Questions for Oral Answer 2pm-3.15pm

Questions to Ministers

1. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to keep down the cost of living for New Zealanders?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
3. AARON GILMORE to the Minister for the Environment: What recent reports has she seen on the impact of the Resource Management Act 1991 on business investment in New Zealand?
4. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his reported statement in relation to Cabinet’s decision to integrate Wanganui Collegiate, that it was a very difficult decision, but he is sure it was the right thing to do; if so, why?
5. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Health: Is he confident that the Government’s initiative to provide “Better, Sooner, More Convenient” health care is meeting his expectations; if not, why not?
6. SCOTT SIMPSON to the Minister of Health: What progress is the Government making on improving access to angiograms for patients with severe chest pain?
7. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Defence: Will he rule out further cuts to personnel numbers in the New Zealand Defence Force and cuts to the inshore patrol vessel fleet; if not, what cuts are being considered?
8. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister of Tourism: Will any of the extra $158 million for tourism in Budget 2013 be spent on tourism marketing and promotion for the 100% Pure New Zealand campaign; if so, how much?
9. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Minister of Consumer Affairs: Has he seen any reports that New Zealand power prices have increased at twice the rate of most other countries?
10. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister for Primary Industries: What progress can he report on efforts made to increase veterinarians in rural New Zealand?
11. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Will New Zealand journalists be able to visit and monitor the New Zealand Police training programme in West Papua when it recommences in September 2013 under an aid allocation of US $2 million; if not, why not?
12. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement on 24 September 2012 in relation to the work of the GCSB, “I think you can take confidence in the fact that to the best of my knowledge, I’ve never been informed or ever had reason to believe there’s ever been an error before”?

Today, National are asking 4 questions on topics ranging from cost of living, RMA impacts on businesses, angiograms and veterinarians bonding scheme. Labour are asking 5 questions ranging from issues such as the stock stand question to the Prime Minister, ” Does he stand by all his statements?, to questions about health, defence force staffing levels, power price increases and the GCSB. The Greens are asking 3 questions on issues such as Wanganui Collegiate, tourism funding and police training in West Papua.

Pasty question of the day

Today’s pasty question of the day goes to question 10 from Ian McKelvie (MP for Rangitikei) to the Hon Nathan Guy which asks. What progress can he report on efforts made to increase veterinarians in rural New Zealand?

General Debate  3.15pm to 4.15pm

12 speeches of 5 minute length on any topic that Members of Parliament wish to speak about.

Members orders of the day  4.15pm to 10pm

1) Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill – 12 x 10 m speeches – Dr David Clark – Third reading

This bill creates the ability to Monday-ise both Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day so that if these public holidays fail on a weekend day then you would be able to claim the public hoilday on the following Monday. So far this Bill has been supported by all other parties other than National and Act, however is expected to pass tonight as National will not be exercising there power of Veto on this bill.

For background information on this bill, Dr David Clark gave a good summary speech in this bills second reading. Click here for a link to his second reading speech.

2) Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill – 12x 10 min speeches – Louisa Wall – Third reading

This bill is designed to amend the Marriage Act 1955 to allow for a change to section 2(1) to allow Marriages to be conducted between 2 people instead of the status que of between a Man and Women.

The best speech in support of this bill during all the debates has been the one from Chris Auchinvole which is able to be viewed here. 

3) Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Bill  – 12 x 10 m speeches – Todd McClay -  Second reading

This bill is designed to control the display of gang symbols and logos on government buildings including schools, hospitals, WINZ and other government buildings, In addition, it stops members of gangs from wearing gang related gear within government buildings.

At the first reading of this bill it was passed 69 to 52 with National, New Zealand First, United Future and Act supporting this bill.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers. 2.00PM-3.00PM

1. ANDREW WILLIAMS (NZF) to the Prime Minister: Has he ever met with representatives of the Motion Picture Association of America; if so, when?
2. JOHN HAYES (NAT) to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on business activity and the outlook for growth?
3. DAVID SHEARER (LAB) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
4. TIM MACINDOE (NAT) to the Minister of Transport: What reports has he received regarding the Waikato Expressway Road of National Significance?
5. Hon ANNETTE KING(LAB) to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that the Government will not agree to anything that “doesn’t improve patient services”?
6. Hon KATE WILKINSON(NAT) to the Minister of Justice: What actions is the Government undertaking to eliminate online child sexual abuse?
7. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN(GRN) to the Prime Minister: Who in his Government had access to the Rebecca Kitteridge report into the Government Communications Security Bureau before it was publicly released; and did the Prime Minister, or any of his Ministers, or their offices, leak the report?
8. Hon PHIL HEATLEY(NAT) to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has she made as part of the Children’s Action Plan to support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren?
9. CLARE CURRAN(LAB) to the Minister of Justice: Was an outside person able to gain access to Ministry of Justice data which showed plain text passwords to a secure database and a payment gateway?
10. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA(NAT) to the Minister for ACC: What is the Government doing to reduce drowning numbers amongst the Pacific community in New Zealand?
11. CHRIS HIPKINS(LAB) to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all of her answers to Oral Question No 11 on 26 March 2013; if not, why not?
12. Hon TARIANA TURIA(MRP) to the Minister of Police: What instructions will she be giving to New Zealand Police about the fact that, despite a plethora of research reports and strategies to reduce youth crime, today’s report from the youth law advocacy group, Just Speak, has just revealed that young Māori between the ages of 10 and 16 have a much higher chance of facing prosecution than young Pākehā?

Today there are four questions from Labour, one from The Greens and one from New Zealand First. Labour are asking a standard stand by all your statements gotcha to the Prime Minister, government improvement of patient health services, Ministry of Justice hacking, and asking the Minister of Education whether she stands by her answers given on 26 March 2013. The Greens  are asking about the early leaking of the report by cabinet secretary Rebecca Kitteridge into the practices of the GCSB. New Zealand First is asking about whether the Prime Minister meet with representatives of the Motion Picture Association of America.

Patsy of the day goes to Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga for Question 10:  What is the Government doing to reduce drowning numbers amongst the Pacific community in New Zealand?

General Debate 3.00 PM – 4.00PM

Twelve speeches of no more than five minutes in  duration. Interesting to watch as the speeches are not scripted and standing orders are not so strictly enforced.

Government Bills 4.ooPM – 6.00PM and 7.30PM-10.00 PM.

1 Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill – Committee Stage

2 Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) - Committee stage (CONT)

3 Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill - Committee stage (CONT)

4 Building Amendment Bill (No 4) – Second Reading.

The Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill is being guided through the house by Simon Bridges. This bill is an omnibus bill and amends the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the Conservation Act 1987, the Continental Shelf Act 1964, the Reserves Act 1977, and the Wildlife Act 1953. This bill aims to promote prospecting for, exploration for, and mining of Crown owned minerals for the benefit of New Zealand.

The Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain. This bill seeks to amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 and the Local Electoral Regulations 2001 with regard to provisions for the conduct of local elections; transparency and accountability around electoral donations; and the integrity and efficiency of the electoral system.

The Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill is being guided through the house by Nathan Guy. This bill provides for cost recovery arising from processing of travellers in the aviation security, biosecurity, and customs areas.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) is being guided through the house by Maurice Williamson. This bill implements policy decisions of the Building Act Review to provide incentives for building professionals and trades people to take responsibility for their work and to stand behind it.

Questions for Oral Answer 2pm – 3pm

Questions to Ministers

1. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he recently received on business confidence, investment, and growth?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Is it the Government’s intention to proceed with the asset sales programme?
3. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: What difference will the Children’s Action Plan make for vulnerable children?
4. KRIS FAAFOI to the Minister of Police: What specific warnings, if any, has the Government received from Police around service delivery in relation to line-by-line savings within personnel and asset costs?
5. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that, “In 2010 I spelled out very clearly that we wouldn’t be going into Schedule 4 land …”?
6. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What progress has been made on the review of Fire Service functions and funding?
7. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by his statement of 12 March 2013 “… last year we made changes to give priority to migrants who can make a real contribution to New Zealand, which we expect to lead to significant savings for the taxpayer …”?
8. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister of Customs: What work is the Government doing to ensure correct revenue is being paid on imports and exports?
9. STEFFAN BROWNING to the Minister for Food Safety: What action, if any, is she taking in response to the recent Canterbury University study that found food safety risks from GE are not being considered adequately by regulatory bodies?
10. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by his answer to Oral Question No. 7 on Thursday, 21 March 2013?
11. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister for Primary Industries: What changes has he recently announced to shellfish catch limits?
12. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Was Ian Fletcher the candidate or one of the candidates named in the report to him from the State Services Commissioner following the panel interviews for the position of Director of the GCSB; if not, who suggested that Mr Fletcher be considered for the position of Director of the GCSB?

