Kiwiblog

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: At his meeting with the boss of American oil giant Anadarko in November 2011, was the issue of making deep sea oil drilling a permitted activity under the EEZ legislation raised?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement “we’re trying to change the economic picture to encourage more New Zealanders to stay”; if so, how many people have migrated to Australia since he took office?
3. SCOTT SIMPSON to the Minister of Finance: What steps are being taken to improve housing affordability, as part of the Government’s wider economic programme?
4. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement regarding Australia that “It has been a bit of a safety valve for jobs for people who can’t find jobs here”; if so, what advice, if any, has he received on the effects of emigration on the level of unemployment in New Zealand?
5. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has she made on ensuring those working with children recognise and report suspected child abuse, as part of the Government’s White Paper for Vulnerable Children?
6. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister of Education: Will she extend the consultation timeframe for Christchurch schools which are proposed to be merged or closed, to enable them to fully engage with their communities; if not, why not?
7. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister of Education: What steps is the Government taking to ensure meaningful consultation with school communities in Greater Christchurch?
8. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Prime Minister: Since he assumed ministerial responsibility for it, has the Government Communications Security Bureau undertaken surveillance of any person who is a citizen or resident of New Zealand, other than Mr Kim Dotcom?
9. Dr CAM CALDER to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress has been made on the introduction of a comprehensive clinical assessment tool for older people in rest homes?
10. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Does he stand by his comment of 17 October 2012 that, “We need to make sure that New Zealand continues to do its fair share, alongside other countries, to combat the effects of climate change…”?
11. MIKE SABIN to the Minister of Customs: What is the Government doing to combat the smuggling of precursors used to manufacture methamphetamine?
12. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Minister of Finance: Is reducing the current account deficit a priority for the Government?

Questions to Members

1. DENISE ROCHE to the Member in charge of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill: Why did the member draft the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill?
2. DENISE ROCHE to the Member in charge of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill: What is the purpose of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 (Application to Casinos) Amendment Bill?

Today there are five questions to Ministers from National, four from Labour, two from the Greens and one from NZ First. Denise Roche of the Greens is asking two questions to Metiria Turei on her casino bill.

Labour are asking on the economy and Australia twice, Christchurch schools, and Dotcom. The Greens are asking on deep sea drilling and climate change, and NZ First are asking on the current account deficit.

Patsy of the day goes to Scott Simpson for Q3: What steps are being taken to improve housing affordability, as part of the Government’s wider economic programme?

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

1. Alcohol Reform Bill – committee stage (cont)
2. Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill– third reading
3. Legislation Bill – committee stage

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 Legislation Bill was introduced by Chris Finlayson in 2010 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.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

Labour MPs are asking five of today’s questions, National four, the Greens two and New Zealand First one. Patsy of the day goes to Tau Henare’s Question 10 – How successful has SmartGate technology been at processing passengers at the border?

There are three questions relating to education, all from opposition MPs, whilst the remaining questions cover a range of topics. Eugenie Sage follows up a recent New Zealand Herald story regarding water quality in New Zealand’s rivers, whilst the GCSB, Christchurch rebuild, starting out wage and Ministry of Social Development also feature. Winston Peters’ will presumambly be placing pressure on John Key over the correction the Prime Minister gave at the opening of the House on Tuesday. 

Government Bills 3 pm – 6 pm

1. Education Amendment Bill - First Reading

2. Minimum Wage (Starting-out Wage) Amendment Bill – First Reading

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

The Education Amendment Bill will be introduced by Hekia Parata. The Bill sets out the necessary legal framework for the introduction of charter or “Partnership” schools into the schooling network, alongside state schools and private schools. The Bill also allows the Ministry of Education to assign a National Student Number to children at a much younger age, the aim of which is to foster childhood education at a younger age.

The Minimum Wage (Starting-out Wage) Amendment Bill amends the Minimum Wage Act 1983 through changes to the Order-in-Council provisions. These include introducing the ability to set 1 or more starting-out rates of wages (payable at not less than 80% of the minimum adult rate of wages) 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. If passed, the changes proposed by the Bill will come into effect on 1 April 2013. This Bill is being introduced by Kate Wilkinson.

Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill, introduced by Peter Dunne, makes amendments to various Acts, including the Income Tax Act 2007, the Tax Administration Act 1994, the Goods and Services Act 1985 and the KiwiSaver Act 2006. The Bill proposes to remove the requirement for the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to issue personal tax summary (PTS) forms to certain taxpayers; instead, these taxpayers would be required to file tax. Individuals filing a tax return will also have previous years taken into account, to prevent, “cherry picking” whereby individuals only file a return when they are owed a refund. The Bill proposes that tax returns have tax obligations reconciled for each of the previous four tax years.

Oral Questions 2pm – 3pm

Questions to Ministers

1. PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to support new jobs and build a productive and competitive economy?

2. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister responsible for the GCSB: Specifically, have there been staff issues associated with the Government Communications Security Bureau and Dotcom affair brought to his attention by the Government Communications Security Bureau or members of the New Zealand Police, in which such staff members no longer work in their previous capacity for the Government Communications Security Bureau or any government agency; if so, what were the circumstances?

