of the last Parliament. In this term, I\u2019ve been very happy to be part of the Environment Committee, making way for my conservation and oceans and fisheries spokespersons on that committee, but also spending a good amount of time with the submissions, and on a site visit as well, which was very useful indeed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000364\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EHowever, it is concerning that, whilst the select committee was unanimous in its support for the bill and in the discussions that we\u2019ve heard about from the chair of the select committee, the Hon Scott Simpson, there wasn\u2019t a New Zealand First member on the select committee, and somehow everything seems to have changed since the select committee reported back. We don\u2019t know all the details of those changes yet. The chair of the select committee has said, \u201CWell, we can have that debate during the committee of the\u00A0whole House\u201D. Of course he is correct: there can be a debate during the committee of\u00A0the whole House, but whether or not questions are answered is a very different matter.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000365\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EThe member just said that there\u2019s going to be individually named fisherfolk, and that these are going to be commercial fishers. We\u2019ve heard from Ministers some ideas about how they\u2019re going to be feeding people who can\u2019t otherwise afford kaimoana, but nothing in the press releases that I\u2019ve seen demonstrates how that will be done.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000366\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EOf course, there could already be Amendment Papers in front of members so they can go away over the Christmas break and think about them, but there are none. When I last checked about an hour ago on the legislation website, there were no Amendment Papers explaining what the Minister\u2019s intentions are. It\u2019s very upsetting that this legislation could be turned on its head at this late stage and that the only opportunity for scrutiny of the benefit to private individuals\u2014again, it appears\u2014seems to be in a committee stage of the whole House. This a very dangerous precedent that this Government is getting into. We\u2019ve seen it with the fast track last week, and then it seems like we\u2019re going to see this with this bill when it\u2019s in committee stage. I implore the House and the Government to not take that approach. If the changes are so important and if they are significant changes that are going to give benefits to individuals, then, at the very least, put it back through a select committee process. As I say, I don\u2019t know what it\u2019s going to be.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000367\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002227535d92-0798-4e04-be80-9e91b53610e2\u0022\u003EI want to again thank all the people who\u2019ve been working for over a decade to protect this beautiful taonga, this important part of our ecology. We\u2019ll leave it there.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00225665380b-62fd-4d75-85e0-0ed801a402e0\u0022 data-id=\u002206efe33863ad4f2f8f5882f6145b8f1d\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000368\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225665380b-62fd-4d75-85e0-0ed801a402e0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002206efe33863ad4f2f8f5882f6145b8f1d\u0022\u003EMIKE BUTTERICK (National\u2014Wairarapa):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise to speak in support of the Hauraki Gulf / T\u012Bkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill, and I concur with others that have spoken on this. This has been a long time coming, it\u2019s a major win for the environment, and it\u2019s been multiple years in the making. It\u2019s a major win as it\u2019s about contributing to the restoration to the health of the gulf by establishing new marine reserves, seafloor protection areas, and high protection areas.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000369\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00225665380b-62fd-4d75-85e0-0ed801a402e0\u0022\u003EI would just take a moment to acknowledge all the submitters that submitted during the select committee process, and I would also acknowledge our fellow Environment Committee members as well as thanking the ministry advisers and committee staff for all of their hard work. In farming parlance, the gulf\u2019s overgrazed and the best remedy is to shut the gate and let it recover\u2014and this is what this bill seeks to do by creating 19 new protection areas. I commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022 data-id=\u0022e146d5605ddb4f9888b84a3cb8b3d327\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000370\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022e146d5605ddb4f9888b84a3cb8b3d327\u0022\u003EHon DAVID PARKER (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you for the call. Can I again express the Labour Party\u2019s support for this second reading of the bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000371\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EAs others have said, there\u2019s been a long, long history to this. Civil society action actually gave the impetus to break an impasse because Governments couldn\u2019t seem to make progress, despite the fact that the Hauraki Gulf has been declining in quality for some decades, and the causes of that are well known. There\u2019s both population pressures because the Hauraki Gulf is adjacent to New Zealand\u2019s largest centre of population. There are land-use pressures coming down from the Firth of Thames\u2014a huge sediment load from some of those rivers. The Piako River is\u2014there\u2019s an old post about 100 metres from the mouth of the river which marks where the mouth of the river used to be. That is the amount of accretion of land at the mouth of the river caused by sediment flows. There are complex issues that need to be resolved.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000372\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EThere are also very complex M\u0101ori issues relating to multiple overlapping iwi and hap\u016B interests. The people who, from a parliamentary side, gave this a kick along were the Hon Eugenie Sage\u2014the then Green Minister of Conservation\u2014alongside the Hon Stuart Nash, who was the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries in the 2017 to 2020 period. They made significant progress with the non-Governmental group Sea Change, which was a collaborative process that brought the parties together and tried to chart a route through to protecting more of the gulf. Substantial parts of the gulf are already protected, but substantial parts aren\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000373\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EThis advances the protection through these new highly protected areas. I had a role in this for a couple of years as the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries and tried to advance it myself. As the Hon Rachel Brooking said, we are somewhat weary about the changes that are being made to allow more fishing in the highly protected areas. In respect of the reference that is made to people catching fish who need to catch fish to eat, I think we have to be careful that we don\u2019t create different standards of access to the recreational fishery. That would be a big step in New Zealand that we\u2019ve so far avoided and would lead to conflicts within communities that I think are best avoided.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000374\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f5d71749-ae91-4af7-b2bd-77260398912a\u0022\u003EThat said, we do support the bill. I haven\u2019t much to add except at the committee stage when we\u2019ll be looking at the detail of these changes to the protected areas, which do worry me. Until we see them, we really can\u2019t comment on them in detail.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002230f9e8fe-eafb-4967-8d4d-306525ae2340\u0022 data-id=\u0022ebe85e902df846d3901f12c378a9ef85\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000375\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002230f9e8fe-eafb-4967-8d4d-306525ae2340\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022ebe85e902df846d3901f12c378a9ef85\u0022\u003EKATIE NIMON (National\u2014Napier):\u003C/span\u003E It\u2019s a real pleasure to rise and speak on this bill. I have been on the Environment Committee, I was part of all the hearings, and I think it\u2019s a really very nuanced issue as we did all vote unanimously.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000376\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002230f9e8fe-eafb-4967-8d4d-306525ae2340\u0022\u003EWe do feel very strongly that protection is required, but one thing of interest and of note is the variety of submissions that we heard, most of which we heard in Auckland, some of which we heard remotely. There is a lot of care for this area, but there are so many different people that are involved, and that was something that became very apparent to us through this process.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000377\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002230f9e8fe-eafb-4967-8d4d-306525ae2340\u0022\u003EI do believe that we have come to a good place. I look forward to what we hear in committee stage and where we get to with this bill, and this is very good. I support this and commend it to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022 data-id=\u002222d480699ac64c7591a8ed53cb35722b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000378\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u002222d480699ac64c7591a8ed53cb35722b\u0022\u003ESHANAN HALBERT (Labour):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. Many members in the House today have discussed the importance of T\u012Bkapa Moana\u2014the Hauraki Gulf\u2014to T\u0101maki-makau-rau Auckland. I acknowledge the words and sentiments that have been shared in this House this afternoon on this particular bill. Everybody acknowledges the cultural, the economic, and the environmental contribution and value that this area really places not only for Auckland but for our country as a whole. We all agree that it needs protection, and, in fact, the terms that have been used are \u201Chigh protection\u201D\u2014or one of my colleagues from across the other side said that he wanted more protection, not less.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000379\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003EI just don\u2019t know how we reconcile that with what Aucklanders have called an absolute betrayal, when the Minister, Minister Potaka, added in commercial fishing at the eighth hour before the first reading. That has created a level of uncertainty. This is after decades of people advocating and campaigning to protect T\u012Bkapa Moana, knowing that it needs this level of protection. To hear today in speeches as well that there\u2019s still some uncertainty here about what will come next\u2014whether that be for M\u0101ori, whether it be customary issues, whether we are discussing surprise amendments that may or may not come. I just really urge my colleagues in Government to step up to be incredibly responsible about the decision that you are making, moving forward, because high protection\u2014high protection\u2014does not include commercial fishing. It absolutely doesn\u2019t.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000380\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003EI also call on my next-door neighbour, my friend and colleague the Minister Simon Watts. He has been an advocate over many years for the protection of this area. He understands how important T\u012Bkapa Moana is to North Shore people and the level of support that we must provide to protect this area.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000381\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003ELabour introduced this bill. We got it off the ground. I was there on the day that Chris Hipkins announced it, alongside Rachel Brooking and Willow-Jean Prime and Helen White. We absolutely believe in this. We know it\u2019s timely. We just don\u2019t believe that it includes commercial fishing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000382\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00229c069cdb-968c-4f11-b126-92f9c655148b\u0022\u003EWithout further ado, can I wish you a Merry Christmas. Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou katoa. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022 data-id=\u00222a06e2d2e66043acb0ca15972a51492a\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000383\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00222a06e2d2e66043acb0ca15972a51492a\u0022\u003EDr HAMISH CAMPBELL (National\u2014Ilam):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I take great pleasure to rise and speak in support of this bill. I do just note I do come from a landlocked electorate and I am speaking on marine protection, but I think kind of everybody in New Zealand appreciates the importance of protecting our marine space. Of course, this bill is a crucial step towards the safeguarding of the health of this invaluable ecosystem, which has suffered significant decline due to human activity over decades. It probably is one of the most populated recreational areas and, of course, we\u2019re leading up to that Christmas period where we\u2019ll be extremely busy and there\u2019ll be a lot of pressure on the ecosystem of the gulf.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000384\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022\u003ENow, this bill is the outcome of decades of work with input from a wide range of parties. It was a great privilege, as part of the Environment Committee, to actually hear from a lot of these communities and their views, and I appreciate not everybody\u2019s going to be happy with this protection area\u2014of course, some people want to continue fishing, others might not think we\u2019re going far enough\u2014but this is a very highly targeted way to protect our ecosystem.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000385\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022\u003EWe saw great evidence in the select committee about kina barrens and other things that are plaguing the gulf, and I think it\u2019s really important that we can extend the protection of the gulf since so little of it is currently protected. This bill aims to rectify that, and it\u2019s a great privilege to be part of the journey of this bill to make sure that we can have that protection. I think, really, the goal of this legislation is clear and that\u2019s to kind of make sure that we can protect our biodiversity, ensuring targeted and appropriate management of our fisheries, and I think that\u2019s really key clear.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000386\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022\u003EOf course, it hasn\u2019t been without its challenges. There have been some unique protection areas that we are putting forward here. But I just really want to thank the select committee for the work putting it through and also the officials from the Department of Conservation and also from the ministry of fisheries and their advice as we went through it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000387\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00222837c142-c937-468e-9984-bc646d066687\u0022\u003EWe had a great time looking at the gulf and hearing from the local communities, and it was a great introduction for me in Parliament. This was the first bill we really considered in the Environment Committee, and so, therefore, I commend this bill to the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000388\u0022\u003EBill read a second time.