Today there are 5 questions from National on issues such as business confidence, child action plan, fire service funding,  customs taxes and catch limits for shellfish. In addition, Labour are asking 4 questions today to ministers on issues such as asset sales, police services and GCSB appointments. The Greens are also asking 2 questions in regards to mining/conservation and food safety. Finally, New Zealand First are asking 1 question on immigration.

Pasty question of the day

Today’s pasty question of the day is a tie between questions 6 and 11 which are,

6. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What progress has been made on the review of Fire Service functions and funding?

11. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister for Primary Industries: What changes has he recently announced to shellfish catch limits?

Government orders of the day 3pm – 6pm

1. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 2)  3rd reading – Hon Peter Dunne -

This bill was introduced by Peter Dunne in August 2012, in his role as Minister of Revenue. The Bill introduces data-matching with the New Zealand Customs Service to locate borrowers in serious default when they enter or leave New Zealand. It will also change the definition of income, bringing it into line with the definition used for Working For Families tax credits and student allowances, from April 2014.

2. Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Bill – 3rd reading – Hon Paula Bennett

This bill is designed to amend the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001 and the War Pensions Act 1954 and the purpose of this bill is to allow for single superannuitants and veteran’s pensioners who are living alone do not have to make a separate application to receive their full entitlements as the current law forces them to do.

3. Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill - Committee Stage – Hon Nathan Guy

This bill was introduced in November 2010 and seeks to enable the Crown to recover the costs of aviation security, biosecurity, and customs traveller processing from the operators of international airports. At the 2nd reading of this bill it passed by voice vote.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm -3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy?
2. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree with Westpac economist Nathan Penny that the increase in the annual current account deficit to $10.5 billion, 5 percent of GDP, is a “worrying symptom of New Zealand’s two-speed economy and re-emerging imbalances”; if not, why not?
3. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of Labour: What action is the Government taking to improve work opportunities for young people?
4. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Does he stand by all statements he and his Ministerial colleagues have made regarding State-owned enterprises?
5. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister of Immigration: Does he stand by his statements made in Question Time on 12 March 2013?
6. JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Has he read the City Centre Future Access Study which found that, of the options for Auckland CBD’s transport infrastructure, the City Rail Link “has the highest road network speeds within the City Centre”?
7. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister for Economic Development: What contribution, if any, will the ICT sector make to the Government’s stated 2011 Budget commitment to 170,000 net new jobs being created by 2015?
8. Dr JIAN YANG to the Minister of Tourism: What is Tourism New Zealand doing to promote New Zealand as the first Hobbit movie is released on DVD?
9. Dr RAJEN PRASAD to the Minister for Social Development: Is she satisfied with the spending decisions made by the Families Commission in the last three financial years?
10. MIKE SABIN to the Minister for ACC: What is ACC doing to ensure that frontline staff are adequately trained to provide excellent customer service?
11. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Defence: Will he rule out “systemic health and safety issues throughout the Defence Force” being a cause of Defence Force fatalities, in light of revelations surrounding the non-combat deaths of Defence personnel over the last three years; if not, why not?
12. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?

In today’s questions, Labour asking five questions, Nation four, the Greens two and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking about the current account deficit, SOEs, the ICT sector, the Families Commission and the Defence Foce. The Greens are asking about the Auckland Rail Link and confidence in Government Ministers. New Zealand First are asking about prior statements.

Patsy of the day goes to Mike Sabin for question number 10; What is ACC doing to ensure that frontline staff are adequately trained to provide excellent customer service?

Government Bills 3 pm – 6 pm

1. Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) - interrupted debate on second reading
2. Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill - second reading
3. Minimum Wage (Starting-out Wage) Amendment Bill – third reading
4. Families Commission Amendment Bill – second reading

The Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) was introduced October 2012, in response to the John Banks donation saga. The Bill amends the principle legislation in regard to provisions for the conduct of local elections; transparency and accountability around electoral donations; and the integrity and efficiency of the electoral system.

The Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill was first read in September last year. This bill is an omnibus bill and amends the Crown Minerals Act 1991, the Conservation Act 1987, the Continental Shelf Act 1964, the Reserves Act 1977, and the Wildlife Act 1953

The Minimum Wage (Starting-out Wage) Amendment Bill was introduced in October. This bill will permit Ministers to set a youth or starting out wage for eligible young people aged 16, 17, 18, or 19 years who are not supervising or training other workers, repealing the ability to set the current new entrant rate, and changing the criteria for setting the current training rate.

The Families Commission Amendment Bill was first read in July. This bill will amend the Commission so that it comprises a single Families Commissioner and other members, amends some functions of the Commission and provides for the appointment of a Social Science Experts Panel to provide academic peer review and guidance.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers.

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Has the Government met the five criteria the Prime Minister laid out for proceeding with asset sales?
2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Will New Zealanders have money taken from their bank accounts to fund a bank bailout under his proposed Open Bank Resolution scheme?
3. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on New Zealand’s balance of payments?
4. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all his statements regarding “Better, Sooner, More Convenient” health care; if not, why not?
5. MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Police: What reports has she received from Police on the success of pre-charge warnings?
6. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Housing: Why did he tell the House that, even if the Auckland plan took effect in September, new subdivisions would not be available until 2016-17, when the advice he tabled from Roger Blakely of Auckland Council shows that if the unitary plan takes effect in September new land would be available two years earlier?
7. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Social Development: How will the Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill back people off welfare and into work?
8. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on the actions and involvement of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Government Communications and Security Bureau in Operation Debut?
9. SCOTT SIMPSON to the Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to extend access to free flu vaccines?
10. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister for Social Development: Does she have an obligation, as Social Development Minister, to ensure all policy she is responsible for will be good for children and their families?
11. Hon KATE WILKINSON to the Minister for Primary Industries: What announcement has he made on the drought in New Zealand?
12. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Have allegations of fraud and corruption involving Canterbury earthquake recovery and rebuild contracts been raised with him as Minister; if so, what specific steps has he taken to address them?

Today Labour are asking four questions, The Greens two questions and NZ First one question. Labour are asking about asset sales, healthcare, housing subdivisions in Auckland,  and the GCSB. The Greens are asking about bank bailouts and social policy for children. NZ First is asking about fraud in the Canterbury earthquake recovery contracts.

Patsy question of the day goes to Scott Simpson for Question 9: What is the Government doing to extend access to free flu vaccines?

General Debate 3.00 PM -4.00 PM.

12 Speeches of no more than 5 minutes in length.

Government Bills 4.oo PM- 6.oo PM and 7.30 PM – 10.00 PM.

1. Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill - Second Reading.

2. Marine Legislation Bill - Second Reading.

3. Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) - Second Reading.

The Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Paula Bennett. This bill amends the Social Security Act 1964. It is part of a package of reforms to shift the focus of the benefit system towards encouraging and supporting beneficiaries to move into paid work.

The Marine Legislation Bill is being guided through the house by Gerry Brownlee. This bill proposes amendments to the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012.

The Local Electoral Amendment Bill (No 2) is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain. This bill seeks to amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 and the Local Electoral Regulations 2001 with regard to provisions for the conduct of local elections; transparency and accountability around electoral donations; and the integrity and efficiency of the electoral system.

Questions for Oral Answer 2pm – 3pm

Questions to Ministers

1. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the Government’s financial position?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?
3. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister of Police: What trends have been seen by Police since laws were changed in 2009 to combat illegal street racing?
4. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being very poor and 10 being outstanding, how does he rate the Government’s performance on job creation?
5. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement, in relation to drought-stricken farmers, that “I wasn’t referring to climate change. It’s just that if it turned out that there was a succession of droughts, there’s no amount of government assistance that can offset that effect on farming’?
6. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What progress has been made with the Government’s Apprenticeship Re-boot?
7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: By how many dollars has the gap between New Zealand and Australian average weekly wages grown since December 2008, based on the methodology tabled by Hon John Key on 28 July 2010?
8. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Does he intend to take any action about the failure of SkyCity Auckland to prevent access to the casino by people with gambling problems as recently reported in the media?
9. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Health: Is he confident that the Government’s initiative to provide Better, Sooner, More Convenient health care is meeting his expectations, if not, why not?
10. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Minister for Land Information: How much of New Zealand farmland is foreign-owned?
11. Dr JACKIE BLUE to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress has been made in reducing infections in intensive care units?
12. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Housing: What specific actions, if any, does Auckland Council need to take to avoid Government intervention, given his reported statement that “the Government would use the reformed RMA to intervene in Auckland”, if Auckland Council doesn’t change its planning practices?