3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Further to his answers to the first supplementary question to Oral Question No 1 on 26 September and the first supplementary question to Oral Question No 1 yesterday, does he now know on what date the Government Communications Security Bureau was first told that its surveillance of Kim Dotcom was illegal?

4. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Social Development: What recent announcements has she made regarding providing extra financial assistance to grandparents raising grandchildren and other kin-carers?

5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: When he said yesterday that with a “relatively high” exchange rate, our exporters “have been sufficiently resilient to be able to grow export volumes and value” did he mean that all export sectors have been growing, and according to Statistics New Zealand, in 2008 dollars what is the percentage change in exports of simply and elaborately transformed manufactured goods from the 2008 to 2012 financial years?

6. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement, in response to a question about whether he will support my Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill that “she wants to give the same millionaires yet more money to raise their kids”?

7. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister for Primary Industries: What progress can he report on the Primary Growth Partnership Initiative?

8. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: What vulnerabilities were identified in the report prepared by Dimension Data on the security of the Work and Income kiosks?

9. Dr JACKIE BLUE to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received on improving the quality and efficiency of health services?

10. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Broadcasting: How does he ensure that the legislative requirement for TVNZ to provide high-quality content that reflects Māori perspectives is reflected in the programming strategy for TV1 and TV2?

11. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: Is she confident that the information she relied upon in deciding on proposals for school closures and mergers in Christchurch was robust and reliable; if so, why?

12. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What reports has he received on the availability of insurance cover to support the rebuilding of Canterbury following the seismic events?

Questions to Members

1. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Member in charge of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill: Is the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill a “snake oil solution that would achieve nothing”?

2. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Member in charge of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill: What are the flaws in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989 that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill seeks to address?

3. ANDREW WILLIAMS to the Member in charge of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill: What other functions will the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill seek to include in section 8 of the principal Act?

Today there are four questions to Ministers from Labour, five from National, one from the Greens and the Maori Party and 1 from NZ First. In addition, Andrew Williams is asking three questions to Rt Hon Winston Peters on his Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill.

Labour are asking about the GCSB, Exchange Rate/ Export Growth, Christchurch School Closures and the MSD Kiosk security breach.

The Greens are asking about Metiria Turei’s Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill which plans to extend the In Work Tax credit to non workers. Expect a answer along the lines of “On Planet Key/Labour …………………”

NZ First will be asking about the GCSB security case involving Kim Dot Com and most likely about the tape that suggests John Key talking about Kim Dot Com to GCSB Staff. Expect fireworks between the Speaker and Winston today on this issue.

Finally, The Maori Party will be asking about broadcasting and how the law ensures Maori perspectives are shown on TVNZ stations.

General Debate 3pm – 4pm

12 x 5 Min speeches on anything.

Private and Local Bills 4pm – 6pm & 7.30-8.00pm

1. Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act Repeal Bill – Second reading

This Bill is on it’s 2nd reading after returning from the Local Government and Environment Select Committee on 19th September. The bill seeks to repeal the Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act 1975 which allowed for the Bay of Plenty Harbour Board the ability to transfer parts of the Seabed in Tauranga Harbour. Since the passing of the Foreshore and Seabed Endowment Revesting Act 1991, this act has  no legal effect and seeks to remove it.

2. Riccarton Bush Amendment Bill – Second reading

This bill is designed to reform the governance arrangements for The Riccarton Bush Trustees board and to give it more ability in the modern times to be able to manage the Riccarton House and Bush in Christchurch. This bill is expected to pass without too much trouble.

* Expect both of these bills to be used as filibusters today *

Members Bills – 8pm to 10pm

1. Local Government (Council-Controlled Organisations) Amendment Bill – Interrupted debate on first reading

This bill seeks to add Port companies eg Ports of Auckland which are currently excluded in the Local Government Act 2002 to the list of companies and Council- Controlled Organisations which are able to be subjected to requests for information under the Official Information Act and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

2. Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Amending Primary Function of Bank) Amendment Bill – First reading

This Bill is intended to amend the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989 to change the primary function of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to focus on things other than inflation to determine the official interest Rate. This can include things such as the exchange rate, employment, value of the dollar and other factors.

Expect this bill to fail at first reading, if they get to it..

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements in relation to Kim Dotcom and the inquiry into the actions of the Government Communications Security Bureau?
2. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister for Social Development: Does she have confidence that the Ministry of Social Development can keep private information it holds confidential?
3. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister of Finance: What are the main features of the Government’s plan to build a more competitive economy based on more savings, higher exports and less debt?
4. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Has the Ministry of Social Development competently managed the private information in its charge?
5. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development: What children will the White Paper for Vulnerable Children be targeting?
6. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: What specific criteria were used to determine whether a school in Christchurch was identified for restoration, consolidation or rejuvenation?
7. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister responsible for the GCSB: What were the dates of the three cases that the Government Communications Security Bureau audit highlighted, because they could not assure him “that the legal position is totally clear”, as referred to in his statement of 3 October 2012?
8. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his answer to my Question for Written Answer 3326 (2012)?
9. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister of Civil Defence: Why did he reject the independent Civil Defence Emergency Management earthquake review’s recommendation, which was made in response to the finding that duplication of control was “not only inefficient but put people and property at risk”, and that “the same situation could arise in a number of different parts of New Zealand”?
10. MIKE SABIN to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs: What is the Government doing to improve the support and recognition given to veterans?
11. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in Hon John Banks; if so, why?
12. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister responsible for the Earthquake Commission: What is the objective of the Government review of the EQC?

