Parliament 31 March 2015

The order paper is here.

2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

  1. ANDREW BAYLY to the Minister of Finance: What policy measures has the announced that will help to distribute dividends from the growing economy to New Zealand families and children?
  2. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “there's a message from Northland” for the Government; if so, will the Government take that message seriously?
  3. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Will he submit an emissions reduction target to the UN by the 31 March deadline; and does he stand by his statement that New Zealand's net emissions are projected to increase 48 percent in the next decade?
  4. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Transport: What are the construction start and end dates for each of the 10 bridges the Government has announced it will upgrade in Northland?
  5. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Building and Housing:How many families is the Government budgeting to benefit from the new HomeStart programme and how will prospective homeowners be able to find out their eligibility?
  6. DAVID SEYMOUR to the Minister for the Environment: Does he still believe that affordable housing, natural hazards, infrastructure development, economic growth, jobs and exports needed recognition in the Resource Management Act 1991?
  7. SARAH DOWIE to the Minister for ACC: What changes to ACC levies come into effect on 1 April, and what impact will these changes have on New Zealand businesses and families?
  8. Dr DAVID CLARK to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he agree with the Prime Minister when he says of the people of Northland: “They want more. They want to go faster”; if so, does he believe that this view on economic growth is unique to the people of Northland?
  9. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Can he rule out exploration for oil and gas in the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary?
  10. Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for the Environment: Does he agree with the Prime Minister regarding Government proposals to amend sections 6 and 7 of the Resource Management Act 1991 that “there's just no question that you've got to rip up what we've got now”?
  11. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements regarding the Northland by-election?
  12. JOANNE HAYES to the Minister for Small : How are small businesses benefiting from the export markets initiatives in the Business Growth Agenda?

: Four patsies on helping families, HomeStart, ACC levies and small business.

Labour: Four questions on Northland (x3) and the RMA

Greens: Two questions on climate change and oil & gas exploration

NZ First: One question on Northland

ACT: One question on RMA

Government Bills 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm

Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) – committee stage continued

The Bill amends the Immigration Act 2009 to ensure the immigration system operates more effectively by addressing gaps identified in the compliance regime; responding to opportunities provided by new technology; and introducing measures to address the exploitation of migrant workers.

  • Introduced: October 2013
  • 1st reading: November 2013, passed 11-7 with NZ First against and Mana abstaining
  • Select Committee report: May 2014, supported with amendments with Labour and Greens dissenting
  • 2nd reading: February 2015, passed 61-59 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Maori Party against

A large SOP has been proposed by the Minister.

The debate has no time limit but is likely to be at least three hours.

Animal Welfare Amendment Bill – committee stage

The Bill amends the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to implement Government decisions resulting from the 2011–12 review to improve the enforceability, clarity, and transparency of New Zealand's animal welfare system.

  • Introduced: May 2013
  • 1st reading: August 2013, passed without dissent
  • Select Committee report: June 2014, supported with amendments with Greens dissenting
  • 2nd reading: November 2014, passed 107-14 with Greens against

There are eight SOPs from Green MP Mojo Mathers and one from Labour MP Trevor Mallard.

The debate has no time limit but is likely to be at least three hours.

 

Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill – committee stage

The bill increases the penalties for producing, trading, or possessing child pornography.

  • Introduced: May 2013
  • 1st reading: November 2013, passed without dissent
  • Select Committee report: April 2014, supported unanimously with no amendments
  • 2nd reading: February 2015, passed without dissent

The debate has no time limit but as it is not opposed, should not take much time. There is an SOP from the Minister to consider.