Today there are four questions from National on issues ranging from the Governments Finances, Boy Racers, Apprenticeships and Infection rates in Intensive Care Units around the country. Labour are asking five questions to ministers ranging from Confidence in Ministers, Job Creation, Wages between New Zealand and Australia, Health Targets and Auckland housing issues.

The Greens, Maori Party and New Zealand First are each asking one question on issues ranging from Climate Change to Sky City Casino and Land Ownership

Today’s pasty of the day goes to question 11 from Dr Jackie Blue on infection rates in Intensive Care Units.

Budget Policy Statement 3pm to 5pm

Today Parliament will be debating the Budget Policy Statement 2013 and Treasury’s Half-Year economic and fiscal update which has recently been reported to the house via the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

Private and Local Orders of the day 5pm – 6pm and 7.30pm to 10pm

1. South Taranaki District Council (Cold Creek Rural Water Supply) Bill – 3rd Reading – Hon Chester Borrows – 4pm to 4.45pm

This bill would allow for the South Taranaki District Council to transfer ownership of the Cold Creek Rural Water Supply Scheme to back to the community via creating a co-operative called Cold Creek Community Water Supply Limited which would allow allow them to look after the scheme that provides water to around 7,620 hectares of land  in the Pihama/Te Kiri area in South Taranaki.

At the 2nd reading of this bill the vote passed by 102 to 16 with the Greens, Mana and the Maori Party voting against this bill.

2. Habeas Corpus Amendment Bill – Committee Stage – Chris Auchinvole – 4.45pm to 6pm

This bill was created to amend the Habas Corpus Act 2001 as a result of a report produced by the Law Commission in 2007. In addition, it gives Judges more room to move in regards to the issue of Habeas Corpus applications.

At the last reading of this bill the vote passed by 112 to 7 with New Zealand First opposing the bill. Denis O’Rourke voted against this bill on the grounds “it is a nonsense bill”  (Quote from Denis O’Rourke, 2nd Reading, Hansard)

3. Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill – 2nd reading – Dr David Clark – 7.30pm to 8pm

This bill creates the ability to Monday-ise both Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day so that if these public holidays fail on a weekend day then you would be able to claim the public hoilday on the following Monday.

So far this Bill has been supported by all other parties other than National and Act, however is expected to pass tonight as National will not be exercising there power of Veto on this bill.

4. Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill – 2nd reading – Louisa Wall – 8pm to 10pm

This bill is designed to amend the Marriage Act 1955 to allow for a change to section 2(1) to allow Marriages to be conducted between 2 people instead of the status que of between a Man and Women.

For a record of who voted for and against during the first reading please click here and scroll to the bottom of the page

Oral Questions 2.00 pm -3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

Oral Questions.

Questions to Ministers.

1. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Finance: What is the Government doing to encourage investment, business growth and jobs?
2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by all of the Minister of Economic Development’s statements made regarding the Hobbit dispute?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
4. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received on this quarter’s national health targets?
5. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Prior to his resignation as CEO of Solid Energy, on what date was Don Elder’s contract last renewed?
6. Dr JIAN YANG to the Minister for Economic Development:What support has the Government given to the film industry in New Zealand?
7. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Health: What expectations has he set for District Health Boards and subsidiary entities for 2013/14?
8. AARON GILMORE to the Minister for Building and Construction: Has the Government changed the system for dealing with earthquake-prone buildings?
9. DARIEN FENTON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that the living wage is “simplistic”?
10. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister of Broadcasting: What percentage of households in the South Island have gone digital ahead of the digital switchover on 28 April 2013?
11. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister for Primary Industries: Has he received a report from the Ministry for Primary Industries that identifies the pathway by which Psa bacteria entered New Zealand?
12. HOLLY WALKER to the Minister of Housing: Is the Government on track to build the 2,000 new state houses promised by Rt Hon John Key and Hon Bill English over the next two financial years, or was the Minister correct when he said “I am not yet at the point where I can tick off and say they are going to meet all of those targets”?

Today Labour are asking four questions, The Greens two and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking a standard does the Prime Minister stand by all his statements question, the former Solid Energy CEO Don Elder, District Health Boards and the Living Wage. The Greens are asking about the Hobbit dispute following the release of documents yesterday and state housing. New Zealand First is asking about the PSA Kiwifruit virus.

Patsy question of the day goes to Aaron Gilmore for Question 8:  Has the Government changed the system for dealing with earthquake-prone buildings?

General Debate 3.00 PM -4.00 PM.

12 Speeches of no more than 5 minutes in length.

Valedictory Speech of Charles Chauvel MP 5.45-6.00 PM

The Wikipedia entry on Charles Chauvel can be found here.

Government Bills 4.oo PM- 5.45 PM and 7.30 PM – 10.00 PM.

1.Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill – Second Reading

2.Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

3.Child Support Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Bill English, the Minister of Finance.  This bill seeks to establish a legislative framework for covered bonds.

The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain, the Minister of Local Government. This bill extends the Canterbury Regional Council’s governance arrangement and special water management decision-making powers in the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2012

The  Child Support Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Peter Dunne, the Minister of Revenue. The bill will make three changes to Child Support. These are a new child support calculation formula, secondary changes to update the child support scheme more generally and amendments to the payment, penalty, and debt rules for child support.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers.

1. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Why did he say last week in relation to SkyCity “Its architects designed such a thing, realised they needed more land, worked out who owned the land, and approached Television New Zealand”?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement in relation to asset sales “I spent my life starting in investment banking. I know how these things work”?
3. PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy?
4. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: Does he agree with the Prime Minister “the number one thing New Zealanders need to rely on is that they have a job, so they can provide for their families”; if so, how many New Zealanders are currently unemployed?
5. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement reported in the Southland Times in June 2011 that, “At the moment companies like Solid Energy are growth companies and we want them to expand in areas like lignite conversion”?
6. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development: What impact have the Government’s welfare reforms had to date?
7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister for Economic Development: In light of the view of the Deputy Auditor-General that “… the work through to August 2009 was … reasonable and careful”; did the Prime Minister’s intervention in August 2009 result in an approach that was no longer reasonable and careful?
8. COLIN KING to the Minister for Primary Industries: What progress can he report on increasing New Zealand’s economic and environmental performance through investment in irrigation?
9. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Does he agree with his predecessor Hon Simon Power that in 2009 the Government was “looking carefully” at the make-up of SOE boards and “commercial expertise is at the forefront of our minds”?
10. MOJO MATHERS to the Associate Minister of Transport: What steps, if any, has he taken to ensure that KiwiRail does not skimp on safety for people with disabilities?
11. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all of her statements?
12. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What announcements has he made recently regarding New Zealand companies securing key government ICT contracts?

Today Labour are asking five questions, The Greens two and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking about asset sales,  jobs, the auditor general’s report into  Skycity , SOE Board members and whether the Minister of Education stands by all her statements. The Greens are asking about Solid Energy and safety for the disabled on trains. NZ First are also asking about the Skycity report.

Patsy question of the day goes to Jacqui Dean for Question 12: What announcements has he made recently regarding New Zealand companies securing key government ICT contracts?

Government Bills 4.00 PM -6.00 PM and 7.30 PM -10.00 PM.

1. Child Support Amendment Bill – Second Reading.

2. Corrections Amendment Bill-  Third Reading.

3. Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill- Committee Stage (Continued).

4. Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill – Second Reading

The  Child Support Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Peter Dunne, the Minister of Revenue. The bill will make three changes to Child Support. These are a new child support calculation formula, secondary changes to update the child support scheme more generally and amendments to the payment, penalty, and debt rules for child support.

The Corrections Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Anne Tolley, the Minister of Corrections. The main aim of this Bill is to remove barriers to managing prisoners in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, effective, and efficient.

The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain, the Minister of Local Government. This bill extends the Canterbury Regional Council’s governance arrangement and special water management decision-making powers in the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2012

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Covered Bonds) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Bill English, the Minister of Finance.  This bill seeks to establish a legislative framework for covered bonds.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers.

1. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister of Education: In relation to the proposed school closures in Christchurch, does she agree with Manning Intermediate head Richard Chambers that “The Minister promised us that we would have two years no matter what. It was a guarantee she made to our community repeatedly, it was unequivocal”?
2. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the New Zealand economy?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?
4. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Education: In the context of the Government’s Christchurch schools announcement, what is the process going forward?
5. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for Building and Construction: Does he believe that the contracting system currently used in the construction industry works appropriately and fairly in circumstances of insolvency; if so, why?
6. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What progress is being made on making the Christchurch city centre safe for rebuilding?
7. IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on withdrawing troops from Afghanistan?
8. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Science and Innovation: How is the Government focussing New Zealand’s science funding investment, and encouraging Kiwis to get involved in science?
9. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
10. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector: What recent announcements has she made regarding government support for volunteering?
11. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister of Local Government: Does he have any concerns about the Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s forecast of 530 percent increase in its debt by 2021/22?
12. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he still have confidence in the Associate Minister of Health; if so, why?