Questions to Members

1. HOLLY WALKER to the Member in charge of the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill: What is the purpose of the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill?
2. HOLLY WALKER to the Member in charge of the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill: Does the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill attempt to fix discrimination in the current Working for Families tax credit scheme?
3. HOLLY WALKER to the Member in charge of the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill: What reports has she seen relating to reform of the In-work Tax Credit through the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill as a measure to address child poverty?
4. HOLLY WALKER to the Member in charge of the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill: Has she received any advice on other parties’ support for the Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill?Bottom of Form

Today there are five questions to Ministers from Labour, four from National, two from the Greens and 1 from NZ First. In addition, Holly Walker is asking four questions to Metiria Turei on the Universal In-work Tax Credit Bill.

Patsy of the day goes to Q3 – What are the main features of the Government’s plan to build a more competitive economy based on more savings, higher exports and less debt?

Labour are asking about the GCSB, MSD security breach, Christchurch, and John Banks.

Greens are also asking about the GCSB and MD security breach, while NZ First is asking the PM to stand by his response to an earlier question about meetings with Maurice Williamson and Simon Power in 2011. Presumably Winston has something planned and this is a “gotcha” question.

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

1. Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products – Budget Measures) Amendment Bill – third reading
2. Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill – third reading
3. Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill – committee stage
4. Legislation Bill – committee stage

The first two bills have both been divided at committee stage – the former into seven separate Bills and the latter into four. Both groups of Bills will still be considered at third reading together. The first has a full two hours allocated for their third reading. The second was interrupted 27 September, and 80 minutes of allocated time remain. Following that, the committee of the House will resume consideration of the Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill. Depending on how long this takes, they may begin the committee stage of the Legislation Bill.

The Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Bill was introduced by Tariana Turia in May, and seeks to amend the Customs and Excise Act 1996 to make 4 cumulative 10% increases to the duties on all tobacco products. It was split into seven separate Bills at the committee stage with Labour’s support, but they indicated an intention to vote against six of the seven resulting Bills at third reading. The seven Bills have been allocated two hours total for their third reading.

The Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill deals with the operation of the Commerce Commission. The primary objective is to facilitate co-operation between the Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. It was divided into four bills at committee stage.

Introduced by Peter Dunne last year, the Taxation (Annual Rates, Returns Filing, and Remedial Matters) Bill makes various amendments to the requirements for filing and storing of tax returns and amends other acts and regulations such as the KiwiSaver Act 2006. At second reading it was opposed by the Greens and Mana.

The Legislation Bill was introduced by Chris Finlayson in 2010 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.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

1. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: How many jobs have been created in the New Zealand economy over the past two years?
2. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: When was his Chief of Staff first informed about the role of the GCSB in the Kim Dotcom case, and when were officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, including the Intelligence Co-ordination Group, the National Assessments Bureau, and the Security Intelligence Service first aware of the Kim Dotcom case?
3. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Corrections: What were the results of the Prisoner Skills and Employment Strategy 2009-2012?
4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the Minister for the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) given the Prime Minister’s statement that the GCSB unlawfully intercepted communications in relation to Kim Dotcom; if so, why?
5. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Did MediaWorks have discussions with him in relation to their application for a deferment of their radio broadcasting licence fees; if so, what was the outcome?
6. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What steps is the Government taking to encourage the development of New Zealand’s oil, gas and mineral resources?
7. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement “the Government is doing everything it can to give businesses the confidence to invest, grow and create new jobs”; if so, what was the net change in filled jobs in the private sector from December 2008 to December 2011 according to Statistics New Zealand’s Quarterly Employment Survey?
8. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Broadcasting: What percentage of households in Hawke’s Bay and on the West Coast of the South Island are expected to go digital ahead of the digital switchover in these regions on 30 September 2012?
9. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement that “The National-led Government’s initiatives will modernise welfare to better suit New Zealand’s needs and make welfare work”?
10. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister of Education: What reports has she received on the 2011 NCEA results?
11. JAN LOGIE to the Minister of Justice: Will she give full consideration to any recommendations the Law Commission makes on alternative trial processes when the Commission reports back?
12. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of Education: What is the consultation timetable for the Christchurch schools she proposes to close or merge, including the date of the proposal announcement, the date submissions close and the date of her final decision?

National MPs are asking five of today’s questions, Labour four, the Greens two and New Zealand First one. Patsy of the day goes to John Hayes’ Question 8 – What percentage of households in Hawke’s Bay and on the West Coast of the South Island are expected to go digital ahead of the digital switchover in these regions on 30 September 2012?

Questions about the GCSB’s illegal spying on Kim Dotcom make up two of today’s questions. Christchurch school closures, welfare, alternative trial processes, employment and broadcast licence fees make up the rest of the questions from opposition MPs.