\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000389\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022f897a2c4c68d40f9b8a00e7462a22966\u0022\u003EAdjournment\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\u0022HpsHansard\u0022\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000390\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsProceedingHeading\u0022 id=\u0022b62045f882bc43de98ee6d6ee677c859\u0022\u003ESittings of the House\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000392\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsSubjectHeading\u0022 id=\u0022a39ebaca2f124b30b96870ef3083ba74\u0022\u003ESittings of the House\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022 data-id=\u0022b204d093c8cb43468b0add410f9f1d7b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000391\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b204d093c8cb43468b0add410f9f1d7b\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister) \u003C/span\u003Eon behalf of the Leader of the House: I move, That the sitting programme for 2025 be:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000393\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EJanuary 28, 29, and 30; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000394\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EFebruary 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000395\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EMarch 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 25, 26, and 27; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000396\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EApril 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10; \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000397\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EMay 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000398\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EJune 3, 4, 5, 24, 25, and 26;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000399\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EJuly 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000400\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EAugust 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000401\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ESeptember 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000402\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EOctober 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000403\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENovember 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000404\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EDecember 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000405\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003Eand the following dates are to be scrutiny weeks:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000406\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EJune 16, 17, 18, and 19;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000407\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EDecember 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000408\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EAs we close out the year here in Parliament, I want to thank everyone who makes this place work: our security team, Dignitary Protection Service (DPS), VIP drivers, messengers, Hansard, select committee staff, cleaners, Copperfields, library staff, IT, tour guides, travel, finance, and everyone in the Parliamentary Service, the Parliamentary Counsel Office, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Cabinet Office, and all of the private secretaries advising Ministers and drafting legislation. Thank you, and merry Christmas to you all, and I really hope you all have a fantastic summer with your loved ones.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000409\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EThank you also to everyone supporting us in our offices here at Parliament and all across the country. And I\u2019d like to give a special thank you to Katja Kershaw from my own electorate office, who is finishing up after 13 years serving the people of Botany. Katja, can I say thank you for your support\u2014thank you for your support of me and the community over so many years of service.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000410\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ECan I just say to all the families and the partners of all of the MPs here in Parliament: merry Christmas. You make the sacrifices that allow each and every one of us to be here, and we want to say thank you to you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000411\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, can I say thank you for your very thoughtful and measured refereeing of this place\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000412\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ecda806db5a04c299a098fc1975bd06f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Yes, take your time.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000413\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223f74d81f166b442d8b94c8d47f4761cf\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and after the year that you\u2019ve had, I know that Santa is not the only big jolly man with an extensive naughty list.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000414\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, to my colleagues across our Government, I want to say thank you to all of you for your hard work, for getting our country back on track. There\u2019s no doubt about it: New Zealand has elected us to actually get on to the issues that they care deeply about, and that is rebuilding the economy to reduce the cost of living. It\u2019s about restoring law and order to keep Kiwis safe. It\u2019s about delivering better public services like health and education. Twelve months is a very, very short time, and yet so much has happened, because when it comes to the economy this year, Kiwis have seen inflation down to 2.2\u00A0percent, down from 7.3 percent; they\u2019ve seen three interest rate cuts after 12 rises; their wages are rising faster than inflation for four quarters in a row, after 13 quarters of declining real wages; there is tax relief for 3.5 million New Zealanders for the first time in 14 years; and business, consumer, and farmer confidence is at its highest levels in recent times.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000415\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EOn the law and order front, we\u2019ve had total victimisations down, after violent crime was up 33 percent and retail crime doubled. Gang patches are banned, ram raids are down 60 percent, and the foot patrols are up 30 percent.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000416\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EIn our schools, we\u2019ve had an hour a day each of reading and writing and maths. Phones are banned from classrooms, we\u2019ve got structured literacy and maths in place to teach our kids the basics brilliantly, and school attendance is up six points.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000417\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EIn health, we\u2019ve invested a record $16.7 billion more. We\u2019ve rolled out 26 new cancer treatments as part of 54 new medicines helping 175,000 Kiwis, and we\u2019ve hired 2,900 more nurses.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000418\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, that\u2019s a lot of progress represented by 160 actions in our quarterly action plans alone. We know, on this side, there\u2019s a lot more for us to do, but we are incredibly ambitious for this country, and on this side of the House we are energised by the challenge ahead of us.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000419\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow to my colleagues on the other side of the House. To the Leader of the Opposition, Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick\u2014there actually is a comma between those two statements\u2014Marama Davidson, Rawiri Waititi, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, and everyone in the Opposition, I do want to wish you all the best for Christmas, and I hope that you have a safe and a happy time with your loved ones.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000420\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EAnd to all of my haters over there who say I use too much management speak, well, I don\u2019t know how I can be any clearer. What I would say to you is that we have some big goals to chunk down so that we can grip up the deliverables and benchmark our key performance indicator (KPI) targets, and I make no apologies for that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000421\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ELabour could do with some KPIs, because when they spend a year in Opposition ostensibly working on policy, the three things that they come up with are: (1) not joining a security agreement; (2) building a hospital that they\u2019ve already failed to deliver and build; and (3) working up some new taxes that they\u2019ve actually been talking about for over a decade. You\u2019ve got to wonder what they are doing over there each and every day.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000422\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, if Labour was in charge of Santa\u2019s workshop, I can tell you the elves would be charging consultants\u2019 fees, the sleigh would cost $4 billion, and the reindeer would be working from home.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000423\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EI have to say, the most troubling part of Chris Hipkins\u2019 recent Labour conference must have been the flight back to Wellington\u2014yup, first because he was pulled in for a check-in for excess luggage; in fact, six years of excess luggage he\u2019s been carrying around. Then he was in the lounge and there was no room at Kieran McAnulty\u2019s table for him, and he was turned away from David Parker\u2019s. And you know what? Then, during the safety briefing, flight attendants had to intervene because he instinctively started blowing into the mouthpiece for more inflation.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000424\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EWe have also seen some interesting news from Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori over the last week. They have committed to pulling in $200 billion through a capital gains tax\u2014or about half the size of the New Zealand economy. We don\u2019t just have a Grinch who stole Christmas on our hands; we actually have a Grinch who\u2019s actually stealing every Christmas three times over for the next 500 years.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000425\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, to my friends in the Green Party\u2014Julie Anne, no need to get up. I saw recently that there\u2019s a new Green MP that has a member\u2019s bill to liberalise the use of parody, and I just think it\u2019s just great\u2014it\u2019s just great\u2014to see the Greens live those values by being a parody of themselves each and every single day. I have to say, if you folks weren\u2019t so opposed to it, we would have happily\u2014happily\u2014added Darlene Tana\u2019s resignation to our fast-track list.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000426\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ETo my friends in the media: can I just say thank you for always holding me to account and for always being so fair and balanced! I wish you a very happy and safe holiday\u2014please do take as long as you need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000427\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, back to the colleagues on this side of the House. Can I just thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his work out in the world this year, but also for providing some very good humour here at home in this seat next to me. And I have to say, I have appreciated the supplementary questions the Deputy Prime Minister often asks me, even though they\u2019re sometimes, frankly, more difficult to answer than the Opposition\u2019s. But, I guess, on the bright side, by the end of this parliamentary term, everyone in this House is really going to know a lot about Sir Apirana Ngata.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000428\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EShane Jones, he\u2019s been mischievous this year, but we\u2019ve worked out why\u2014we\u2019ve worked out why. He\u2019s the first person to get on the naughty list so that he can get a lump of coal!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000429\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EI saw a lovely headline. It was an absolutely lovely headline about David Seymour finding love, and while I know David and Winston\u2019s working relationship has been stronger than so many predicted, to be honest, I did think it was still quite a bold description of their relationship.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000430\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ESecret Santa with ACT this year was a disaster, though. They wouldn\u2019t stop taking credit for every present. Sorry! But, seriously, to all my ACT colleagues, can I say merry Christmas and may your dinner tables be devoid of woke food!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000431\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ENow, turning to my own National team, we have the aces in the places. To my deputy leader and the greatest finance Minister ever, Nicola Willis: the turn-around job you are tasked with is immense, and, frankly, there is no better person to execute it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000432\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EChris Bishop\u2014what a massive year. By the numbers: 149 fast-track projects, 700 long blacks, 50 park runs in the Hutt, and a beautiful brand new baby.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000433\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EDr Shane Reti, with the impeccable bedside manner that seems to soothe everyone except Ayesha Verrall.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000434\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ESimeon \u201CRoads, Roads, Roads\u201D Brown\u2014more than just his boyish good looks.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000435\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EErica Stanford\u2014transforming our education system so we can give our kids the best possible chance for the future.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000436\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EPaul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell\u2014making this country safer, delivering consequences for crime, and bringing the focus back to victims.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000437\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ELouise Upston, who wants the very best for Kiwis and is therefore determined to get people off welfare and into work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000438\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ve got Judith Collins\u2014relentless for science and innovation, whether it\u2019s AI, space, or gene technology.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000439\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ETodd McClay\u2014or \u201CTrade McClay\u201D, as I\u2019ve been known to say\u2014truly relentless in the pursuit of opportunities for Kiwi businesses abroad.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000440\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ETama Potaka\u2014the man with shirts louder than Shane Jones\u2019 interjections\u2014you are doing an incredible job.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000441\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EMatt Doocey, our very first Minister for Mental Health\u2014and DPS thanks you for being my body double in Christchurch.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000442\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EAnd Simon Watts, who is delivering net-zero six years earlier while still growing our economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000443\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EI just want to acknowledge all of our Ministers outside Cabinet, our team of whips led by Scott Simpson, and all of our MPs: thank you for managing what\u2019s been an incredibly large workload.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000444\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003ECan I just close by wishing every New Zealander a very merry Christmas. On a serious note, it truly is a great privilege to do this job. I get to talk to New Zealanders about their challenges and also their aspirations, and that makes me more determined to come back to this place to make sure we realise all the great potential in this fantastic country of ours. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000445\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ea31fdd3-90e9-47d7-92a4-20b6a3109eef\u0022\u003EI want to say, finally, to everyone that\u2019s actually working in our hospitals, and our police, our lifesavers, our firefighters, thank you for the work you\u2019re going to do over the summer keeping us safe. And can I say to everyone, merry Christmas and bring on 2025.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022 data-id=\u00223e29c85f56d2411e91ab9dda2870dc56\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000446\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00223e29c85f56d2411e91ab9dda2870dc56\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the Opposition):\u003C/span\u003E The most revealing thing about that speech was who didn\u2019t stand up for the Prime Minister\u2019s contribution. I did see on Facebook this morning a very cruel meme that compared the Prime Minister to the captain of the Titanic, and I actually thought, \u201CHang on a minute, that\u2019s really, really unfair. The captain of the Titanic had a ship, which this Government hasn\u2019t. He also had a crew that were loyal and followed all of his instructions; this Prime Minister doesn\u2019t have that either.