Questions to Members.

1. Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR to the Chairperson of the Government Administration Committee: How many submissions have been received on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill?

Today Labour are asking four questions, The Greens have two questions, and NZ First  have one question. Unusually David Shearer has two of Labour’s questions for himself asking the Prime Minister whether he has confidence in all his ministers and later on in question time does he stand by all his statements.  Labour are also asking about insolvency procedures in construction projects to Maurice Williamson,  and the Prime Minister again about the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from Afghanistan. The Greens are asking about Christchurch school closures and local government debt  forecasts. NZ First is asking whether the Prime Minister has confidence in the Associate Minister of Health.

Patsy question of the day goes to Alfred Ngaro for Question 10: What recent announcements has she made regarding government support for volunteering?

Government Bills 3.oo PM- 6.00 PM and 7.30 PM – 10.oo PM.

1. Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill – Committee Stage

2. International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

3. Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill –           Committee Stage

4. Corrections Amendment Bill – Third Reading

The Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill is being guided through the house by Judith Collins. The aim of the Bill as introduced is to amend the Privacy Act 1993 and the Tax Administration Act 1994 in relation to information sharing by agencies delivering public services to better integrate services, reduce duplication and lower information handling costs across government.

The International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Bill English.  It  provides for New Zealand to recognise the changes to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund.

The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Comissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain. The main aim of the Bill is to extend from 2013 to 2016 the Canterbury Regional Council’s (ECan) governance arrangement and special water management decision-making powers in the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010 (the Act).

The Corrections Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Anne Tolley. The main aim of this Bill is to remove barriers to managing prisoners in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, effective, and efficient.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers.

1. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: What will be the main focus of Budget 2013?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
3. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister of Education: Given the Salvation Army’s State of the Nation report shows a widening education gap between students from wealthier and poorer communities, would she have done anything differently, in hindsight, to better support children in lower decile schools?
4. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Police: What announcements has the Government made on the availability of new technology for frontline Police to help them in their fight against crime?
5. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister for Economic Development:What progress, if any, has the Government made in the area of regional development?
6. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his Budget 2012 statement “We are moving towards growth that is driven by savings, exports, and productive investment in the parts of the economy that trade with the rest of the world”?
7. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Education: What reports has she received on the 2012 NCEA results?
8. JACINDA ARDERN to the Deputy Prime Minister: Does he agree with the Salvation Army whose report states today that “Another year of minimal change in levels of child poverty was matched by little tangible progress being made by the Ministerial Committee on Poverty”; if not, why not?
9. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology: What steps is the Government taking to reduce costs for New Zealanders using their mobile devices overseas?
10. HONE HARAWIRA to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: Does he agree that a Māori and Pacific unemployment rate that has been nearly three times higher than the Pākehā rate for each of the four years of his Government’s time in office signals the failure of the National Governments employment, education, skills and training policies for Māori and Pacific peoples; if not, why not?
11. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all of her decisions as Minister of Education; if not, which, if any, particular decisions does she now regret?
12. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Ethnic Affairs: What is the Government doing to increase the leadership capabilities in youth of ethnic minorities?

Today Labour are asking four questions, The Greens have one question, Mana and NZ First also have one question. Labour are asking about whether the Prime Minister stands by all his statements, Bill English about growth in the economy and child poverty, and Hekia Parata about which decisions as a minister she regrets. The Greens are asking about child poverty, NZ First is asking about regional development and Mana is asking about Maori and Pacific Islander unemployment relative to Pakeha unemployment.

Patsy of the day goes to Melissa Lee for Question 12: What is the Government doing to increase the leadership capabilities in youth of ethnic minorities?

Debate on the Prime Ministers Statement 3.00 PM – 4.10 PM

Speeches of ten minutes, with 1 hour and 10 minutes to go

Valedictory Statement of the Dr Rt Hon Lockwood Smith 5.30 PM – 6.00 PM

Dr Smith has served as an MP  for first the Kaipara electorate and then Rodney since 1984, and has held a number of Cabinet positions; he was Minister of Education from 1990 to 1996 and subsequently served as Minister of Agriculture, Minister for International Trade, and Associate Minister of Finance. Lockwood has been the Speaker of the House from late 2008 until last week. Valedictory speeches are normally 15 minutes in length, but given Lockwood’s long service I expect it will be extended to 30 minutes.

Government Bills 4.10 PM – 5.30 PM and 7.30-10.00 PM

1. Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill – Second Reading

2.Corrections Amendment Bill – Committee Stage

3. Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill – Committe Stage

The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Comissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Chris Tremain. The main aim of the Bill is to extend from 2013 to 2016 the Canterbury Regional Council’s (ECan) governance arrangement and special water management decision-making powers in the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010 (the Act).

The Corrections Amendment Bill is being guided through the house by Anne Tolley. The main aim of this Bill is to remove barriers to managing prisoners in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, effective, and efficient.

The Privacy (Information Sharing) Bill is being guided through the house by Judith Collins. The aim of the Bill as introduced is to amend the Privacy Act 1993 and the Tax Administration Act 1994 in relation to information sharing by agencies delivering public services to better integrate services, reduce duplication and lower information handling costs across government.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers 2.00 PM -3.00PM

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers. 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

1. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “the Government has actively supported the filming of the Hobbit movies in New Zealand because of the enormous economic benefits they are bringing to the country, including the creation of around 3,000 jobs”?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all the statements made in his prime ministerial speeches and in his Address in Reply speeches?
3. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What will be the focus of the Government’s economic programme in 2013?
4. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “I am keen to see New Zealanders to be able to afford to buy a home”, given that the home ownership rate has continued to decline under his watch and home buying is becoming less affordable?
5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Is he aware that anticipated Core Crown Revenue for the period 2012-2016 decreased by $13.2 billion between the October 2011 PREFU and the December 2012 HYEFU; if so, why has the Government lost $13.2 billion in projected revenue in little over a year?
6. COLIN KING to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What recent announcements has the Government made about boosting the number of people being trained in apprenticeships?
7. JACINDA ARDERN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “I am deeply concerned about every child in New Zealand who is in poverty”?
8. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Why didn’t he mention climate change yesterday when he outlined his Government’s priorities for the year in his statement to Parliament?
9. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Prime Minister: Following his decision to appoint a new Minister of Housing, what new policies, if any, does he expect his new Minister to implement to address the growing housing affordability issues in New Zealand?
10. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission: What progress has been made in the repair of homes in Canterbury by the EQR Repair Programme?
11. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of State Services: What were the factors that contributed to the strained relations that resulted in the resignation of Lesley Longstone as Secretary of Education?
12. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Corrections: What steps is the Government taking to improve prisoner employment training in New Zealand prisons?

Today Labour is asking five questions, The Greens have two questions, and New Zealand First have one question. Labour is asking about whether the Prime Minister stands by his statements, twice. Labour is also asking about a loss in projected tax revenue, housing affordability and the resignation of the Secretary of Education, Lesley Longstone. The Greens are asking about housing affordability and climate change. NZ First is asking about job creation by the film, “The Hobbit”.

Patsy of the day goes to  Jacqui Dean for Question 12 : What steps is the Government taking to improve prisoner employment training in New Zealand prisons?

Government Bills 3.00pm -6-00pm and 7.30pm until 10.00pm. 

1. Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill - Third Reading

2. Patents Bill – Third Reading

3. Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters)  Amendment Bill - First Reading

The Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill was read a first time in December 2012 by Bill English. The purpose of this bill is to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2011/12 financial year.

The Patents Bill was read a first time in May 2009 by Simon Power. Craig Foss is now the Minister in charge of the bill. This Bill is designed to replace the Patents Act 1953 and update the New Zealand patent regime to ensure that it continues to provide an appropriate balance between providing adequate incentives for innovation and technology transfer while ensuring that the interests of the public and the interests of Maori in their traditional knowledge are protected.

The Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters)  Amendment Bill is being read a first time by Nathan Guy. This bill implements the Government’s decisions on the regulation of foreign charter vessels following allegations of mistreatment and underpayment of foreign crews.

Questions for Oral Answer.

Questions to Ministers. 2.00pm – 3.00pm.

1. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What progress has the Government made with its economic programme in 2012?
2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his promise to New Zealanders that “I expect high standards from my Ministers … if they don’t meet the standards I set then obviously I will take action if necessary”?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements and have confidence in the statements of all his Ministers?
4. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: How is the Government delivering a strong and effective recovery for greater Christchurch following the earthquakes?
5. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister of Justice: What are the specific “assumptions” based on “incorrect facts” demonstrating some “misunderstanding of New Zealand law” that she alleges are contained in the report of Justice Binnie concerning the application by Mr Bain for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment?
6. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister of Health: What progress has the Government made on its national preventive health targets this year?
7. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Why does he have confidence in the Minister for Whānau Ora?
8. KRIS FAAFOI to the Minister of Police: Is she committed to all of her promises in regards to the New Zealand Police?
9. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Justice: What progress has been made towards achieving Better Public Services across the justice sector?
10. HONE HARAWIRA to the Minister of Education: Does she accept the finding of the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty that a government funded food programme in low-decile schools is a simple, do-able, and low-cost solution to help children in poverty learn and achieve at school, and the recommendation that Government design and implement such a programme; if not, why not?
11. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: Does she believe that her consultation process around the possible closure of residential special schools provided all those affected with an opportunity to have a meaningful say and have that say properly considered; if so, why?
12. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: What progress has the Government made in 2012 to shift the focus of our welfare system to one that is active, work focused and delivers better outcomes for New Zealanders?

Today Labour is asking four questions, the Greens, New Zealand First and Mana have one question each. Labour is asking about if the Prime Minister stands by all his statements, the David Bain compensation report by Justice Binnie of Canada, promises to the Police and the reversal of the decision to close a residential special school. The Greens are asking about standards of conduct for Ministers. Mana is asking about food in schools to combat child poverty.

The final patsy of the day for the year goes to Dr Paul Hutchison for Question 6: What progress has the Government made on its national preventive health targets this year?

Adjournment Debate 3.00pm -5.00pm.

This is the last sitting day for the year, so no bills will be debated. What follows is the adjournment debate, which may go for up to two hours.

Questions for Oral Answer 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “I am deeply concerned about every child in New Zealand who is in poverty”; if so, why has the number of children living in material hardship grown under his watch?
2. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What measures has the Government taken to support vulnerable New Zealanders through the aftermath of the domestic recession and global financial crisis?
3. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: When he said “we don’t want to see any New Zealand child suffer … children don’t get to make choices, they’re often the victim of circumstance” does that mean he will take tangible steps to ensure children don’t suffer because of circumstances beyond their control?
4. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the Minister of Immigration?
5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Compared to 2012, does the Reserve Bank forecast the New Zealand dollar (as measured by the Trade Weighted Index) to strengthen or weaken in the next two years, and does he believe this will make New Zealand exporters more competitive or less competitive?
6. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister for Economic Development: How is the Government encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources to support jobs and grow the economy?
7. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied with the state of children’s health in New Zealand; if not, why not?
8. COLIN KING to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent announcement has he made about Block Offer 2012?
9. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister for the Environment: Does she agree with the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society in relation to freshwater that “failure to act with decisiveness and urgency risks further environmental degradation and erosion of our international environmental reputation”; if not, why not?
10. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister for Building and Construction: How quickly will he respond to the building performance, assessment and construction recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Building Failure caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes?
11. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Building and Construction: What is the Government doing in response to the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission’s full report?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?

Today Labour have five questions, the Greens have two and New Zealand First has one.  Labour are asking about child poverty, the strength of the New Zealand dollar, children’s health, Canterbury building failures and a general question to the Prime Minister on whether he stands by all his statements. The Greens are also asking about child poverty and pollution of freshwater. Winston is asking the Prime Minister if he has confidence in the Minister of Immigration.

Patsy question of the day goes to Colin King for Question 8: What recent announcement has he made about Block Offer 2012?

Government Bills 3.00pm -6-00pm and 7.30pm until 10.00pm. 

1. Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill - Second reading

2. Resource Management Reform Bill - First reading

3.Sale and Supply of Alcohol Bill (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill – Third reading

4.Local Government (Alcohol Reform)  Amendment Bill – Third reading

5.Summary Offences (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Bill – Third reading

The Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill was read a first time in December 2012, introduced to the House last month by Minister of Finance Bill English. The purpose of this bill is to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2011/12 financial year.

The Resource Management Reform Bill is being read for the first time and was introduced by Amy Adams at the beginning of December 2012. The aim of the Bill is to amend the Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA), the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010, and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to delivers some fast, discrete improvements to the consenting regime, provide for the delivery of the first combined plan for Auckland, provide further powers to make regulations, and make technical and operational change.

The Alcohol Reform Bill was introduced by Simon Power in 2010, as the then Minister of Justice. Judith Collins, the current Minister of Justice is now guiding the legislation through the house. The bill implements the Government’s decisions on the reform of alcohol legislation; decisions made in response to the Law Commission’s 2010 report on alcohol. The bill has now been split into three parts, amending three different pieces of legislation.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm -3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

In today’s questions, National MPs are asking five, Labour four, the Greens two, and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking about education, the deficit, the TPP and conflicts of interest. The Greens are asking about the TPP and foreign aid. New Zealand First are asking about PSA.

Patsy of the day goes to Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga for question number 8; What recent update has he received on Transpower’s North Island Grid Upgrade?

Government Bills 3 pm – 6 pm

1. Alchol Reform Bill - Committee stage (continued)
2. Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill - second reading
3. Human Rights Amendment Bill - Interrupted debate on first reading

The Alcohol Reform Bill was introduced by Simon Power in 2010, as the then Minister of Justice. The bill implements the Government’s decisions on the reform of alcohol legislation; decisions made in response to the Law Commission’s 2010 report on alcohol.

The Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill was read a first time on Tuesday, introduced to the House last month by Minister of Finance Bill English. The purpose of this bill is to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2011/12 financial year.

The Legislation Bill was introduced in October last year by Simon Power. This bill enables the establishment of a full-time Disability Rights Commissioner within the Human Rights Commission, and makes changes to the role and structure of the Commission.

Oral Question 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the competiveness of New Zealand’s business sector?
2. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Minister of Trade: Does he stand by his statement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership that “It’s going to be big. It’s going to be significant and it’s going to help New Zealanders find well-paid jobs”; if so, on what evidence does he base this claim?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “…You can trust us. If we say we’re going to do something we do it. If we don’t, we don’t … that’s why I’ve stuck to my guns and I haven’t campaigned on one thing and done something different.”?
4. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement regarding investor state disputes procedures proposed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement that “An exclusion solely for Australia and not for everybody else is unlikely to be something we would support”; if so, why?
5. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What progress has the Government made to improve the viability of the Student Loan Scheme?
6. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: How many times, if any, has the Transition to Work Grant, or similar funds, been used by Work and Income New Zealand to purchase tickets to Australia for job seekers who have found work there?
7. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister for Primary Industries: What announcements has he recently made on boosting innovation in the New Zealand primary sector?
8. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement regarding migration to Australia “What’s the point of standing in the airport crying about it?”; if so, how many people have left permanently for Australia since he took office in November 2008?
9. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has she made on the Expert Advisory Group on Information Security, who will oversee the development of the initiatives in the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children?
10. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with all of the statements the Prime Minister has made regarding food in schools?
11. MOJO MATHERS to the Associate Minister of Health: Other than the LD50 test, will he rule out other animal tests for the pending psychoactive substances testing regime?
12. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What progress is the Government making with rebuilding and repairing residential homes in Christchurch?

Today National is asking five questions, Labour four, Greens two and New Zealand First one. Labour is asking about trust, the  Transition to Work grant, people moving to Australia and food in schools. The Greens are asking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and animal testing.  New Zealand First is also asking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

Patsy of the day goes to Shane Ardern for Question 7: What announcements has he recently made on boosting innovation in the New Zealand primary sector?

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

1. Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) -First reading

2. Callaghan Innovation Bill - Third reading

3. Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill - First reading

4. Public Finance (Fiscal Responsibility) Amendment Bill - First reading

5. Criminal Procedure Legislation Bill - First reading

The  Appropriation (2011/12 Financial Review) Bill was introduced by Bill English in November 2012. The purpose of this bill is to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2011/12 financial year.

The Callaghan Innovation Bill (formerly the  Advanced Technology Institute Bill) was introduced by Steven Joyce in September 2012. The aim of this bill is to establish a new statutory Crown entity, the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), with the purpose of supporting businesses, primarily in the manufacturing sector and services sector, to improve their competitiveness and growth through science and technology-based innovation and its commercialisation.

The Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill was introduced by Judith Collins in November 2012. This bill implements the Government’s decisions resulting from a review of the Family Court conducted by the Ministry of Justice.

The Public Finance (Fiscal Responsibility) Amendment Bill was introduced by Bill English in August 2012.  The aim of this Bill is to amend the “fiscal responsibility provisions” of the Public Finance Act 1989 (the Act) to “ensure” that they “continue to be a sound guide for fiscal policy”.

The Criminal Procedure Legislation Bill was introduced by Chester Borrows in October 2012. This Bill contains technical amendments required to ensure that the legislative intent of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (the 2011 Act), and related legislation arising from the dividing of the Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill, is made clear and can be applied as intended by the judiciary, prosecutors, and defence counsel. Additionally, without the greater specificity and clarity provided by the proposed amendments, the full and effective implementation of the 2011 Act and the benefits sought to be achieved may not be fully realised.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister for Social Development: When she said in her response to the 2010 Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence, that it was important to “consider future funding options to ensure the sector has greater certainty”, did she intend for that to mean funding may be cut?
2. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Finance: What contribution is the screen industry making to the New Zealand economy?
3. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: What advice has he received about a new agreement between the New Zealand Government and China Southern Airlines in respect of visa processing?
4. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement on rheumatic fever that “Tackling this disease is something I am personally championing. It’s so important to achieve results in this area, that I’ve made it one of our top 10 results areas”?
5. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Health: What progress is the Government making on the national health targets?
6. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Education: What evidence, if any, has she received that creating bigger, super schools in Christchurch will benefit students and their communities?
7. MIKE SABIN to the Minister for Social Development: How is the Government supporting communities to make a difference for New Zealand’s most vulnerable children?
8. IAIN LEES-GALLOWAY to the Minister of Defence: Has he read all the Defence Force reports regarding the accident involving a RNZAF Iroquois on ANZAC Day 2010; if so, what action has he taken?
9. Hon Dr NICK SMITH to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What is the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s recently released interim report on fracking?
10. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied that his health targets are working for those that need them the most?
11. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Education: What is the Government doing to raise educational achievement for Pasifika students?
12. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Associate Minister of Education: What is the difference between a trial and a test when it comes to ICT systems in light of his answer to a supplementary question on Oral Question No 10 yesterday?

Today National is asking five questions, Labour four, Greens two and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking about rheumatic fever policy,  Defence Force accidents, health targets and Novopay.  The Greens are asking about sexual violence  treatment funding and Christchurch schools. New Zealand First are asking about the China Southern Airlines special visas.

Patsy of the day goes to Nikki Kaye for Question 11: What is the Government doing to raise educational achievement for Pasifika students?

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

1. Advanced Technology Institute Bill-Committee stage  (cont.)

2. Financial Reporting Bill - First reading

3. State Sector and Public Finance Reform Bill – First reading

4. Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill  - Third reading

The Advanced Technology Institute Bill was introduced by Steven Joyce in September 2012. The aim of this bill is to establish a new statutory Crown entity, the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), with the purpose of supporting businesses, primarily in the manufacturing sector and services sector, to improve their competitiveness and growth through science and technology-based innovation and its commercialisation.

The Financial Reporting Bill was introduced by Craig Foss in July 2012. The aim of this Bill is to repeal and replace the Financial Reporting Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and, in particular, to continue the External Reporting Board and define its functions and powers, provide for the issue of financial reporting standards and auditing and assurance standards and provide for auditor qualifications and other standard provisions relating to financial reporting duties under other enactments

The State Sector and Public Finance Reform Bill was introduced in August 2012. This bill amends the main statutes governing the management of the State sector and public finances in New Zealand.

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was introduced by David Carter in May 2012. It aims to reform the law relating to local government in New Zealand by amending the Local Government Act 2002

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm.

Questions to Ministers

1. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to address the long-standing problem of housing affordability in New Zealand?
2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that the Household Labour Force Survey shows that “over the last four years, the number of jobs in manufacturing is roughly about the same”, given that the survey shows employment in manufacturing has declined by 31,600 in the four years to September 2012?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “Yes, there is a housing issue in New Zealand”?
4. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister for Whānau Ora: Is the Whānau Integration, Innovation and Engagement Fund open to individuals who do not have New Zealand citizenship or residency; if so, how many non-residents have received grants from the Fund since 2010?
5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he accept the findings of the most recent Household Labour Force Survey that show the unemployment rate at its highest level in 13 years; if not, why not?
6. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of State Services: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding public service office accommodation in Wellington?
7. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: What projections, if any, have been done on the impact of his amendments to the Emissions Trading Scheme on forestry?
8. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Housing: Does he agree with all of the Prime Minister’s statements on housing?
9. Hon PETER DUNNE to the Minister of Transport: What factors led to the Government announcement last Wednesday to proceed with the construction of the Transmission Gully Highway as a public-private partnership?
10. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Associate Minister of Education: Was he aware, before he signed off on the decision for Novopay to go live, that the Ministry of Education’s survey of trial Novopay users found only 37 percent of them believed they were ready for its introduction; if not, why not?
11. MELISSA LEE to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs: What is the Government doing to help veterans attend significant commemorations of their service?
12. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Was the subject of Kim Dotcom raised in his recent discussion with US President Barack Obama; if so, by whom?

Today National is asking three questions, Labour five, Greens two,  New Zealand First and United Future have one each. Labour are asking about housing twice, unemployment, the Novopay issue and Kim Dotocom. The Greens are asking about unemployment in manufacturing and the effect of the Emissions Trading Scheme on forestry.  New Zealand First is asking about Whanau Ora. United Future are asking about the construction of Transmission Gully.

Patsy of the day goes to Chris Auchinvole for Question 6: What recent announcements has the Government made regarding public service office accommodation in Wellington?

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

1. Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill - Committee stage (cont.)

2. Advanced Technology Institute Bill – Committee stage (cont.)

3. Legislation Bill- Committee stage

4. International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill -Committee stage (cont.)

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was introduced by David Carter in May 2012. It aims to reform the law relating to local government in New Zealand by amending the Local Government Act 2002

The Advanced Technology Institute Bill was introduced by Steven Joyce in September 2012. The aim of this bill is to establish a new statutory Crown entity, the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), with the purpose of supporting businesses, primarily in the manufacturing sector and services sector, to improve their competitiveness and growth through science and technology-based innovation and its commercialisation

The Legislation Bill was introduced by Chris Finlayson in June 2010. The aim of this Bill is to modernise and improve the law relating to the publication, availability, reprinting, revision, and official versions of legislation and to bring this law together in a single piece of legislation

The International Finance Agreements Amendment Bill was introduced by Bill English in October 2011. This Bill, which amends the International Finance Agreements Act 1961 (the Act), provides for New Zealand to recognise changes to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (the Articles), which are the governing documents of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

[DPF comment: Very interesting that the lead question from the Government isn't a patsy, but on housing affordability - presumably reflecting a belief that Labour's policy is full of glaring holes and doesn't add up. I approve. I think the Government should use more of its questions to attack the Opposition's dopey policies, rather than patsies to Ministers]

Oral Questions 2.00 pm -3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How many Modern Apprenticeships were being undertaken as at December 2011, and what percentage increase or decrease is this compared with December 2008?
2. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Health: Does the Government believe that it is acceptable that two out of three Māori and Pacific Island diabetics die from diabetic complications, compared to one in three Pakeha diabetics; and what actions has he taken to reduce the inequities in light of fresh predictions that by 2020 one in six Māori and Pasifika adults will have diabetes?
3. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on progress in lifting New Zealanders’ household savings and reducing household debt?
4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Has the Government changed its position in relation to the recommendations of the Pure Advantage green growth reports given its rejection of Pure Advantage’s first report?
5. MARK MITCHELL to the Minister for Social Development: How will the new Child Protect Line, discussed in the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children, better protect New Zealand’s children?
6. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Immigration: What assurances can he give that international criminals will not be entering New Zealand through the China Southern Airlines frequent flyer scheme?
7. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Associate Minister of Education: Does he take ministerial responsibility for the problems with the Novopay system; if not, why not?
8. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister for the Environment: What recent announcements has she made in relation to the Community Environment Fund?
9. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree with the Pure Advantage report released today that “green growth represents a huge opportunity for all Kiwis to prosper”; if so, what will he do to put New Zealand on a green growth pathway?
10. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Associate Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to ensure the ongoing provision of hospice services in our communities?
11. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by all his statements about manufacturing in New Zealand?
12. SCOTT SIMPSON to the Associate Minister of Transport: What progress can he report on the Government’s Vehicle Licensing Reform Project?