Government Bills 3 pm – 6 pm

1. National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill – Third Reading

2. Commerce (International Co-operation, and Fees) Amendment Bill – Third Reading

The National Memorial Park (Pukehau) Empowering Bill was introduced last month by Chris Finlayson. It seeks to grant statutory authorisations and property rights to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the New Zealand Transport Agency (the Agency) to enable completion of the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) (the Park) by April 2015, the centenary of the commencement of the Gallipoli landings of the First World War.

The Commerce (International Co-operation, and Fees) Amendment Bill was formerly Part of Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill, introduced in 2008. The Bill amends the powers of the Commerce Commission to enable to it work alongside overseas regulators.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Questions to Ministers.

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

1. Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill- First Reading

2. National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill-Committee Stage

3.Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Bill-Committee Stage

The Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill was introduced yesterday by Phil Heatley. 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 National Memorial Park (Pukehau) Empowering Bill was introduced last month by Chris Finlayson. It seeks to grant statutory authorisations and property rights to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the New Zealand Transport Agency (the Agency) to enable completion of the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) (the Park) by April 2015, the centenary of the commencement of the Gallipoli landings of the First World War. Only the Greens and Mana opposed it at the end of the second reading.

The Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products-Budget Measures) Amendment Bill was introduced by Tariana Turia in May, and seeks to amend the Customs and Excise Act 1996 to make 4 cumulative 10% increases to the duties on all tobacco products. It passed its second reading unanimously.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau: Does he consider that he should have been informed about the unlawful bugging of Kim Dotcom earlier than Monday, 17 September 2012; if not, why not?
2. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What measures has the Government taken to improve the long-term competitiveness of the New Zealand economy?
3. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: How many times has he been formally briefed by the Government Communications Security Bureau, by year, since November 2008?
4. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements in relation to Kim Dotcom and the inquiry into the actions of the Government Communications Security Bureau?
5. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Education: What support exists for the publication of National Standards data?
6. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that “exporters are actually doing their best, and they need all the help they can get from a Government that is actually in favour of exporting and investing”; if so, what support has the Government given Solid Energy to prevent layoffs and redundancies?
7. COLIN KING to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What is the Government doing to improve access to foundation-level tertiary education for young New Zealanders?
8. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he stand by his statement on fracking that he has “full confidence in the ability of councils to manage it” when unlined earthen blow-down pits were used without resource consent for over a decade, and now the soil and groundwater near Kapuni wellsites in Taranaki is contaminated?
9. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Is it still his position that the test for his confidence in Hon John Banks was that he complied with the law; if so, on what basis does he believe that Mr Banks complied with the law with respect to anonymous donations under the Local Electoral Act 2001?
10. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Civil Defence: What progress has the Government made in encouraging New Zealanders to participate in the ShakeOut earthquake drill?
11. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Attorney-General: Has the Government given any type of indemnity relating to legal actions concerning Kim Dotcom; if so, what are the terms and which agencies were consulted before it was given?
12. SHANE ARDERN to the Associate Minister of Health: What initiatives is the Health Promotion Agency taking to assist the Government’s heart health and diabetes targets?

Today there are five questions from National, four questions from Labour, two from the Greens and one from NZ First. Four questions for John Key, three of which are about the GCSB.

Patsy of the day goes to Q2 – What measures has the Government taken to improve the long-term competitiveness of the New Zealand economy?

Labour are asking about Kim Dotcom and the GCSB twice, Solid Energy job losses, and John Banks.

Greens and NZ First are both asking about the GCSB, and Greens are also asking about fracking.

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

1. National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill – second reading
2. Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products – Budget Measures) Amendment Bill – second reading
3. Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill – second reading

These three bills all have a full two hours allocated for their second readings, so the Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill will probably not quite finish its second reading by 10pm. [DPF: I expect there will be an urgent debate on the GCSB, so they may not start the Lawyers Bill as if accepted an urgent debate takes up 90 minutes]

The National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill was introduced last month by Chris Finlayson. It seeks to grant statutory authorisations and property rights to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the New Zealand Transport Agency (the Agency) to enable completion of the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) (the Park) by April 2015, the centenary of the commencement of the Gallipoli landings of the First World War. Only the Greens and Mana voted against it at the first reading. It was reported back by the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee with opposition from the Greens.

The Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Bill was introduced by Tariana Turia in May, and seeks to amend the Customs and Excise Act 1996 to make 4 cumulative 10% increases to the duties on all tobacco products. It was supported unanimously at first reading, and reported back by the Finance and Expenditure Committee with opposition from NZ First. [DPF: Probably Winston annoyed he can't get a super gold card discount on his cigarettes!]

The Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill was introduced by Judith Collins in March 2010. It seeks to restore the rank of Queen’s Counsel and restrict eligibility for appointment to that rank, and make other minor amendments to the principal Act. At first reading it was opposed by Labour and the Progressives. The Justice and Electoral Committee reported the Bill back with opposition from Labour.