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000447\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI did think, if it wasn\u2019t Titanic, what would an appropriate movie be for the symbol of this Government? And immediately, for some reason, that movie that I used to enjoy when I was much younger, Weekend at Bernie\u2019s, sprung to mind! We have two men propping up this dead old guy and trying to pretend that he\u2019s still alive. But then I decided that wasn\u2019t actually appropriate for this Government, because it turns out the old guy is the one propping up the younger ones in this Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000448\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThen I thought maybe it could be that movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but the bad news for Nicola Willis and Chris Bishop is that he\u2019s still here and doesn\u2019t appear to be willing to give up just yet. The Terminator would be a good way of describing what Nicola Willis has done for the economy, but probably not a good description of the current Government. I thought maybe it\u2019d be best to liken them to a cooking show, because first we had Lester Levy and now Nicola Willis, but I\u2019m not so sure that that\u2019s an appropriate analogy either. We could have \u201CDude, Where\u2019s My Car Charger?\u201D, because there doesn\u2019t seem to be very many of those being delivered so far.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000449\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EI actually think that, for a New Zealand Government, you need an iconic Kiwi film, and I thought a really iconic Kiwi film that kind of describes what this Government is doing is the good old Kiwi film Goodbye Pork Pie, because they seem to be doing to the country what that crew did to that Mini as it went through the country, flogging off bits here and there, ripping pieces off the car, and by the time it gets to the South Island, there\u2019s not much left\u2014although, in their case, they\u2019ve got nothing to take the car to the South Island at this point, because the interisland ferries are barely operating.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000450\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThere was a certain uncanny resemblance with a character in Austin Powers that shall not be mentioned, but, actually, I think the most appropriate movie to compare this Government to is Back to the Future, because that seems to be where they are taking the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000451\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s catalogue the decisions they\u2019ve taken this year, starting with the $2.9\u00A0billion tax cut they gave to landlords whilst cutting the support for first-home buyers; repealing smoke-free legislation while giving over $200\u00A0million in tax breaks to tobacco companies; cancelling the interisland ferries with no viable replacement strategy\u2014I could spend the rest of my speech just talking about the various yoga positions the Government have demonstrated over the last week when it comes to their potential alternative; the Dunedin Hospital thrown into limbo by this Government; a hiring freeze in our health system when it is under so much pressure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000452\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThey promised they weren\u2019t going to cut front-line services. How\u2019s that working out for those front-line services that are having their funding cut, that have got hiring freezes in place, or in many cases are actually having to lose staff? How do the health workers who are being taken off medical duties to sit on reception desks feel about the promise of no cuts to front-line staff? They promised that they weren\u2019t going to borrow for tax cuts. How\u2019s that one working out for the Government\u2019s accounts as the level of borrowing increases by the day? They forgot the cancer patients in this year\u2019s Budget, one of the most reprehensible things this Government have done. And then, of course, there\u2019s the way they treated the entire disability community.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000453\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EWhen confronted with the reality of their cuts, their first decision was not to back down but to attack the people who care for those with disabilities and accuse them of rorting the system. They brought forward perhaps the most divisive debate on race relations this country has seen in a generation. They\u2019ve seen record numbers of New Zealanders in this past year giving up and leaving the country. Remember when John Key stood in the Wellington stadium to decry Kiwis leaving? You\u2019d need more than the Wellington stadium now; it simply would not be big enough.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000454\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThey\u2019re reviewing the gun laws bought in after the 15 March terrorist attack, and that\u2019s after they cut support for all of those victims. They\u2019ve made it clear\u2014or they haven\u2019t made it clear but everyone else has made it clear, including the Commissioner of Police\u2014that they\u2019re not going to hit their target for recruiting more police. They\u2019ve changed the goal posts on child poverty reduction targets after it became clear they weren\u2019t going to meet them. They promised to continue building State houses, in Opposition, and then they basically cut funding to build any new State houses. They got rid of free prescriptions, got rid of half-price public transport, got rid of free early childhood education for two-year-olds, cut the school lunches programme, cancelled school bus routes, cut $3 billion from climate funding.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000455\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThe list could go on but, actually, the damage they\u2019ve done to the building and construction industry deserves particular mention. I want to mention, as we head into Christmas, the 13,000 people in that industry who have lost their jobs in the last year because of the decisions of this Government: stopping State house builds, cancelling school upgrades, cancelling hospital upgrades, even putting roading projects on hold while they figure out what they want to do instead. All of that has ground the building and construction industry in New Zealand to a halt. But their priorities say everything, don\u2019t they, because while they won\u2019t build any more State houses, they\u2019ll spend seven million bucks on a couple of new ministerial offices for their staff. Of course, then they\u2019ve got their drivers tax. What happened to Nicola Willis\u2019 problem of no new taxes? Oh, that sort of seemed to disappear pretty quickly, the drivers tax being one of the first ones.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000456\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EDay by day, Kiwi see fees, levies, and other taxes being increased by this Government that said that it was going to reduce the cost of living pressures on Kiwi families. Then, of course, when of course we\u2019ve got the lowest minimum wage increases in some time, less than the rate of inflation. But I guess that\u2019s what you get from a Government that calls working New Zealanders \u201Closers\u201D and a Prime Minister that thinks that those on low incomes are \u201Cbottom feeders\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000457\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThey\u2019ve cut the pay equity task force because they don\u2019t think women should earn the same amount of pay as men for the same amount of work. There are 22,000 more New Zealanders on a jobseeker benefit under this Government. They said they\u2019d prioritise the parent visa category in immigration. Nothing from them on that yet. They campaigned on bringing down rates and yet rates are increasing at record levels because of the decisions that they have taken.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000458\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThey\u2019ve walked the police back from being involved in family harm incidents, despite the fact that we know that\u2019s one of the contributing factors to levels of violent crime in the community. Their boot camps have been an absolute failure, as everybody told them they were going to be. Remember Nicola Willis campaigning on the app tax and saying how horrible it was and how it\u2019s going to crush the economy? Turns out that\u2019s quite a good idea now that they\u2019re in Government and they\u2019re happy to claim the extra revenue from that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000459\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003EThe list is quite a long one, but I do want to spend the remaining two minutes that I have saying a genuine thanks to the people who keep this place operating.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000460\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003ETo the Chamber and gallery staff, who do a fantastic job of keeping this place operating, and to our interpreters, the cleaners, the building team, the Bellamys and Copperfields staff, and to all of our security guards, a very, very warm thank you to all of you for everything that you do.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000461\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003ETo the team at the Parliamentary Service, to those who work hard for all of us here on precinct and in our electorate offices who are often the front line for those accessing democratic services: a very warm thankyou to you, wherever you are in the country.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000462\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003ETo the many volunteers and supporters that make our democracy tick, to the news media and the parliamentary press gallery who do a fantastic job of holding us all to account: thank you for all of your work. Then, finally to all of the wh\u0101nau and families of all MPs\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000463\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ffbd4365b6154d66a421d8e0eb7f184c\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Valedictory!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000464\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00221dbd2811-8e58-4ffb-848d-31c0eaa9690a\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227238da40fd5e4b9893ef2e9c9e0ebade\u0022\u003ERt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014who make huge sacrifices\u2014well, his family makes a sacrifice every day just for being his family. To all of our families, who make enormous sacrifices for us to do the jobs that we do, a very warm thank you to all of you. I hope you get a fantastic Christmas break.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022 data-id=\u0022c57d40a123fc4ae0b37ec2c30dcddea8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000465\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c57d40a123fc4ae0b37ec2c30dcddea8\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK (Co-Leader\u2014Green):\u003C/span\u003E As we\u2019ve just seen, these speeches are supposed to be light-hearted. Unfortunately, though, this Government leaves anyone with a heart feeling pretty bloody heavy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000466\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EWhat I remember from Sunday school is that the point of Christmas is supposed to be about love, but love is so abstract in this building. In fact, I\u2019d say\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000467\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225efa4fd751f64f9c8137962aae754e15\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order, Mr Speaker. We are at the end of the year, and we\u2019re headed for Christmas and there should not be a case where someone can get up and swear in this Parliament like we just heard.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000468\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e13cfcb81c84a6092616fa5317f1603\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: To be honest, there was so much noise going on I didn\u2019t actually hear what the member said. All I could hear was something about Sunday school, which is not really going to line up with the idea that she\u2019s swearing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000469\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f04617349dba4355bc5cef7f33ef00d5\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK\u003C/span\u003E: What is the swear word that\u2019s being accused?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000470\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002218f326e88b9845cd8674e560929df3ae\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, you tell me. What did you say?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000471\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229606ec4f761742db8fb0c41c0dd5eb5b\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK\u003C/span\u003E: I can start the speech again if you\u2019d like, Mr Speaker? Politicians file in here and use fancy words and actively distance the people that they say that they are supposed to represent. It makes people feel crazy, because it is crazy. I know that these end-of-year debates are supposed to contain a few good jabs and jokes. Political party leaders, as our Prime Minister aptly demonstrated, are handed speeches by their staff members to make us all sound a little bit funny and perhaps\u2014maybe\u2014like normal people. We come in here and we deliver them and we wait for the clock to tick over, and that\u2019s that: the parliamentary year is over. The game shuts up shop.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000472\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EBut this game sucks. The people out there know it, and the people up there in the gallery and members of the media know it too. Right now, you win this political game not necessarily by improving society, not by doing what the evidence says will mean that people and planet are healthier. Right now, you win the rules of this game by getting the most media cut-through, by dominating the headlines, by saying the most outrageous\u2014and, at times, offensive\u2014things.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000473\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003ENow, there\u2019s not a whole lot of time nor space for thorough consideration, for people to properly tease over the substance\u2014or lack thereof\u2014in the sound bites. There are so few instances where people in this House actually have to sit here and listen to each other. The last time that that happened was during the official abuse in State and faith-based care apology, where the Prime Minister apologised on behalf of all Governments who had come before for their hand in perpetuating the neglect and the torture of hundreds of thousands of\u00A0people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000474\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EThat same day, I got an email from Aaron Hendry, who runs Kick Back\u2019s outreach service The Front Door, a project on Auckland Central\u2019s Karangahape Road with the key aim of ending rangatahi homelessness. As the news notifications were dinging on Aaron\u2019s phone about the official apology, he was working to try and house two State care - experienced and State care - neglected young people. While the Prime Minister made promises in here about how those horrors will never happen again, out there in the real world, his Government\u2019s decisions to limit access to emergency housing meant that two young people were sleeping rough on the street. I don\u2019t have anything funny to say about that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000475\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EChildren are homeless because of the decisions that are made in this place. Prime Minister, I frankly do not understand. I don\u2019t understand why your Government has knowingly and actively made choices to put more kids in poverty and to pour fuel on the climate crisis fire. Prime Minister, your Government tells us that your top priority is economic growth and prosperity. But your very own Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update released yesterday showed us that your Government\u2019s decision to mercilessly cut public spending is actively deteriorating that growth and that productivity that you say that you care about.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000476\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EThis Government tells us that it\u2019s all about the economy, while threatening the vital ecosystems that underpin life as we know it. Where do you think that economy comes from? The Government is making more people unemployed, then punching down on those beneficiaries. The Government tells us that it cares about localism, then it strips away local decision-making. The Government is enabling mining in conservation land and commercial fishing in high protection areas. Where I come from, words mean things. But in this place, you cannot say that somebody is lying if they are lying. In this place, you cannot say that something is racist if it is racist. We can get up here at the end of the year and we can make jokes, but we cannot call a spade a spade.