In today’s questions, National MPs are asking five, Labour four, the Greens one, the Maori Party one and New Zealand First one. Labour are asking about apprenticeships, the Pure Advantage report and education. The Greens are also asking about the Pure Advantage report. New Zealand First are asking about visitors’ visas, again, having used their one question yesterday on a similar issue. The Maori Party is asking about diabetes.

Patsy of the day goes to Mark Mitchell for question number 5; How will the new Child Protect Line, discussed in the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children, better protect New Zealand’s children?

Sitting Hours

Sitting hours for the House were extended and the House sat from 9 am to 1 pm today. This was for the third readings for the Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Bill and the Ngati Whatua Orakei Claims Settlement Bill.

Government Bills 3 pm – 6 pm

1. Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill – third reading
2. Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill – second reading
3. Legislation Bill – Committee stage (continued)

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill was introduced by Simon Power in 2010, as the then Minister of Justice. The Bill amends the principle Act to restore the rank of Queen’s Counsel (QC) and restrict eligibility for appointment to that rank, amend the provisions relating to a conveyancing practitioner holding non-voting shares of an incorporated law firm and require the power of attorney which a lawyer or conveyancing practitioner in sole practice must give to enable the donee to conduct the practice as an agent during any periods in which the lawyer or conveyancing practitioner is an undischarged bankrupt.

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was introduced to the House in May by David Carter. The sets about implementing the first half of the eight policy goals described in former Minister Nick Smith’s Bettter Local Government document.

The Legislation Bill was read a first time in 2010, introduced by Chris Finlayson. The purpose of this bill is to modernise and improve the law relating to the publication, availability, reprinting, revision, and official versions of legislation in a single piece of legislation.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that the Household Labour Force Survey is “the most rigorous form of measuring employment in the economy”; if so, what were the Survey’s results for unemployment for the last four quarters?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he still think his Government is “on the right track”?
3. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What progress is the Government making in getting back to surplus and reducing future borrowing?
4. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development:Does she stand by all her answers to Oral Question No 9 yesterday?
5. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Immigration: Is he satisfied that Immigration New Zealand’s visitor visa processing system is robust and effective; if so, why?
6. MIKE SABIN to the Minister for Social Development: What further announcements has she made on the Children’s Teams, part of the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children?
7. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Is he satisfied that the policy initiatives undertaken by his Ministry are adequately tackling the problem of unemployment; if not, why not?
8. DENISE ROCHE to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: Was he referring to the SkyCity Convention Centre, which is the subject of an inquiry by the Auditor-General, when he told the House, “in relation to the International Convention Centre, they have sought to stop, which is the reason right now for 1,000 less jobs in this country”?
9. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Associate Minister of Education: Does he stand by his statement “Yes I do have confidence in Novopay”?
10. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Corrections: What steps has the Government taken to protect communities from high-risk offenders?
11. DARIEN FENTON to the Acting Minister of Labour: When will he begin the process of consulting on the minimum wage for 2013?
12. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How many New Zealanders have applied for a passport online since the launch of the Online Passport Renewal Service?

Today there are five questions from Labour, four from National, two from the Greens and one from NZ First. There are also two Members Questions regarding the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill from Green MP Denise Roche.

Labour are asking on welfare reforms, Novopay, the state of the economy and twice on employment. The Greens are asking on employment and SkyCity, and NZ First are asking on visitors’ visas.

Patsy of the day goes to Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi for Question 12; How many New Zealanders have applied for a passport online since the launch of the Online Passport Renewal Service?

Private and Local Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Waitaki District Council Reserves and Other Land Empowering Bill – second reading
2. South Taranaki District Council (Cold Creek Rural Water Supply) Bill – second reading

1. Land Transport (Admissibility of Evidential Breath Tests) Amendment Bill – interrupted debate on first reading
2. Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Bill – first reading
3. Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill – first reading

The Waitaki District Council Reserves and Other Land Empowering Bill was introduced by Jacqui Dean and revokes the reservation of Part Lot 7, DP 6425 (the Palmerston Showgrounds) under the Reserves Act 1977 and vests ownership of the land in the Waitaki District Council absolutely.

The South Taranaki District Council (Could Creek Rural Water Supply) Bill was introduced by Chester Borrows and  seeks to establish a process by which the council may obtain the authority to transfer the Cold Creek Rural Water Supply Scheme to Cold Creek Community Water Supply Limited.

The Land Transport (Admissibility of Evidential Breath Tests) Amendment Bill was introduced by Scott Simpson  and amends the Land Transport Act 1998 to broaden the circumstances where a positive evidential breath test is admissible evidence in a prosecution under the Act. Under present law a positive evidential breath test is not admissible in evidence if the suspect has elected to have a blood test.

The Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Bill will be introduced by Jacqui Dean and aims to encourage compliance with enactments administered by the Department of Conservation by increasing penalties to better protect natural and historic resources and protected wildlife. The main changes the Bill makes to the existing law are to both increase the penalties, and implement a consistent approach to penalties across the main enactments administered by the Department of Conservation.

The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill will be introduced by Metiria Turei. The purpose of this Bill is to ensure that the proceeds of crime spent in, and laundered through, casinos are returned to those from whom they have been stolen or acquired.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers

1. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government’s economic programme helping New Zealand families by increasing savings, keeping interest rates low and minimising cost of living pressures?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on jobs and employment?
3. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements have been made as part of the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children to take stronger action against child abusers?
4. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “What we do environmentally matters a great deal, but we also want jobs and we also want to make sure we’re not prioritising that over everything else. I think we’ve got that balance about right”?
5. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent announcement has been made about Block Offer 2013?
6. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: Was the Prime Minister correct when he said on 12 October 2012 that “our unemployment rate’s not rising”; if so, why?
7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement in September 2010 that “there is no doubt that unemployment has peaked”?
8. TODD McCLAY to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: What steps is he taking to ensure the environmental integrity of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme?
9. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement that “the Government is taking an active, work-based approach” to her welfare reforms?
10. BARBARA STEWART to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied that District Health Boards have done enough to promote understanding of the Pharmacy Services Agreement?
11. Dr JACKIE BLUE to the Minister of Health: What is the Government doing to promote awareness and support those with hepatitis C?
12. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Has he received any advice on the impact on New Zealand trade resulting from his decision not to sign up to the Second Commitment Period under the Kyoto Protocol; if so, what was it?

Today there are five questions from National, four from Labour, two from the Greens and one from NZ First.

Labour are asking on welfare reforms, the environment, and twice on employment. The Greens are asking on employment and the Kyoto Protocol, and NZ First are asking on the Pharmacy Services Agreement.

Patsy of the day goes to Katrina Shanks for Q1: How is the Government’s economic programme helping New Zealand families by increasing savings, keeping interest rates low and minimising cost of living pressures?

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

1. Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill – committee stage
2. Electronic Identity Verification Bill – committee stage
3. Identity Information Confirmation Bill – committee stage
4. Legislation Bill – committee stage (cont.)
5. Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill – second reading

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill was introduced by Judith Collins and restores the rank of QC as well as restricting eligibility for that rank to barristers sole. It passed its second reading by 63 votes to 56. Labour, the Greens, NZ First and Mana all voted against.

The Electronic Identity Verification Bill and Identity Information Confirmation Bill were introduced by Chris Tremain and  set out the regulatory framework for the administration and application of the new “RealMe” online identity verification service. It passed its second reading with unanimous support.

The Legislation Bill was introduced by Chris Finlayson to modernise and improve the law relating to the publication, availability, reprinting, revision, and official versions of legislation and to bring this law together in a single piece of legislation. It passed its second reading with unanimous support.

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was introduced by David Carter and amends the principal Act’s purpose to explicitly target cost-effectiveness, as well as making a raft of other amendments relating to the operation of local government. It barely passed its first reading by 61 votes to 59, with  Labour, the Greens, NZ First, the Māori Party and Mana all voting against. The Local Government and Environment Committee reported it back to the House on 30 October.

EDIT: Have changed the post to reflect that the Legislation Bill committee stage is the only one of the four that is being continued – I had inaccurately labelled the other three as continued. – speters

Questions for Oral Answer 2.00pm 3.00pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR to the Prime Minister: Did Hon Kate Wilkinson have Ministerial responsibility for the departmental errors during her term as Minister of Labour which partially contributed to the deaths of 29 miners at Pike River?
2. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to support jobs as part of its programme to build a more productive and competitive economy?
3. RICHARD PROSSER to the Minister for Primary Industries:Does he have confidence in the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries?
4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: What are the estimated costs to the taxpayer resulting from the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill?
5. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development:Does she stand by all her statements relating to the departure of the Ministry of Social Development Deputy Chief Executive, Janet Grossman?
6. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister of Science and Innovation:How is the Government using science to address some of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand?
7. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Transport: What assurances did Hon Steven Joyce give Snapper CEO Miki Szikszai in relation to Snapper’s participation in the Auckland integrated ticketing arrangement when they met on 3 March 2012?
8. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister of Justice: What is the Government doing to further protect victims from their attackers?
9. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology: What percentage of New Zealand homes did the Government commit in 2008 would be connected to Ultra Fast Broadband within 10 years?
10. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister of Health: What progress is the Government making on improving the regulation of natural health products?
11. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister of Health: Does he regard the input and engagement of clinicians and the public to be critical to the achievement of his targets for DHB performance?
12. TRACEY MARTIN to the Minister of Education: Is she satisfied with the way schools are funded?