[DPF: Thanks to Stuart for doing this post. I had lots of offers of help, and accepted the first four. Stuart is doing Tuesdays, Hamish Thursdays, Scott Wednesday Member's Days and Jordan Wednesday Govt Days]

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his recent statements?
2. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the cost of living?
3. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How many New Zealanders are unemployed and by how many has that number increased since the quarter immediately before National came to power in 2008?
4. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How many people were employed in the manufacturing sector when he took office in 2008, and how many people are employed in the manufacturing sector now, according to the most recent data produced by Statistics New Zealand?
5. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development:What reports has she received on the public submissions on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children about how to better protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect?
6. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement “I want to make sure the Ministry of Social Development is focused on its core responsibilities in the years ahead, in particular those families stuck in long-term poverty. I don’t underestimate the challenges associated with this, but I intend to make it a priority.”?
7. HOLLY WALKER to the Minister of Housing: What are Housing New Zealand’s time frames for responding to maintenance requests, and in what percentage of cases are those timeframes met?
8. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister for Courts: What recent announcements has he made on the modernisation of our courts system?
9. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with the Prime Minister that National Standards data is currently “very ropey”?
10. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Housing: What reports has he received on his alleged visit to 44 Symonds Street earlier this year?
11. BRENDAN HORAN to the Associate Minister of Transport: Is he satisfied that everything is being done to maintain KiwiRail safety?
12. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: What advice has he received on the likelihood of KiwiRail finding $3.85 billion from its own balance sheet as required by the Turnaround Plan?
13. MOANA MACKEY to the Chairperson of the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee: How many submissions have been received on the petition of Meng Foon “that the House of Representatives note that 10,240 people have signed a petition calling on KiwiRail and the Government to repair the Gisborne to Napier railway line, and that the House support this demand”?

Today there are four questions from National, five questions from Labour, two from the Greens and one from NZ First. Also one question to a select committee chair.

Patsy of the day goes to Q8 – What recent announcements has he made on the modernisation of our courts system?

Labour are asking a gotcha to John Key, unemployment. poverty, national standards and Kiwirail.

Greens are on unemployment and state housing and NZ First also on Kiwirail.

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

1. Appropriations (2013/13 Estimates) Bill – committee stages continued
2. Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill – committee stage

There are three hours and 40 minutes left on the Appropriations Bill which sould last until around 8 pm, so I expect the EEZ bill will not complete its committee stage by 10 pm

The Appropriation (2012/13 Estimates) Bill was introduced in May 2012 and authorises expenditure for 2012/13. It passed first reading 64 to 57 with National, Maori, ACT and United Future voting for supply and Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against.

The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill was introduced in August 2011. It seeks to establish an environmental management regime for New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. At first reading it was supported by National, Greens, ACT, Maori, United and C Carter and opposed by Labour, Progressive and Mana. The Local Government and Environment Committee reported it back, with opposition from Labour, Greens and NZ First. It passed second reading 64 to 57 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against.

UPDATE: I overlooked that today is a members day. Normally the order paper is published at 11.30 am and will state this but due to the extended sitting the order paper was still yesterday’s one. So it will have been government bills in the morning and members’ bills in the afternoon and evening after general debate.

Extended Sitting from Tuesday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

See Government orders and bills below

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

1. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Associate Minister for Social Development: Is she confident that all providers contracted through the Family-Centred Services Fund are meeting the appropriate financial and governance standards?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
3. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Finance: What are the benefits of getting better results from public services?
4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “you can’t and wouldn’t want to” stop retail investors on-selling shares to foreign buyers under his asset sales policy?
5. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Social Development: What commitments has the Government made to reduce the number of child assaults in New Zealand?
6. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Is narrowing the wage gap with Australia the fundamental purpose of his Government, if so, where is the specific target in National’s 120-point action plan, National’s revised six-point Brighter Future plan or his more recent ten results for New Zealanders?
7. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How is the Government improving pathways into vocational training as part of its target for lifting qualifications at Level 4 and above?
8. Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR to the Minister for Primary Industries: What were the total line-by-line savings in Vote Biosecurity in Budget 2009 and Budget 2010?
9. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Education: What commitments has the Government made to raising student achievement in New Zealand?
10. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Transport: What involvement, meetings or contact did his predecessor have with Infratil, NZ Bus or Snapper Services regarding Auckland’s integrated ticketing system, and what involvement did the Government have in the decision to include Snapper in the project?
11. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister of Labour: What recent reports has she received regarding the success of 90-day trials?
12. KEVIN HAGUE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his reported comments regarding ACC that he “backed the corporation’s harder stance, saying it should continue and there was no evidence legitimate claimants were missing out”?

Patsy of the day goes to Q9 – What commitments has the Government made to raising student achievement in New Zealand?

Labour are asking a gotcha to John Key, wage gap with Australia, Vote Biosecurity and Snapper.

Greens are on asset sales and ACC and NZ First on Whanau Ora.

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

1. Appropriation (2011/12 Supplementary Estimates) Bill (three hour debate)
2. Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill – committee stage
3. Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill – second reading continued
4. Families Commission Amendment Bill – first reading
5. Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill – committee stage continued

The House sits from 9 am to 10 pm today, for a total of ten and a half hours. Hard to estimate how far they may get – will primarily depend on the Social Security committee stage debate.

The Appropriation (2011/12 Supplementary Estimates) Bill was introduced in May 2012 and authorises the additional expenditure for 2011/12 on top of the 2011 Budget.

The Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to introduce a new system of income support for young people and introduce a stronger work focus to some benefit categories. At first reading it was supported by National, Maori, ACT and United and opposed by Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana. The Social Services Select Committee reported it back, with minority opinions from Labour, Greens and NZ First in opposition. It passed second reading 63-57.