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000477\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EBut, at times, we have rare moments of clarity, where daily politics is put aside and something bigger than all of us is pulled into sharp focus. Unfortunately, a lot of times this year that has looked like tragedy and we have had our fair share of that this year. I am here without my friend and co-leader, the Hon Marama Davidson, who is in the middle of cancer treatment. I have never met a stronger person\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000478\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022209926b5284a41dcb0a7369da58e00f3\u0022\u003ERt Hon Winston Peters\u003C/span\u003E: Six minutes to get to Marama.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000479\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e5b4d406c3c4616b25ab3ee7733adb6\u0022\u003ECHL\u00D6E SWARBRICK\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and Marama demonstrates that strength through love and through service, Mr Deputy Prime Minister.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000480\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EThe day after Valentine\u2019s Day, Fa\u02BBan\u0101n\u0101 Efeso Collins stood in this Chamber\u2014actually directly from this seat\u2014and he declared that there is a saying in Samoan: \u201CE le tu fa\u2019amauga se tagata.\u201D\u2014\u201CNo one stands alone, no one succeeds alone,\u201D and, for me, no one suffers alone. Just a week later, the utter devastating shock as we lost him. Efeso passed as he had lived, actively serving our communities, literally in the middle of a charity run. I want to acknowledge members across the House, particularly our friends in Labour and Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori, for the aroha that you wrapped around us that day and in those following weeks. We will never forget that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000481\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EThis year, our nation also lost our Kiingi, Tuheitia P\u014Dtatau Te Wherowhero VII. Kiingi taught me that ignorance is not a reason to be fearful but an invitation to learn and to participate; that kotahitanga requires all of us\u2014all of us\u2014not to run away from discomfort but to sort through it and to sit with the mess of our humanity and our experiences and our trauma to find our shared strength.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000482\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EJust this past month, we lost the Hon Nikki Kaye. She was respected across this House because she stood so strongly for things\u2014she even crossed the floor to do that. Some things, she knew, were far, far bigger than partisan politicking. Politics does not have to be this cynical game. Politics can and should be about regular people working together to solve the big issues.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000483\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EPrime Minister, your Government has a multibillion-dollar revenue problem, but your Government has painted itself into the corner with promises to not fix the tax system that you know, personally as well as politically, rewards property speculation and robs us of investment necessary in our infrastructure. There is not a reputable economist in this country who would argue against a capital gains tax\u2014so do it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000484\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EPrime Minister, you yourself have acknowledged that your Government\u2019s decisions have inflamed race relations in this\u00A0country\u2014so stop it. Prime Minister, during the election you said that the policies of one of your new coalition parties targeting the rainbow community were \u201Con another planet\u201D, but those same policies now underpin your coalition agreements. And your support on the Treaty principles bill didn\u2019t even cost your coalition partner a bottom line.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000485\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EMr Prime Minister, has selling out on everything that matters been worth it for the price of power? If the estimated 100,000 people that this Government has managed to mobilise against their attacks on Te Tiriti o Waitangi tell us anything, it is that your power, Mr Prime Minister, will be fleeting. Despite the coalition\u2019s best attempts to divide and conquer this country, I have never seen the people more unified to uphold our founding agreement. People understand that Te Tiriti o Waitangi protects all of us; that it is a shield against giant multinational corporations exploiting Aotearoa; the final safeguard against unfettered greed; but more than that, our guidebook to a fair, just, peaceful today and tomorrow.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000486\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EIn the coming year, as more and more people twig to the fact that they are not crazy but that this system is, we will continue to see the growing power of people. Activists will grow into organisers. Organisers will channel that energy into redistributing power and knowledge and resources. Democracy will work as it should for the people, by the people.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000487\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022dbaac12b-3efa-4d95-a08d-f0f637a48bab\u0022\u003EWe want to acknowledge and thank the people behind the scenes who make this place work: the cleaners, security, the Office of the Clerk and the House Office, the library researchers, maintenance team, IST, payroll, HR, Copperfields, and everyone in the Green Party parliamentary team. Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022 data-id=\u0022343ba597141045c1871f510ac74c347c\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000488\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022343ba597141045c1871f510ac74c347c\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader\u2014ACT):\u003C/span\u003E Thank you, Mr Speaker. I bring you good news and bad news. The good news is that my staff are far too busy to write a speech full of jokes. The bad news is I\u2019m going to do them off the cuff. I\u2019m a little indignant to say that this is my 11th adjournment debate speech. I\u2019ve been here so long I can remember when Chl\u00F6e Swarbrick was actually fun. I can even remember when she talked about the environment, unlike that speech which made no reference to it whatsoever.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000489\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI never forget in these speeches to thank the many people who make this place work: those in Copperfields, those who do the cleaning, the messengers, the librarians, and the security guards, who have a tougher and tougher job as years go on. We are so fortunate to be served by a group of people, including our Clerk, who are completely committed to upholding the integrity of this House and its principles.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000490\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI want to also thank those who work in my office, the offices of ACT MPs, and Government Ministers right across the parliamentary precinct for their wonderful service, including our extraordinary teams in the electorate offices of Epsom and T\u0101maki. We could not do it without you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000491\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI want to thank those in the parliamentary press gallery who are doing their job well and giving the Government a good run\u2014there we go; we got that over quickly. [Interruption] Yeah, tell them it\u2019s a joke, just in case.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000492\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI also want to thank those people who sit around me as my colleagues. The people in the ACT caucus are an extraordinary group of people who come to this place with a set of beliefs that are not the usual politics\u2014that we will take someone else\u2019s money and give it to them or make some rules that will restrict someone else\u2019s freedom. They come here to stand for something that is more abstract and in some ways more simple, and that is human freedom, even though it so often runs against every principle of politics of \u201Cwhat\u2019s in it for me?\u201D And I\u2019m so fortunate to sit with a group of like-minded MPs who stand for those principles.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000493\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI\u2019m also grateful to our coalition partners. It\u2019s been a pleasure to work with Christopher Luxon as the National leader and Prime Minister, although I\u2019ve got to say, Chris, you said that it was a little bit difficult playing Secret Santa because ACT claimed the credit for every present. Now, let\u2019s just clear this up. You see, I actually thought it was a game of pass the parcel because there seemed to be a layer of blue wrapping over all the pink wrapping that we\u2019d been trying to give the public.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000494\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222476948bdb2f4e38b8c83eeed676ff0e\u0022\u003EHon Members\u003C/span\u003E: Ha, ha!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000495\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022380cadbf00ef4a219f8660c9cd2ec3b9\u0022\u003EHon DAVID SEYMOUR\u003C/span\u003E: See\u2014off the cuff, brother. I also want to thank my two fellow Northlanders Winston Peters and Shane Jones for their collegiality, working through a range of issues and making sure that this Government is dangerously united, dangerous to all our partners who thought it would be so easy. What I can see is an Opposition that is still going through the stages of grief. Man, they pick some tiny issues\u2014tiny minds, tiny people, and tiny issues\u2014while we\u2019re dealing to the serious issues that New Zealand has faced, from this side of the House.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000496\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI\u2019m particularly pleased to see that New Zealanders will go into this Christmas with a little bit of hope. Because for far too long, it wasn\u2019t just the fact that the Government spent too much money. It wasn\u2019t just the fact that inflation was going up. It wasn\u2019t just the fact that interest rates were rising and it was so hard to make ends meet. All of those things were true, but there was something much worse. There was a pervasive sense that they had a Government of \u201CHakuna matata\u201D, who thought that it was all going to be OK. It means no worries for the rest of your days. Well, that\u2019s the truth but it wasn\u2019t the reality for anyone else. It was only the truth for that Government.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000497\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EThe real hope comes from having a Government that understands that there is no magic money tree at the bottom of the garden and that the only way we\u2019re going to make this country a success is to unleash the ability of each and every New Zealander to succeed on their own terms. Only when people are recognised as thinking and valuing beings with the opportunity to make the most of their future will we be able to succeed as a nation. That\u2019s what this Government believes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000498\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI look at some of my colleagues. Many have been mentioned already. I look at the work that Brooke van Velden is doing, the youngest Cabinet Minister in 40 years and taking to it like a duck to water, going out and listening to people about health and safety for three months so she is formulating policy informed by the experiences of everyday New Zealanders. I have to say it\u2019s been a bit of a surprise for some of the public servants to get out there and do it, but we\u2019re making policy in a different and better way. And that\u2019s before you get to the fact that we\u2019ve had a small minimum wage increase. Our minimum wage is one of the highest in the developed world\u2014I think it\u2019s the fifth highest\u2014compared with the median wage, and yet that cost is put on to so many small businesses. Finally, they\u2019re seeing relief. And Brooke van Velden tells them it\u2019s five months before it comes in. She told them this year, not next year, so they can be prepared. And that\u2019s before you get to ending the personal grievance culture in our workplaces that stops productivity and holds back people that are trying to make that difference in their own lives.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000499\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI look at Nicole McKee, what she\u2019s doing with anti - money-laundering, and simplifying one of the greatest problems that people come to us with when it when it comes to red tape and regulation. And she\u2019s making the courts go faster, because justice delayed is justice denied. And she\u2019s finally bringing justice to those licensed firearm owners who were vilified by the previous Government totally undeservingly and completely ineffectively.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000500\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI look at Andrew Hoggard. Isn\u2019t it great to have a real farmer in Parliament? And I can tell you, without breaking too much confidentiality, the number of times in Cabinet committee discussions that Andrew Hoggard\u2019s said, \u201CWell, I can tell you how to run a farm.\u201D He always comes out with pearls of wisdom that are of value to the Government. Having people like that in Government is hugely important to the quality of policy\u2014that we\u2019re able to wait in terms of significant natural areas, with split gas approaches to methane, getting rid of farm environment plans and upgrading the Resource Management Act, so you can actually do something in this county and actually build some wealth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000501\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI look at Karen Chhour. Karen Chhour could make more excuses than anybody else in this Parliament, I dare say, but she makes none. She gets up and she changes the world to make it better for the next generation instead of one unending victimhood whine, as if this is just like bad weather and we can\u2019t make tomorrow better than today. That is what Karen Chhour is doing, and that is why she annoys the left so much\u2014because they know it\u2019s true. They know it\u2019s true.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000502\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EThen there\u2019s Simon Court. His assistance to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform, in respect of replacing the Resource Management Act and that campaign with a regime based on property rights, has more potential to unleash this country and its resources and its wealth than perhaps anything else the Government is doing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000503\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EI was so proud of launching seven charter schools\u2014among other things I have done myself\u2014up and down New Zealand, from all different cultural backgrounds, with so many different pedagogical approaches, but what they all have in common is that we are connecting communities with children and opportunity to do things better. We know what we\u2019re doing is not working. People that continue to defend the system on behalf of the unions need to get with the programme. Children deserve an education in the way that works for them, and that is what charter schools, among many other Government policies, are delivering.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000504\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EPerhaps this year will be known for being the year that ACT put on the agenda an issue that nobody else wanted to talk about, except for the overwhelming majority of the New Zealand public, and that is the simple question: what does our founding document really mean? Does it mean that we are a combination of two collectives where for ever and a day we\u2019ll be recognised based on who our ancestry was and given rights based on our ancestry? Or are we indeed a liberal, democratic society filled with thinking and valuing individuals who are able to make the most of their time on Earth without discrimination, without being categorised, boxed in, or called something because of who their ancestors were? \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000505\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EThat is our dream\u2014a dream of a country filled with thinking and valuing individuals who each have that right to use their time on Earth to make the most of their life, to make the greatest difference they can for themselves and those they care about without having to suffer through other people\u2019s beliefs or prejudices, as long as they\u2019re not harming anyone else. Only when we realise that dream, can we overcome the very real problem that so many of us face, from education, to economics, to health, or the economy.