Today there are four questions to ministers from National, four from Labour, two from the Greens and two from New Zealand First.

Labour is asking about Pike River and the Ministerial Responsibility relating to the tragedy, the departure of an Ministry of Social Development Deputy Chief Executive, Snapper’s participation in the Auckland integrated ticketing and the Ultra Fast Broadband roll out.  The Greens are asking about the Emissions Trading Scheme and DHB Performance. NZ First are asking about the Ministry for Primary Industries and school funding.

Patsy of the day goes to Shane Adern for Q.10  What progress is the Government making on improving the regulation of natural health products?

Government Bills 4.00pm to 6.00pm and 7.30pm to 10.00pm.

1. Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. (Third Reading, Continued)

2. Advanced Technology Institute Bill.  (Second Reading)

3. State Sector and Public Finance Reform Bill.  (First Reading)

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill  is being guided through its Third Reading by Tim Groser. The aim of this Bill is to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (the Act) to modify the emissions trading scheme (ETS), provide further regulation-making powers and to make “technical and operational changes.

The Advanced Technology Institute Bill was first introduced by Steven Joyce in September 2012. The aim of this Bill is to establish a new statutory Crown entity, the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), with the purpose of supporting businesses, primarily in the manufacturing sector and services sector, to improve their competitiveness and growth through science and technology-based innovation and its commercialisation.

The State Sector and Public Finance Reform Billis being introduced for the first time by Jonathan Coleman. This bill amends the main statutes governing the management of the State sector and public finances in New Zealand.

Oral Questions 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Questions to Ministers

1. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his answer on Tuesday regarding jobs “I think that the number of 170,000 may come from the initial Budget forecast for 2009, perhaps. I cannot remember the year exactly.”?
2. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Given the recent loss of Māori Party support for his Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, will he consider working with opposition parties on amendments to improve it?
3. LOUISE UPSTON to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government’s infrastructure programme contributing to building a more competitive economy?
4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he agree with the NZIER shadow board that “the growth outlook for the second half of 2012 looks weak and unemployment remains stubbornly high.”?
5. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has she made to review Child Youth and Family’s complaints process?
6. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: What progress has been made in the delivery of the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project announced in April of this year with an extra $11.3 million provided to support it?
7. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister for the Environment: What reports has she received on the time taken for decisions on notified consents issued under the Resource Management Act 1991?
8. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Why did New Zealand pull out of a joint proposal with the United States to create a marine reserve in Antarctica’s Ross Sea?
9. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by the answers he gave yesterday to supplementary question 5 on Oral Question No 7 and supplementary question 3 on Oral Question No 12?
10. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What progress has the Government made to support repairing damaged houses and infrastructure following the Canterbury earthquakes?
11. SUE MORONEY to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement on 3News last night, on the subject of Business New Zealand’s assertion that women need retraining when returning to employment after extended parental leave that “no. It wouldn’t be my view”?
12. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister of Immigration: What is the Government doing to ensure that New Zealanders have first priority for jobs in the Canterbury rebuild?

Today there are 5 questions towards ministers from National, 4 from Labour, 2 from the Greens and 1 from New Zealand First

Labour are asking about the jobs forecast in budget 2012, economic growth and unemployment, youth mental health and paid parental leave.

Green’s are asking about the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill and Marine Reserves in the Ross Sea.

New Zealand First are asking the Prime Minister about answers he gave in regards to Kim Dot Com in Parliament on Wednesday. In particular the answer he gave to question 7.

“When did he first learn of a German resident living in the Chrisco mansion in the Prime Minister’s electorate?” 

Pasty of the day

Today’s pasty of the day goes to question 7 from National asking about reports received on consents issued under the RMA

“JACQUI DEAN to the Minister for the Environment: What reports has she received on the time taken for decisions on notified consents issued under the Resource Management Act 1991?”

Government Bills 3.00pm to 6.00pm

1) Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill- 2nd reading – 12x 10 min speeches – 3.00pm to 4.00pm

This bill is designed to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 which deals with the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in New Zealand via proposed changes including operational and technical changes to the ETS as a result of the review of the scheme conducted in 2011. One of the proposed changes is the intention to remove the requirement for our agriculture sector to be involved in the scheme from 2015. In addition, the bill gives forest owners more flexibility especially for forests planted before 1990.

2) Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill- 3rd reading – 12x 10 min speeches – 4.00pm to 5.00pm

This bill is designed to set the tax rates for the 2012/2013 year as well as minor changes to the filling and storage of tax returns. In addition, it amends acts such as the Kiwisaver Act 2006

3) Financial Markets Conduct Bill- 2nd reading – 12x 10 min speeches – 5.00pm to 6.00pm

This bill is designed to merge several other pieces of legislation into one act with the primary purpose of the bill is to promote  confidence in the financial markets for investors, business and customers of financial services products. In addition, this bill contains sections on how financial services products can be sold and adds additional regulation to people working in this sector including new rules for misleading or false statements.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm -3.00 pm

Questions to ministers.

1. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: What measures has the Government taken to support families through the global financial crisis?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement on asset sales “It’s a minor delay, but in the overall scheme of things, sometimes the longest way home is the fastest way home”; if so, is he still confident that his asset sales schedule is on track?
3. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister for Economic Development: What is the Government doing to encourage businesses to invest, and grow jobs?
4. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development:Does she have confidence in Work and Income’s approach to privacy and the security of information?
5. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement, “We’re not environmental bandits. If we don’t believe drilling can take place in a way that is environmentally sustainable and wouldn’t put at undue risk the environment, we wouldn’t go with it.”; if so, why?
6. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA to the Associate Minister of Education: How many teachers and support staff were incorrectly paid in the latest pay cycle and what is the total amount of outstanding pay still owed to teachers and support staff due to errors in the Novopay system?
7. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: When did he first learn of a German resident living in the Chrisco mansion in the Prime Minister’s electorate?
8. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development: What changes will the White Paper for Vulnerable Children make to better support professionals working with children?
9. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Education: Will any newly merged or reopened schools in Christchurch be expected to use some community facilities that are ordinarily provided on-site at a school?
10. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Prime Minister: When will he be informed of the Inspector-General’s findings concerning the three cases where the Government Communications Security Bureau has been unable to assure him that its actions have been lawful, and how will he communicate those findings to the House?
11. Dr JIAN YANG to the Minister for ACC: How will the Government improve accidental injury outcomes for under-six-year-olds?
12. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Has Hon John Banks satisfied the Cabinet Manual requirement of upholding the highest ethical standards in his political and personal capacity?

Today there are four questions to Ministers from National, five from Labour, two from the Greens and one from NZ First.

Labour are asking about asset sales, Work and Income information security, the teacher payroll system, the GCSB and John Banks. The Greens are asking about deep sea oil drilling ,the Christchurch schools restructuring and NZ First is asking about Kim Dotcom.

Patsy of the day goes to Dr Jian Yang for Q.11: How will the Government improve accidental injury outcomes for under-six-year-olds?

General Debate  Twelve five minute speeches

Government Bills 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm

1. Alcohol Reform Bill-Committee Stage (continued)

2.Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill (Third Reading)

3. Financial Markets Conduct Bill  (Second Reading)

The Alcohol Reform Bill seeks to implement the Government’s decisions on the reform of alcohol legislation; decisions made in response to the Law Commission’s 2010 report on alcohol. Specifically, it seeks to limit the sale of alcohol from grocery stores and creates an offence of being on licensed premises outside of licensed hours.

The Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill sets the annual income tax rates for the 2012/13 year, introduces amendments to the requirements for filing and storing of tax returns and amends other acts and regulations such as the KiwiSaver Act 2006.

The Financial Markets Conduct Bill was first introduced into the house last year under the former Minister of Commerce Simon Power, and is now being guided through the house by Craig Foss.  It seeks to reform the regulation of financial market conduct to promote confident and informed participation in New Zealand’s financial markets.