The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill was introduced in August 2011. It seeks to establish an environmental management regime for New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. At first reading it was supported by National, Greens, ACT, Maori, United and C Carter and opposed by Labour, Progressive and Mana. The Local Government and Environment Committee reported it back, with opposition from Labour, Greens and NZ First.

The Families Commission Amendment Bill was introduced in May 2012 and seeks to restructure the Families Commission.

The Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill was introduced in September 2008. It seeks to facilitate increased co-operation between the Commerce Commission and other overseas competition and consumer regulators. It passed first and second readings without dissent.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

1. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What steps is the Government taking to get better results and value for money from the public service?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
3. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: What commitments has the Government made to reduce long-term welfare dependency?
4. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that “We are a government that thinks getting results is what’s really important”?
5. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister for Social Development: Have Police, CYFS, medical and referee checks been carried out for all current placements by CYFS under referral by the Youth Court; if not, why not?
6. COLIN KING to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How is the Government working to encourage economic growth with a more highly skilled workforce?
7. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
8. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement regarding SOE chief executive salaries that “There’s a couple of bigger pay increases, I think three with the energy companies, which will be probably related to the share float that’s coming”; if so, does he support the $451,873 pay increase for the Chief Executive of Mighty River Power whose pay is increasing from $1,317,469 to $1,769,342?
9. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Associate Minister of Transport: What reports has he received on the public’s understanding of the new give way rules?
10. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all the answers given on his behalf to Oral Question No. 6 on Thursday, 21 June?
11. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister for the Environment: Does she agree with Bay of Plenty Regional Council Pollution Prevention Manager, Nick Zaman, that “courts, council and the wider community will not tolerate the pollution of our environment” and if so, what action will she take to encourage farmers and farm owners to comply with their legal responsibilities to protect waterways?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister of Broadcasting: In the light of the latest monthly audience figures by Nielson, which show almost 1.6 million New Zealanders watched TVNZ7 in May, an increase of nearly 120,000 viewers in just one month, is he now prepared to recommend that the Government review its decision not to provide further funding so that TVNZ7, the only nationwide public broadcast television station, can continue operation beyond 30 June?

Patsy of the day goes to Q6 – How is the Government working to encourage economic growth with a more highly skilled workforce?

Labour are asking a gotcha to John Key, a gotcha to Bill English, SOE salaries, a gotcha to Tony Ryall and TVNZ7.

Greens are on CYFS, Maori Party on waterways pollution and NZ First a gotcha to the PM.

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

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – third reading
2. Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill - committee stage
3. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – second reading continued
4. Debate on performance of crown entities (three hour debate)

The Mixed Ownership Bill third reading will take two hours so should conclude around 5 pm. The Prisoners’ Bill is fairly simple and not opposed by Labour so it is possible it will pass committee stage quickly – even before dinner. The Dairy bill has just one speech left on it, so it is likely the Hose will commence but not conclude the debate on the performance of crown entities.

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill was introduced in March 2012 and enables the Crown to  remove Genesis Power Limited, Meridian Energy Limited, Mighty River Power Limited, and Solid Energy New Zealand Limited from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and restricts the Crown from holding less than 51% of the voting rights in each of the companies and will restrict non-Crown individuals and entities from holding more than 10% of the voting rights in each of the companies. It passed first reading 61-60 with National, ACT, United Future in favour and all other parties against. The Finance and Expenditure reported it back with minority reports from Labour and Greens. It passed second reading 61-59, and most votes in committee stage had the same split.

The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2012 and aims to  extend the restrictions on the awarding of compensation for one more year from 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2013. It passed first reading 72 to 48 with National, NZ First, Maori, ACT, United in favour and Labour, Greens, Mana against. The Justice and Electoral Committee recommended that it pass, with minority reports from Labour and Greens. It passed second reading 103-16 with only Greens, Maori and Mana against.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation. It passed first reading 64 to 54 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against. The Primary Production Committee recommended it pass with amendments, with Labour and Greens giving minority reports.

Oral Questions 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

1. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Does he accept the BNZ statement that New Zealand’s increasing current account is “a very clear risk for New Zealand’s credit rating with Standard and Poor’s”?
2. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy?
3. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister for ACC: Can she confirm that staff in ACC’s Recovery Independence Service teams receive more or less remuneration dependent on whether the proportion of people receiving weekly compensation is less or more than specified duration targets?
4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by all his recent statements?
5. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister of Police: What actions has the Government taken against illegal street racers?
6. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: Has he received any reports or correspondence regarding the Community Pharmacy Services Agreement with District Health Boards and if he has, have they caused him any concern?
7. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister of Justice: How is the Justice sector contributing to the Government’s better public services programme?
8. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Does he agree with the statement made by the Minister for the Environment, Hon Amy Adams in Rio, that, “Money spent on fossil fuels is money that could be spent on other sustainable development priorities”, and will the Government re-allocate the $889 million for ETS credits in Budget 2012 towards sustainable projects and a green economy?
9. MIKE SABIN to the Minister of Immigration: What reports has he received on the benefits to New Zealand of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme?
10. KRIS FAAFOI to the Minister of Police: Does she stand by all the statements she made to the Law and Order Committee yesterday?
11. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Courts: What recent announcements has he made regarding court services for Christchurch?
12. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Does he still believe that the best way to deal with the price increase in home rentals in Christchurch is to leave it to the market?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q5 – What actions has the Government taken against illegal street racers?