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000506\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00227e22bb95-9afb-449c-bcd2-de9fd4f2277c\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, I wish you a very happy Christmas, and thank you to everyone for your great work in 2024.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00229fca010e7bf0428bb4b8a7e1e0916baf\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000507\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229fca010e7bf0428bb4b8a7e1e0916baf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: That will be the last time we have that soccer hooligan - type counting. I call the Rt Hon Winston Peters.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022 data-id=\u0022b1b43444cb97428aa6ff21af75aa3ae8\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000508\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022b1b43444cb97428aa6ff21af75aa3ae8\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Deputy Prime Minister):\u003C/span\u003E Well, what a bunch of copycats! Can\u2019t even think originally.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000509\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EWe\u2019d like to begin with a special acknowledgment to the many hard-working, often forgotten staff that keep the Parliament going. Thank you especially to the cleaners, security, Parliament and Beehive staff, Hansard staff, and others who work within the House, library staff, and, of course, thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000510\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003ENew Zealand First has had an extraordinarily good year in Government alongside our coalition partners, National and ACT, and we thank them both for it. Coalitions are not easy, but you shake hands and try to make things work, and we\u2019re doing extraordinary well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000511\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EWe inherited an economy that was far worse than Treasury ever knew, and they should have known it. Some members there do, but the rest are trying to deny it. Now, what was extraordinary today, of course, was Mr Hipkins couldn\u2019t go the full distance. The bell rang a warning for a minute to go, and he sat down. And then, of course, Chl\u00F6e got up. Chl\u00F6e got up because she thought she was in Hollywood, and she began to swear\u2014at the very beginning; it\u2019s all in the Hansard\u2014and then she gave us all the evidence why\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000512\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222fa99afd6b49459da098172c8b47a9a3\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Hop off your notes, Winston.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000513\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b27e5340e29547be8790189f05a64d3c\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: No, these are just little handwritten notes I put down there, Willie. Unlike you, I can write my own speeches.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000514\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EThen she gave us all the evidence of why for 54 years, since the Values Party in 1972, they have been waiting to get in a Cabinet\u201454 years and they\u2019ve never been inside Cabinet. Now, you got to say their high point came this year. You watch the next election, and that\u00A0goes for Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori sitting on the left-hand side of them as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000515\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00223facb392119249a596af5fa4cd2b118d\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019re going down. You\u2019re going down.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000516\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022005b1c6c343b454ab8f959fdcd494dd3\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Oh no, no. Listen, sunshine, I\u2019ll be around long after you\u2019ve gone because nobody wants the \u201CMidnight Cowboy\u201D any more. We came back because we were on a mission to take back our country, and we packed out the rooms in this country during the year. And, at our conference, we had over 900 people listening to our convention speech\u2014900. And we didn\u2019t go and defraud the Charities Act, we didn\u2019t defraud the electoral system\u2014all of which is coming for you, sunshine, next year. You\u2019re not getting away with breaking the laws of this country, even if some authorities think they can help you. So stand back and watch. When you declare war on us, you get a reply that\u2019s coming next year. So you have a good Christmas, because you\u2019ll need it, sunshine\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000517\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a6ca1eebe34e44f681196dca3974a728\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Slow down the commentary.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000518\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f37980131a5947aea89eed839ee2a7f6\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014and your big, loud mouth is not going to help you any longer.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000519\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EHe\u2019s got some idea that if he opens his mouth and lets the wind blow his tongue around, he\u2019s going to make some sense. Unbelievable. Never seen the likes of it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000520\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EM\u0101ori have been coming here since 1867, and since 1867, those M\u0101ori leaders have all respected this Parliament, and up turns this crowd over here\u2014so arrogant, so much in rebuttal of all the past respect. And here he is. He can\u2019t even shut his mouth for five minutes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000521\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225d4c8c1e268e4b28bb8c56abb5373b45\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: No k\u016Bmaras for you!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000522\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022a38f5a95e68942f999dd7ad0b568c01c\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Look, we know what you are\u2014we know what you are\u2014and your supporters will know even better. Of course, now in the leadership of M\u0101oridom, they are starting to question the very privilege of Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori. Out there where the real M\u0101ori work two and three jobs a day, they are sick and tired of people like that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000523\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EBack to my point: we came back to stop the division and the separatism, and what they hate over there is that, for the first time, they\u2019ve been confronted. They\u2019re being confronted by a party that\u2019s got a record win for M\u0101ori, a record they can speak about for day after day\u00A0after day, and they can\u2019t show me one thing they have ever done for the M\u0101ori people. Not one.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000524\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228d0bcdafbc4d46aab505d59cf75f23fe\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Sunset.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000525\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022bfa864aa23544913906e52e71b2bbb48\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Well, tell me what it is.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000526\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c5c6d7a292a04d798ea90c0079e66ce6\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Sunset\u2014100,000 turned up here the other week. Did you see them? Did you hear them?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000527\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022511833aa9ab44c79a71e13d543aeba9c\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Tell me what you\u2019ve done for M\u0101ori\u2014not a word, not a mutter, not a syllable, not a sound. All bulldust. Mr Speaker, I\u2019m enjoying this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000528\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222c010024aca944ba866c717e398dde23\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I know you are, but I\u2019m not.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000529\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00229e20a77c94da4149bb841f3193ca6434\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: As Elvis sang, \u201CIf you\u2019re looking for trouble, you\u2019ve come to the right place.\u201D We\u2019re going to expose you for what you are. This party is a party of frauds. They\u2019ve broken the Electoral Act, they\u2019ve broken the Charities Act, they\u2019ve made tens of millions on the backs of their people, and, now, out there in the M\u0101ori land in Northland in particular and in Auckland, M\u0101ori are asking: \u201CHow come they made $60 million, and it\u2019s all in somebody\u2019s pockets?\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000530\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003ENow, can I ask you this question: why doesn\u2019t your party chairman practise law? Let\u2019s start. He declared war upon us, and do you know why he doesn\u2019t practise law? Because he got convicted of forging and uttering, and he was told, \u201CYou\u2019ll get off, but don\u2019t ever apply for a licence to practise law.\u201D People don\u2019t know that. You\u2019re hearing it for the first time. Well, Judith Collins knows, and I know. But you tell your leader that when you declare war on a party called New Zealand First, there\u2019s going to be repercussions.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u00224a2c67405e1d40e1b84ae4efac4c73b6\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000531\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00224a2c67405e1d40e1b84ae4efac4c73b6\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just hold on\u2014hold on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000532\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022288104c56195476d9aca55ac31afedee\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: He can\u2019t shut his mouth. He\u2019s got away with it all this time. He\u2019s got a famous name. Every time he does it, I regret that he\u2019s just spoiled that name. People like Ngata, Pomare, Buck have got nothing to do with him. He thinks he\u2019s a genius; self-made man and all that. He\u2019s in this Parliament and he\u2019s wasting our time. He\u2019s got a contempt for this place. The standards of this Parliament have been dramatically deteriorated because of Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori. They come in there, sometimes in bare feet, no respect for the institution, no respect for their colleagues. And you think you\u2019re going to get away with it\u2014no. M\u0101ori people will take you out of this place because they, more than anyone I know, when they go on the marae, they respect the traditions. Every serious M\u0101ori I know respects the traditions, and this is the marae for Parliament and for the whole country. [Interruption] And there they go, all talking at once\u2014all talking at once.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000533\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EThe next thing is\u2014you know something?\u2014we\u2019ve been overseas about 112 days this year, but I\u2019ve spent more time in Parliament than all those put together. I\u2019ve been overseas 112 days, but I\u2019ve spent more of them in Parliament than all of those Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori all together. What a disgrace\u2014lazy, idle.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000534\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b53ce111073342c7a5f6135c1dfc8f84\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, did you find something\u2014did you find something?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000535\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224194ff4e839d44ad828a7b0fa4e1e797\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: And here he goes\u2014he\u2019s still talking. You know something? We expect, when we come here, to serve people. The people are, after all, our masters. They expect certain standards, not the kind of behaviour we see over here where they don\u2019t even turn up at Parliament, don\u2019t even turn up at select committees, don\u2019t even do their jobs properly and they\u2019re getting away with it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000536\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003ENow, Labour knows that. There are a whole lot of hard-working people in Labour that must be tearing their hair out because they\u2019re being dragged down by that party over there and they know that if they\u2019ve got any hope in the future, they\u2019re going to have to get rid of them. Now, you know that, don\u2019t you? I can feel it. Oh yes, you do. You must be waking in bed at night trying to think, \u201CHow on earth can we get rid of these people over there to ever make it back here?\u201D A very famous song was sung by a guy called Andy Williams. The song\u2019s called \u201CLonely Street\u201D. And I kind of think you guys better start listening because all the words are feeling where you\u2019re going. You\u2019re going to have to find a place somewhere where somebody is feeling like you because \u201CLonely Street\u201D is where you\u2019re going\u2014and they deserve to.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000537\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EThe fact of the matter is, it\u2019s been astonishing recently the number of senior M\u0101ori\u2014iwi chiefs and leaders\u2014who on the quiet are ringing up and saying, \u201CCan we see you privately?\u201D It\u2019s true. I\u2019ve had that feeling before, Willie. It used to be your mother. She\u2019d call up: \u201CWinston, can I see you privately?\u201D She knew that the best way of getting the job done was to come to the party where we\u2019re not all talk, we\u2019re all action.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000538\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e323935a23d1400283e4fb04b18384d9\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Point of order. I\u2014[Interruption]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000539\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d89ed65b43ab4fa7bdeefe30b3ebc00d\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, you won\u2019t speak till the House goes quiet for a point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000540\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f7096b46c40a41348f9089f35bb2e675\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you, Mr Speaker.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000541\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b4cb92c282e24476977cfe2091c9dc4a\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Just wait till I call you. Point of order, Willie Jackson.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000542\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224a07088eefb2455085eb4d495d718a80\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Thank you very much. Look, I don\u2019t like to interrupt people\u2014he\u2019s very much on target today\u2014but I don\u2019t think my mother should be brought into the debate. I know that the Minister had a relationship with my mother\u2014a good relationship\u2014but I don\u2019t think she should be brought into the debate. I take personal offence at that, and I\u2019d ask the Minister to apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000543\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022f2bbb1576bba4544a310d0880bfc7e36\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, I\u2019d just make the comment\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000544\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d0faab7c19e246b6bcb35972bfb1f387\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m very willing to apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000545\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00224d74bf4ce15c479fb68a25e9d37c85e4\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Hang on, I haven\u2019t called you either. Hang on\u2014I\u2019m allowed to respond to his point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000546\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002293e27cb88e644cdd97a8170385162702\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: Well, he asked for an apology and I\u2019m giving it. It\u2019s a matter of time here.