Labour are asking on current account deficit, a gotcha to Steven Joyce, pharmacies and a gotcha to Anne Tolley.

Greens are on ACC and climate change, NZ First on Christchurch housing.

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – committee stage continued
2. Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill - second reading
3. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – second reading continued

The Mixed Ownership Bill committee debate has concluded Parts 1 and 2 but some time left still on the preliminary provisions.

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill was introduced in March 2012 and enables the Crown to  remove Genesis Power Limited, Meridian Energy Limited, Mighty River Power Limited, and Solid Energy New Zealand Limited from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and restricts the Crown from holding less than 51% of the voting rights in each of the companies and will restrict non-Crown individuals and entities from holding more than 10% of the voting rights in each of the companies. It passed first reading 61-60 with National, ACT, United Future in favour and all other parties against. The Finance and Expenditure reported it back with minority reports from Labour and Greens. It passed second reading 61-59.

The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2012 and aims to  extend the restrictions on the awarding of compensation for one more year from 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2013. It passed first reading 72 to 48 with National, NZ First, Maori, ACT, United in favour and Labour, Greens, Mana against. The Justice and Electoral Committee recommended that it pass, with minority reports from Labour and Greens.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation. It passed first reading 64 to 54 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against. The Primary Production Committee recommended it pass with amendments, with Labour and Greens giving minority reports.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: In relation to the Government’s asset sales policy, does he stand by his reported comments that he has yet to see any official advice on a so-called “bonus scheme” for people who buy shares?
2. PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government’s economic programme helping to build sustainable growth and higher incomes?
3. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements on asset sales?
4. Peseta SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development:What announcements has she recently made that will support the work of budgeting services around New Zealand?
5. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement to Parliament of 8 February 2011; in particular that “The Government is building the foundations that will encourage growth in exports”?
6. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he agree with Molly Melhuish’s calculation that the amount charged by SOEs for electricity for an average consumer is $265 per annum less than is charged by non-SOE retailers, and if not, what was the weighted average of the annual total retail price charged by SOEs and their subsidiaries to a residential consumer using 8,000 kilowatt hours of electricity compared with the weighted average of the price charged by non-SOE suppliers, according to the most recent data?
7. JAN LOGIE to the Minister for Social Development: Will she consider reviewing benefit levels in light of recent University of Otago research that shows that the 40 percent increase in real power prices since 2002 is now a health issue?
8. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs: What is the Government doing to meet its commitment to allow fit and able New Zealand World War II veterans to attend key 70th Anniversary commemorations overseas?
9. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: What are the Treasury projections for New Zealand’s net international liabilities in 2016 as a percentage of GDP and in dollars, and what is the increase in dollars from the end of the year ended 30 June 2011?
10. HONE HARAWIRA to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What is the Government doing about pokie venues operating without a licence in poor communities like Otara, Porirua and Flaxmere?
11. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister of Transport: What updates has he received on the state of repairs of the Manawatu Gorge?
12. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement with regard to the Community Response Fund that “We listened to concerns that the fund was due to finish. The effects of the recession were still being felt, so we’re putting more funding in for 2011/12.”?

Patsy of the day goes to Q2 – How is the Government’s economic programme helping to build sustainable growth and higher incomes?

Labour are asking on asset sales, power prices, debt and welfare.

Greens are on asset sales and benefits, Mana on pokies and NZ First on exports.

General Debate 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm

The weekly slugfest with 12 speeches of five minutes each.

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

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – committee stage continued
2. Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill - second reading
3. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – second reading continued

The Mixed Ownership Bill committee debate has concluded Part 1 but some time left on Part 2. It is unlikely to take up all of today, so I expect the House will get onto the second bill, but probably not the third.

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill was introduced in March 2012 and enables the Crown to  remove Genesis Power Limited, Meridian Energy Limited, Mighty River Power Limited, and Solid Energy New Zealand Limited from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and restricts the Crown from holding less than 51% of the voting rights in each of the companies and will restrict non-Crown individuals and entities from holding more than 10% of the voting rights in each of the companies. It passed first reading 61-60 with National, ACT, United Future in favour and all other parties against. The Finance and Expenditure reported it back with minority reports from Labour and Greens. It passed second reading 61-59.