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000547\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002237429b4bcfcb4ea68209cfdd4102e9c1\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: No, but hang on, this is how it works, right? Everyone in here speaks through the Speaker. I know it\u2019s an odd concept; it\u2019s certainly been laid to one side in recent times, but that\u2019s how it works. I just want to say, I also knew your mother. She was a very fine woman, and I don\u2019t think that what Mr Peters was saying was in any way impeding on her integrity; I want to make that point from the Chair. The Rt Hon Winston Peters, the member has taken offence. Would he like to make a comment?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000548\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d1217ec1be3f408b82ec62385c0c9ef5\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Just speaking to the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000549\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022282f4d4962e04e03a643af7f1e536bdf\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, no, you\u2019ve made the point of order.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000550\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220d5f00df960c4071b9aa6d88eac1d03e\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ve made my point of order, but you haven\u2019t asked the Minister to apologise.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000551\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002222350247239c4af1b31150a196ca269b\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019m just doing it now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000552\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227e2b14e7cb4a4db3a09b29e6ad1b8def\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, no, but you intervened on that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000553\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00222200ef158457433a9f1d832e5357eb7e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I\u2019ll tell you what, it would help if you kept up with what\u2019s going on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000554\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002218008896eedb414ebab2abcfe36c404c\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019re not going to ask me to apologise are you, Mr Speaker?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000555\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00220f1b777b44b3465d866d001a69076b3f\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Beg your pardon?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000556\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f317ee7d-f040-44ec-8f2f-ad0a9f206d75\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002210b93eab9ca04a378958e850d0a171a4\u0022\u003EHon Willie Jackson\u003C/span\u003E: You\u2019re not going to ask me to apologise, are you?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000557\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228b08d3d06d324d038ade5f279eabed85\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: Well, if you like, go for it, yeah. No, look, sorry, this is getting ridiculous. I have just asked the Rt Hon Winston Peters to respond to your concern.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000558\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002216a894439dce48d68472cc444ecfae1a\u0022\u003ERt Hon WINSTON PETERS\u003C/span\u003E: I have no difficulty in withdrawing and apologising. I didn\u2019t mean any offence at all. I just happened to admire someone who used to do projects because she understood who in Parliament might help her get the job done. But if that causes offence, well, I\u2019m apologising, I\u2019m very, very sorry.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000559\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EThe reality of it is, of course, that here we are going into 2025 in a terrible shape as an economy, not because of anything we\u2019ve done but because of what we inherited and, worse still, the lack of understanding in 2023 of just how bad that economy was. I\u2019ve seen times like that in the past. I can remember David Caygill as the finance Minister. He reported in 1990 a $89 million surplus, and it ended up a $3.2 billion deficit. That sort of forecasting won\u2019t do any longer. And I can say without being immodest, so to speak, one party set it out last year that we\u2019re in a far, far worse situation. It\u2019s horrifying to be proven right\u2014horrifying to be proven right. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000560\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003ECan I just say to all my colleagues over here on this side, I think we\u2019ve done a very good job in the last 12 months, and it hasn\u2019t been easy at all. What\u2019s not been so easy at all is how quickly certain people up there have forgiven the people who in the last three years took this country right off the rails, and the fact that they don\u2019t actually publish the facts, so to speak. Or, worse still, that you\u2019re in Parliament, and all of a sudden in December they discover there\u2019s a party called New Zealand First and a leader called Winston Peters. I\u2019ve been on Morning Report more times in this last two weeks than in the whole year, and as for Checkpoint\u2014never been asked once. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve been on for four years. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000561\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00223d49aeac-8adf-497b-9400-ab7bb077bb8d\u0022\u003EBut I\u2019m not going to worry about that because the reality is we\u2019ve got a bunch of very bright young people, who\u2019ve got that on social media. And, I\u2019ll tell you what, they know that we can say to you to hang on because help\u2019s on its way.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022d15545e19a6646b3b12916b890b22f11\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000562\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022d15545e19a6646b3b12916b890b22f11\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: I call Rawiri Waititi. [ACT member stumbles while exiting Chamber]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000563\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022eb927116ea794250bc0db37f5ce7da41\u0022\u003EHon Member\u003C/span\u003E: Rawiri, did you push him? Don\u2019t push him.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022 data-id=\u00225dc05ca3ead3477dac6ceda9aee3711b\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000564\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00225dc05ca3ead3477dac6ceda9aee3711b\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI (Co-Leader\u2014Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori):\u003C/span\u003E I didn\u2019t push him; maybe one of my t\u012Bpuna did. And just listening to that \u201Ctipuna\u201D over there, I\u2019ve got one word to say: ka aroha\u2014ka aroha [how sad\u2014how sad]. E kai i \u014D rongoa, e koro. [Take your medicine, old man.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000565\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThank you, Mr Speaker, t\u0113nei r\u0101 te mihi atu r\u0101 ki a koe. E mihi atu r\u0101 ki ng\u0101 kaimahi katoa o t\u0113nei Whare. E mihi atu r\u0101 ki ng\u0101 kaiwhakahaere i roto i ng\u0101 mahi katoa kia tarea an\u014D hoki e t\u0101tou te whakatutuki i ng\u0101 mahi. Koutou kei roto i t\u0113nei Whare, e \u014Dku hoa i roto i ng\u0101 mahinga katoa, nei r\u0101 te mihi atu r\u0101 ki a koutou i t\u0113nei r\u0101. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000566\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Speaker, I thank you. I would like to acknowledge all of the staff of this House. I acknowledge the managers within each respective department that enable us to do our work. You who are in this House, my friends within every undertaking, I would like to acknowledge all of you today.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000567\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThe year 2024 has been a hard year for our people. The actions of this Government have attacked te iwi M\u0101ori on all fronts. However, unlike any of the decisions made by this Government this year, Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori have consistently remained mokopuna-focused, so today I would like to speak to our mokopuna\u2014sorry, Mr Peters, you are well out of that group that I am addressing now. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000568\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EN\u014D reira kei aku mokopuna [And so to my grandchildren], in the House this year, they debated your past, your t\u012Bpuna, your whakapapa, and the tapu of Te Tiriti o Waitangi was challenged by those that had no mana to do so. In the House this year, they debated our present, removing the current mahi progressing Aotearoa forward and continuing to undermine Te Tiriti while subjecting us to harsh realities of a Government that only supports the rich. In the House, they debated your future, the future of your language, your whenua, your oranga, your descendants, and your rights as tangata whenua. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000569\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EBut all was not lost. This House forgot their place, which has no mana to rewrite ours. This House forgot we have come too far as a country to sit back as they attack our mana motuhake. We took to the streets in our thousands. Ultimately, the House forgot the power of the people, so this was the year of kotahitanga. I want to mihi to all of our people\u2014tangata whenua, tangata moana, tangata Tiriti\u2014who rose above the attacks of this Government because they know the Aotearoa we want our mokopuna to inherit.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000570\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAs I stand here, I want to tell our mokopuna about the many people who stood up to protect their whakapapa, who stood shoulder to shoulder to unite on a h\u012Bkoi from both ends of Aotearoa that saw 100,000 of our people converge on the lawns of this very Parliament. We may be the minority in Parliament, but our movement is the majority across Aotearoa. Toit\u016B te Tiriti.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000571\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI want to tell our mokopuna about the many wh\u0101nau who marched for you: our working class wh\u0101nau and public servants who marched that were made redundant, that were forced to sit in a space of job insecurity and had benefits removed while Government offered tax cuts to the rich. Our tangata hau\u0101, our wh\u0101nau with disabilities and health issues who use their voices because the health system continues to fail our most vulnerable communities. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000572\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EOur gang wh\u0101nau who marched with their patches\u2014they now are policed by the very system that persecutes them every day. Our kaiako, our educators, our learning support kaimahi, our whare w\u0101nanga who marched, who have been subjected to funding cuts and unfinished rebuilds but carry the tremendous responsibility of educating this entire generation. Our creatives who marched who are the most under-resourced and underfunded but work overtime to tell our stories and be the light we turn to for inspiration to keep moving forward. Our lawmakers, our tribunals, our legal experts who continuously advocate for justice in a year full of unjust decision-making. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000573\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EOur kaitiaki of our taiao who have fought against the tirade of attacks on our whenua, moana, wai, against marine and coastal area legislation, fast track, and every other decision to destroy Aotearoa. Our takat\u0101pui wh\u0101nau who marched, who continue to be persecuted by this Government for being who they are; they are wh\u0101nau. Our babies in State care, or should I say State carelessness, who deserve better than boot camps. Our survivors of abuse in State care, who continue to witness the apologies to our kids in the system.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000574\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EOur incarcerated wh\u0101nau, whose trauma for Government profit trumps the cost of that decision to our whakapapa. Maybe if the Government cared less about three strikes and more about the three articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, this year could have gone differently. Our iwi leaders; our M\u0101ori wards; our M\u0101ori movements; our indigenous brothers, sisters of Palestine, of Kanak, of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, who marched too; our tangata moana, tangata Tiriti, who rose up and marched alongside, who educated one another, who understood that this wasn\u2019t a single issue but a shared responsibility to rise up for the Aotearoa our mokopuna deserve. Our tangata whenua, whose pakeke have already marched for our existence and empowered our resistance, and to our mokopuna, our babies, who have inherited this h\u012Bkoi, we hope that one day you won\u2019t have to h\u012Bkoi any more.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000575\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThis has been a hard year and has come at significant cost to our people, but our h\u012Bkoi demonstrated kotahitanga we have never seen in Aotearoa before. For that I am proud. For that we as a country should feel proud.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000576\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI wish you all a restful holiday season and the time to heal from the many punches of 2024. Be kind, look after one another, travel safely on the roads like one big waka kotahi. Make this a Tiriti Kirihimete: as a wh\u0101nau, do your submissions, enrol to vote, get on the M\u0101ori roll. We have a big year to look forward to: R\u0101tana, Waitangi, Te Matatini, koroneihana. We are approaching the light at the end of this racist tunnel that we have been subjected to this year. Kia kaha.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000577\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EFinally, I would like to leave you with the words of the late King Tuheitia, who called for unity in the year he knew his people would need it the most: \u201CIn this storm we are strong. Together. The wind in our sails is called kotahitanga, and with that we will reach our destination.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000578\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI see I\u2019ve got a little bit more time here. This House needs a bit of festive cheer\u2014OK, Mr Speaker?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000579\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002233f70b6953604edd8f0a5d019eacba5e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It\u2019s long been established in this debate that this is what we could expect\u2014it better be good.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000580\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022ca23b86c4dc34256b9fb756b71f00630\u0022\u003ERAWIRI WAITITI\u003C/span\u003E: OK. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000581\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMokopuna, are you listening?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000582\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EOn your whenua, truth is glistening.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000583\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EA terrible flight, our Tiriti rights,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000584\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMarching on stolen M\u0101ori land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000585\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThis year ain\u2019t been pretty,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000586\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EToit\u016B Te Tiriti,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000587\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EA three-headed goose,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000588\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EBut we know the truth.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000589\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMarching on stolen M\u0101ori land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000590\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EIn the Beehive, they can build a front man,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000591\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAct like he\u2019s not a racist clown.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000592\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EHe\u2019ll say, \u201CWill you join me?\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000593\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EI said, \u201CNo, man,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000594\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u201COur mokopuna will make a stand.\u201D\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000595\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EAotearoa, can you hear me?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000596\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EThe polls are up,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000597\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ETe P\u0101ti M\u0101ori\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000598\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003ET\u012Bpuna-fed, Tiriti-led,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000599\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMarching on stolen M\u0101ori land\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000600\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMarching on stolen M\u0101ori land\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000601\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMarching on stolen M\u0101ori land.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000602\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003EMerry Christmas. Winston, where are you? Merry Christmas, e koro.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022 data-id=\u00220529e6b3e33d44298d5053f7fed56071\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000603\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00220529e6b3e33d44298d5053f7fed56071\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE (Labour\u2014Palmerston North):\u003C/span\u003E Kia orana, Mr Speaker. It\u2019s a pleasure to take a call in this adjournment debate as Labour\u2019s chief whip, but firstly, Mr Speaker, I want to acknowledge you and your team of presiding officers\u2014the Deputy Speaker, Assistant Speakers, and temporary Speakers\u2014for their service to the House this year. I also want to acknowledge the staff\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000604\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022e044d3c6d98e4d4f9f90ffab9901e707\u0022\u003ESPEAKER\u003C/span\u003E: It didn\u2019t feel like that earlier today!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000605\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00228cd35abd106e4983a3e483aba8e7364f\u0022\u003ETANGI UTIKERE\u003C/span\u003E: You didn\u2019t give me a call. Also, I want to acknowledge the staff who have supported all members from all sides of the House this year. To our electorate and community officers and off-precinct staff and to those here on precinct, thank you for the work you have done this year. Can I also thank my own whips\u2019 team and the other whips, musterers, and matarau from other parties. Thanks for the work you all do to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000606\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EIt feels like it is the last day of school. Everyone is itching to be set free and let loose from this place for some well-deserved time away. The question, of course, though, for this time of the year is: who is going to be on Santa\u2019s naughty and nice lists? And the sad reality is that the naughty list is very, very long and full of members from the benches opposite this year. Of course, the Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, makes the top three, but it\u2019s possible that David Seymour and Winston Peters edge him out for the top two slots as, let\u2019s face it, they are the real ones who are running this Government. David Seymour makes the list for the Treaty principles bill\u2014enough said.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000607\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003ENow, we all know what that political chameleon Winston Peters will get for Christmas: a new train set. And, on Christmas morning, Winston will roll out of bed and open his new present, and when he realises that his new toy won\u2019t actually have the necessary batteries that it needs to make it work, only then will the penny drop and he realise the importance of rail-enabled ferries. Over the break, the newly minted Minister for Rail may also do some \u201CCruising on the Interislander\u201D in the hope that he will discover that the South Island actually exists, because no one else on the Government benches knows it exists, based on their inability to invest in the Mainland.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000608\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003ENicola Willis must be on this year\u2019s naughty list. Last year, she was on it as the Grinch who stole Christmas when she cancelled the $551 million interisland ferries. None of us would have thought that, one full year on from making that call from the captain\u2019s chair, there\u2019d still be no solution, no plan, and it\u2019s clear that she had not been making her list and checking it twice. So she makes it on to the naughty list for a second consecutive year. The member should hang her head in shame. She might be on it again next year. If that\u2019s the case, she will be subject to her own Government\u2019s \u201Cthree strikes and you\u2019re out\u201D approach.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000609\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EI want to move to traffic lights, in particular the traffic light system implemented by this Government, which is confronting thousands of Kiwis who are doing it tough as we head into Christmas. Now, the Prime Minister says all that those who are on benefit need to do is show up. Isn\u2019t it unfortunate that his own Minister failed to face any sanctions earlier this year for failing to do exactly that, and that saw a bill discharged from the Parliament? How embarrassing. For that, Louise Upston is on the naughty list and may very well receive a lump of coal for her misdemeanour under the Christmas tree this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000610\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EOn coal, the Government has shown that it is not concerned about taking action in the climate space or on protecting the environment. The passage of the terrible fast-track bill yesterday attracted protests, including some disruption to the Parliament. And we don\u2019t condone such disruptions, but I do note that Simeon Brown was jumping yesterday, trying to pull a banner down from the gallery. Now, we all know that Simeon has been named by one as the politician of the year. And couldn\u2019t we hear the gnashing of teeth, the sniggering that that accolade brings from members within his own caucus, let alone on the front bench over there, but all that demonstrated yesterday was that there are still some things that Simeon needs a leg up for\u2014although we did learn that this year Simeon Brown does have a driver\u2019s licence. And he went to some lengths to actually prove that.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000611\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003ESo, as folks are moving around the country this summer, waiting in queues for their electric vehicles (EVs) to charge, they can reflect on the fact that the transport and the energy Minister\u2019s focus was on spending time proving that he actually does have a driver\u2019s licence, rather than failing to meet his own Government\u2019s self-imposed target to roll out more EV chargers. And he has delivered less than half of the 670 chargers that he promised. That is another big fail. That will be one of the many things on the minds of Kiwis this summer as they reflect on the shambolic year that this Government has had. They clearly are continuing to take our country backwards, and Kiwis are well and truly aware of that and they have cottoned on.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000612\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002262ff759d-9586-405a-a6e6-208ad65adeb5\u0022\u003EMr Speaker, to you and to all members of the House, a very merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing summer break.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022 data-id=\u0022041a89b07e6e4e639b2684b7b5c74ac5\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000613\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022041a89b07e6e4e639b2684b7b5c74ac5\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP (Leader of the House):\u003C/span\u003E Can I start by echoing the words of others and thanking the people who make this place work: our staff, particularly my office, the best ministerial office in the Beehive; the officials; the House Office; the Parliamentary Counsel Office; Chamber staff; select committee staff; Hansard; Copperfields, which I\u2019ve tried to go to less this year than in previous years\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000614\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002289809535-e289-43e8-ad08-668cf3046ffb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00227d77469d63ce49eab462e3ac0102a248\u0022\u003ECameron Brewer\u003C/span\u003E: More McDonald\u2019s.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000615\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022b227298ab54d4b6eb7d6f3d92a06c137\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014well, that\u2019s right, some more McDonald\u2019s, and crayfish\u2014reception staff; security; VIP; the cleaners; and of course you, sir, and all of your team.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000616\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s been a cracker, 2024. It\u2019s been a tough year for many. It\u2019s been a great year for the Government. In stark contrast to years gone by, Ministers in this Government have actually got things done. Simeon Brown, Nicola Willis, Mark Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith\u2014it\u2019s been a pleasure to work alongside this team, and, of course, our coalition colleagues David Seymour and my good friend and colleague Matua Shane\u2014we\u2019ve worked together on fast track and it\u2019s been a great pleasure.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000617\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThere\u2019s a few achievements that have gone unnoticed and unreported, and I thought I might comment on a few of them. Simeon Brown has had to sell precisely zero shares in Auckland Airport. In fact, he sold zero shares in the entities he\u2019s responsible for, in stark contrast to the last Minister of Transport. Paul Goldsmith\u2019s been very well behaved. He has not had to disclose secret meetings at Astoria like the last Minister. Mark Mitchell has not leaked secretive Cabinet material to his donors. Simon Watts has not leaked secret tax plans to the media. Erica Stanford was not referred to the Privileges Committee. And not a single National Party MP defected to Te P\u0101ti M\u0101ori\u2014or indeed anyone from New Zealand First or the Green Party.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000618\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003ENow, I\u2019ve talked about fast track. We\u2019re particularly proud of fast track. We had 149 projects\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000619\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022f44431ef-b505-4e94-9f57-a60b0a569bf7\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022c2c7aeec8b7944ce9b88ede2b71e2d47\u0022\u003EHon Shane Jones\u003C/span\u003E: Great bill.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000620\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00225fcd57ab85fe432493ca2496ea1323bd\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: \u2014that were included in the bill. We laboured\u2014we laboured\u2014over that, over those projects, didn\u2019t we, Shane? We really did.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000621\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EI thought it might be interesting for the House to hear what projects didn\u2019t make the list and ended up on the cutting room floor. We had an interesting project submitted: the \u201CRemutaka Job Centre for Former Labour Party Leaders\u201D, submitted by Mr C Hipkins of Upper Hutt. We did decline this project; we weren\u2019t confident it would be built in time to fulfil its primary purpose.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000622\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWe received an application from Miss M Woods. This was titled the \u201CWigram Mayoral Candidates Training Centre\u201D. We also declined that one for the same reason.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000623\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWe had a project called the \u201CHutt Valley Mass Training Facility for Labour Party Opposition Police Spokesperson\u201D. This was a high-quality submission submitted by Mr Mark Mitchell, but it was declined as some people are, unfortunately, beyond help.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000624\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EWe had a proposal to fast track an e-bike trail on Waiheke Island, strongly supported by everyone in the Green Party, but, unfortunately, not even the advocacy of the local MP, Ingrid Leary, was enough to get that one over the line.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000625\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThere was a submission from Auckland Central, from D Parker, and it had strong supporting affidavits from Phil Twyford, Helen White, and Arena Williams of Hobsonville Point, and it had attached to it a copy of Capital by Thomas Piketty. This was a fast-track proposal for an unusual thing\u2014for a wealth tax. But, very unusually, we also had counter-proposals against the submission from many other members of the Labour Party caucus. It was very difficult for the fast-track panel to make of what to do with this.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000626\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EThere was a submission against a local project. Now, we had a number of submissions for local projects from local MPs, strong advocacy\u2014very unusual to receive a submission opposed to something in their local electorate, but Julie Anne Genter took the cake. She made a submission on letterhead\u2014Julie Anne Genter, the MP for Rongotai\u2014against the Mount Victoria Tunnel. I found that astonishing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000627\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EBut there was a submission in favour of car parks outside here, in Tamatha Paul\u2019s electorate office in Wellington.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000628\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022c3a88c42-f60b-4cf9-8065-8bfb80a020eb\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u002280e8dd6d9d3242d98e554747d2c87d39\u0022\u003EHon Carmel Sepuloni\u003C/span\u003E: Not a high note\u2014not a high note.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000629\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022860fc1eba7cb4adeba5e0b0485a66a3d\u0022\u003EHon CHRIS BISHOP\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, well, speaking of Carmel Sepuloni, who\u2019s being very noisy, there was an application for resource consent for Treasure Island from C Sepuloni. This also had a supporting affidavit from Chris Hipkins, asking for the resource consent period to be extended indefinitely.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000630\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002257e41e9d-285b-4fb3-847d-a63820ae7137\u0022\u003EJokes aside, it has been a busy year in the House. We\u2019ve had 93 first readings, 60 bills reported back from select committees, and 60 third readings. Ministers have answered 87,000 written parliamentary questions. Thank you to everyone who\u2019s had a great year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022 data-id=\u00229a9a346f3f044a968dc49d9aee592643\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000631\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u00229a9a346f3f044a968dc49d9aee592643\u0022\u003ECUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL (Labour\u2014Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti):\u003C/span\u003E T\u0113n\u0101 koe e te M\u0101ngai o te Whare. Tuatahi m\u0101ku he mihi aroha ki taku hoa, a Luke Crawford, kua wahang\u016B i t\u0113nei r\u0101. E Luke, e chief, moe mai r\u0101 i n\u0101ianei. Ka nui rawa atu te aroha ki t\u014D wh\u0101na. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000632\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EHeoi an\u014D, hoki mai ki a t\u0101tou. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000633\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E[Thank you, Mr Speaker. Firstly for me is a compassionate acknowledgment of my friend, Luke Crawford, whose voice has been silenced today. Luke, chief, rest in peace now. A lot of love to your family.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000634\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EHowever, let\u2019s return to us.]\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000635\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ELet\u2019s get in the spirit. Mere Kirihimete ki a t\u0101tou katoa. What a privilege to stand and take what will be the last call for the Labour Party in 2024. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000636\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EIn preparing for this speech, I had a lot of unsolicited advice. \u201CKeep it light-hearted,\u201D they said\u2014and I\u2019m glad everyone else got that memo today. Willie Jackson said, \u201CRemind them they\u2019re a pack of maniacs.\u201D I said, \u201CI\u2019ll leave that to you, Willie Jackson. I want to be on the nice list this year.\u201D Peeni Henare suggested a haka, but, Mr Speaker, I cannot risk expulsion. And someone said, \u201CWhy don\u2019t you sing?\u201D I said, \u201CI couldn\u2019t possibly. I\u2019m just going to share my \u2018Reflections of the way life used to be, reflections of the love you took from me\u2019.\u201D \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000637\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ENow, e te wh\u0101nau, in spite of some of the attempts of members opposite to take the love away from us, they have failed, and it\u2019s still been a great year for Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti. I said to Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti, \u201CI will bring your light to this House.\u201D, but Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti, you\u2014you\u2014have been \u201CYou are the sunlight of my life and I\u2019ll always be around\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000638\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u00220f7d126e-c18d-4466-9ebe-d424ae5c4bf6\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u0022d8e6a80d360a42719d44e6989a39e7aa\u0022\u003ERawiri Waititi\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, here\u2019s the Tikitiki RSA. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000639\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsBy\u0022 id=\u00226ff2cfcd0c0c4956aa295e365c20b6d1\u0022\u003ECUSHLA TANGAERE-MANUEL\u003C/span\u003E: Oh, you know it. Had I known that tung\u0101ne was going to bring a guitar, we might have rehearsed. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000640\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EThe reflection of Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti is your kaha, your tenacity, and your view beyond recovery into intergenerational prosperity, and that\u2019s something for which I\u2019m here, behind you, all the way. E hoa m\u0101, soon we will all be \u201CRocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop\u201D. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000641\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWhen we are enjoying the embraces of our loved ones and the spoils of our hard work, let\u2019s spare a thought not only for those who are less privileged than us but for the hard-working people here, seen and unseen, who work very hard to make us all look and sound good\u2014a much easier task for some than others. But I will not name names. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000642\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EI think that in spite of everything, a lot of the feedback I get\u2014and I\u2019ve talked about it in my Treaty principles bill, pai k\u014Drero\u2014and in spite of all the cuts, I must say that I actually think it\u2019s been a fantastic year to be M\u0101ori and a fantastic year to be a New Zealander. We\u2019ve heard the h\u012Bkoi acknowledged, and I just want to mihi to everyone who came together, i raro i te whakaaro kotahi.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000643\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOn thanks, I do want to thank my team. The \u201CIR Babes\u201D they name themselves\u2014the \u201CIkaroa-R\u0101whiti Babes\u201D\u2014and that, you are. Also the team here in the House: as I\u2019ve acknowledged, you do a great job of making us all look and sound good. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000644\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EI also want to acknowledge the other MPs throughout Ikaroa-R\u0101whiti: Dana Kirkpatrick, Katie Nimon, Catherine Wedd, Mike Butterick, Chris Bishop, and, of course, \u201CChippie\u201D. T\u0113n\u0101 t\u0101tou katoa. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000645\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EMy final thanks go to my wh\u0101nau, immediate and extended, and to my darling, Russell, or, as you all call him, \u201CAww, Russell!\u201D. I have feelings too, you know, wh\u0101nau. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000646\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAt my maiden speech, my brother said, \u201CDo you know what? There were people from National who came to that bloody thing\u201D\u2014oops, pardon me, Mr Speaker. He goes, \u201CThose buggers, they all like each other.\u201D, and it\u2019s true. It\u2019s true, wh\u0101nau. There are friendships across this floor, so I really do want to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year with your wh\u0101nau and loved ones. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000647\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EBut we are still in the Opposition, so we have a gift for you. From the Labour Party to you all\u2014don\u2019t bother playing, because there ain\u2019t no rhythm here, tung\u0101ne. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000648\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EIn the first year in Government, the Nats forgot Kiwis:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000649\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003E$12 billion borrowed, jobs down the gurgler, tens of thousands leaving, \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000650\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EOne \u201Ca loser\u201D, straight lies in Dunners, \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000651\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003ESeven Luxon houses, tax breaks for landlords\u2014\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000652\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EWhere are the birds?\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000653\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EForty thousand marched, three strikes is back, tobacco, and guns,\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000654\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EAnd no plan to replace the ferries.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000655\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022ad7ccb58-34d9-4340-9b9d-6523bc4dda32\u0022\u003EMere Kirihimete, everybody.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022 data-id=\u0022c23b9fde43d040568e0981971c4891b0\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000656\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c23b9fde43d040568e0981971c4891b0\u0022\u003EHon SCOTT SIMPSON (Minister for ACC):\u003C/span\u003E Well, Mr Speaker, I\u2019m very conscious that as the last speaker in this debate, I stand between you and the formal adjournment for this year\u2014and what a year it has been, but I\u2019m in the business of winning votes, so you\u2019ll be pleased to know I\u2019m not going to sing, because that would be a very bad and vote-losing thing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000657\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to join with others, Mr Speaker, in congratulating you, your presiding officers, and thanking you for your patience with us around the debating chamber as we have worked our way through what has been a very busy year. Chris Bishop made the point about how many bills have been passed and how many questions have been asked and all that sort of thing, and I think we\u2019ve actually collectively as a Parliament achieved a lot.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000658\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to be just serious for a second or two, because I think that at times like this at the end of the year we have an opportunity just to reflect a little bit about our place in this place and our place on the planet and the globe, where we are in the privileged part of the world here at the bottom of the South Pacific.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000659\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI had the opportunity during the year to meet with Peeni Henare together with the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament, for instance\u2014now, there\u2019s a population under great stress this Christmas. I had an opportunity to meet with Peeni Henare and the elected leader of Belarus, who is in exile and whose husband has been detained for 2\u00BD years and she hasn\u2019t had any contact with him, doesn\u2019t know whether he\u2019s dead or alive. Those sorts of conversations, notwithstanding all the light-heartedness and the good nature that we\u2019ve seen in this debate this afternoon, put into perspective the world we live in and our place in it.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000660\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI just want to reflect for a moment on the fact that nobody comes to this Chamber with bad intentions, in my view. Nobody comes to this place wanting to make things worse. We may disagree and have strong views strongly expressed, and sometimes sung, about how to achieve the making of things better, but we all have that objective. This is a place where strong views should be strongly held and strongly expressed, but with respect to each other, in my view.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000661\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EAs we conclude this debate and this year of action, activity, and democracy in our small, intimate, and, some would say, imperfect little democracy, I want to wish colleagues from around the House\u2014from my own party, from our coalition partners in New Zealand First and in ACT, and from the other parties in the Opposition\u2014a warm summer welcome to the beautiful Coromandel, where you will receive sand, sunshine, and sanctuary and you will be most welcome at any time to come and spend time and money in that beautiful part of the world.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000662\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u002298dbeffa-e059-49d5-8bbf-579cbaead9a3\u0022\u003EI want to complete this debate by, as I say, thanking all the people who make this place work. At times, to the members of the public who don\u2019t understand the intricacies of Parliament, it probably looks very chaotic, but there is a system, there is a structure, and it does, in its own quirky, weird, Kiwi way, work, and I think we can collectively be very proud of that. So, merry Christmas, everybody. Thank you very much for your help, corporation, and support, and have a safe, enjoyable, and relaxed summer period. Thank you.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ca name=\u0022member\u0022 data-type=\u0022article\u0022 data-memberid=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022 data-id=\u0022c901add1a80742a29773973848df327e\u0022\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000663\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsByToc\u0022 id=\u0022c901add1a80742a29773973848df327e\u0022\u003ESPEAKER:\u003C/span\u003E I\u2019m going to make my contribution very short. Unfortunately, the audience seems to have left and I don\u2019t want to drive out those who remain. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000664\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003ELook, can I just make the comment that the start of this debate today was certainly robust, and one of the great strengths of this country\u2019s democracy is the ability to have those \u201Cslap \u2018em down, drag \u2018em out\u201D debates where people can say what they\u2019re thinking. It\u2019s very important, and I get a lot of letters, as Speaker, complaining about the way people deal with each other in this House, things that are said, actions that are taken. I think it is sad that more people don\u2019t appreciate, just as my colleague Scott Simpson has said, that so many other countries in the world live oppressed lives, simply because they don\u2019t have an environment like this where different views can be so openly and receptively both made and received. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000665\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EThis year\u2019s been a hard one in many ways for a lot of people outside of this place, but also for those in it. I think starting the year with the death of Efeso Collins had quite a sobering effect on the whole of the Parliament and I want to, on behalf of the Parliament, offer his family, once again, our condolences, our close thoughts for their first Christmas without him. The same is true for all of those families of other former members who\u2019ve left us during this year.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000666\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EI want to acknowledge the party leaders and senior people in all parties because of the work that they do\u2014the extra work that they do\u2014and the time that it takes. Parliament has sat, by the time we finish in the next couple of minutes, for about 575 hours this year. Most people would say, \u201COh, that\u2019s nothing; I work 2,000 hours a year.\u201D\u2014but not as intensely as this place does. Those hours are concentrated over just a few small days\u2014three days out of 30 weeks. That, of course, is just a small part of the work that all members of Parliament do, and particularly the part that the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the leaders of other parties, and the spokespeople do as well. It\u2019s very time-consuming.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000667\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EAs we come to the end of the year and we reflect on what might have been achieved by us individually, as members of this House, I think we should also be very proud of the fact that whether we are winning or losing, we\u2019re part of a dynamic democracy that we all need to do our best to protect.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000668\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003ECan I acknowledge all of those who\u2019ve been mentioned who make this place work. It\u2019s a huge workforce here\u2014about a thousand people\u2014and they are the sort of engine room of democracy, if you like. In particular, I want to make a mention of our security staff, whose job is becoming increasingly difficult. I also want to mention the cyber-security staff who are constantly looking at the many attacks that can come on our systems, and, of course, that is also a very direct protection of democracy as well.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000669\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EI need to acknowledge the close staff that I work with: the Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Service, Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, and all of his staff\u2014great people to work with, willing to listen to what MPs need to serve the people they represent; also Dr David Wilson and all of the staff in the Clerk\u2019s Office. He has been complimented earlier by the leader of the ACT Party. I would echo those comments: a great guy to work with and a man who has an enormous breadth of knowledge about how systems should work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000670\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EI need also to mention Andie Lindsay, who is the secretary to both of them. Andie is one of those people who knows where all the bodies are buried and, worse than that, where all the bodies are about to be buried, so I mention her with great fondness! \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000671\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003ECan I also acknowledge my own closer staff: Laree Taula, who does a lot of work in my office to keep me in the right place at the right time, which is not an easy function. Also to Roland Todd, who sits here day in day out, listening to everything that you\u2019ve got to say and just gently taking it all in. It must be enormously frustrating at times, Roland, that you can\u2019t stroll on to the floor and give everyone a bit of a strop up and put it in the right direction. But thank you very much for your work.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000672\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EWith those comments, can I wish everybody here a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I\u2019m sure all of your party leaders have told you to take time off and to look after yourselves and your families. I\u2019d echo that comment. I\u2019ll see you in 2025.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000673\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EMotion agreed to. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp id=\u0022id20241218a47b63334a094f628c53a3efd0298b0d000674\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022HpsNormal\u0022 id=\u0022e6b4dc55-3561-49a8-a871-ae005354ef90\u0022\u003EThe House adjourned at 5.58 p.m.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n    \u003C/div\u003E\n  \u003C/body\u003E\n\u003C/html\u003E"