The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2012 and aims to  extend the restrictions on the awarding of compensation for one more year from 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2013. It passed first reading 72 to 48 with National, NZ First, Maori, ACT, United in favour and Labour, Greens, Mana against. The Justice and Electoral Committee recommended that it pass, with minority reports from Labour and Greens.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation. It passed first reading 64 to 54 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against. The Primary Production Committee recommended it pass with amendments, with Labour and Greens giving minority reports.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government’s economic programme helping New Zealand manage through current global uncertainty?
2. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Finance: Is he confident that the Government’s economic and fiscal strategy is on track; if so, why?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: What is the value of contracts entered into to date for spending on advertising, communications and banking services relating to the Government’s asset sales programme?
5. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister of Health: How is the Voluntary Bonding Scheme improving health services?
6. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Does he agree with Molly Melhuish’s calculation that the amount charged by SOEs for electricity for an average consumer is $265 per annum less than is charged by non-SOE retailers, and if not, what was the weighted average of the annual total retail price charged by SOEs and their subsidiaries to a residential consumer using 8,000 kilowatt hours of electricity compared with the weighted average of the price charged by non-SOE suppliers, according to the most recent data?
7. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Trade: Can he confirm that Mexico is now a full participant in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement?
8. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Associate Minister of Education: Does he stand by his statement with regard to the public-private partnership for the Hobsonville schools “you can be assured that the contract that we’ve signed today, the taxpayer will be better off under this arrangement”?
9. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: How will the Government’s welfare reforms, currently before the House, support young people on a collision course with the welfare system?
10. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister for ACC: Will she return ACC to the pay-as-you-go funding model, outlined in the Green Party’s ACC Rehabilitation Plan and emailed to her this morning, and are there any points in the plan she will not consider implementing?
11. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: On how many occasions, and for what periods of time on each occasion, did she meet with or have discussions with the ACC Chairman or Chief Executive, including about the matter of the mass privacy breach involving Bronwyn Pullar, between 13 March and 19 March when that matter was referred to the Police by way of formal complaint?
12. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What decisions were made in Budget 2012/13 about the Warm Up New Zealand Programme?

Patsy of the day goes to Q5 – How is the Voluntary Bonding Scheme improving health services?

Labour are doing a gotcha question, plus asking on power prices, PPPs and ACC.

Greens are on asset sales and ACC and NZ First on the economy.

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

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – committee stage
2. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – second reading continued

The Mixed Ownership Bill has only two parts to it, so would normally be around a three hour debate (ballpark is an hour per part, plus an hour for general provisions) but with lots of opposition and SOPs, I suspect it could well chew up all of the five and a half hours available.

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill was introduced in March 2012 and enables the Crown to  remove Genesis Power Limited, Meridian Energy Limited, Mighty River Power Limited, and Solid Energy New Zealand Limited from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and restricts the Crown from holding less than 51% of the voting rights in each of the companies and will restrict non-Crown individuals and entities from holding more than 10% of the voting rights in each of the companies. It passed first reading 61-60 with National, ACT, United Future in favour and all other parties against. The Finance and Expenditure reported it back with minority reports from Labour and Greens. It passed second reading 61-59.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation. It passed first reading 64 to 54 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against. The Primary Production Committee recommended it pass with amendments, with Labour and Greens giving minority reports.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Social Development: Does she stand by her statement regarding her newly appointed welfare board that “I’m backing the board to guide the investment approach, I’m backing Work and Income to implement it”.
2. METIRIA TUREI to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by his statement that he was “not at all concerned” about signing a deal with SkyCity for a convention centre, before the Auditor-General’s inquiry into the deal is complete?
3. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: How is the Government assisting households and competitive businesses through these tough world economic times?
4. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by his statement that “the Auditor-General’s process will not impact on the Government’s negotiations with SkyCity”; if so, why?
5. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister for Social Development: What announcements has the Government made today on employment assistance?
6. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Does he stand by all his statements with regard to asset sales?
7. LOUISE UPSTON to the Minister of Justice: What is the Government doing to protect New Zealanders from people charged with serious crime?
8. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Finance: Does he have any concerns about the public statements of the Secretary to the Treasury; if not, why not?
9. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Trade: Will New Zealand follow Australia and refuse to sign up to the investor-state dispute provisions of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement; if not, why not?
10. SUE MORONEY to the Minister of Education: Do any of the thousands of reports she referred to in Oral Question No 8 yesterday support the Government’s decision to cut funding for 100 percent qualified staff in early childhood education as a means of lifting student achievement, and if so, what are the names of five of these reports she has read?
11. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology: What action has the Government taken to raise awareness of cyber security risks?
12. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: What meetings or discussions did she have with the Chair or Chief Executive of ACC between receiving the 16 March report relating to the Pullar affair and ACC laying a complaint with the Police and did she in any of these meetings or discussions either suggest, encourage or agree to ACC laying the complaint?

Patsy of the day goes to Q3 – How is the Government assisting households and competitive businesses through these tough world economic times?

Labour are asking on welfare reform, Sky City, asset sales, ECE and  ACC.

Greens are on Sky City and TPP, NZ First on the Treasury.

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – second reading
2. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – first reading

The Mixed Ownership Model Bill was introduced in March 2012 and enables the Crown to  remove Genesis Power Limited, Meridian Energy Limited, Mighty River Power Limited, and Solid Energy New Zealand Limited from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and restricts the Crown from holding less than 51% of the voting rights in each of the companies and will restrict non-Crown individuals and entities from holding more than 10% of the voting rights in each of the companies. It passed first reading 61-60 with National, ACT, United Future in favour and all other parties against. The Finance and Expenditure reported it back with minority reports from Labour and Greens.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation. It passed first reading 64 to 54 with Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana against. The Primary Production Committee recommended it pass with amendments, with Labour and Greens giving minority reports.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Internal Affairs: Is he concerned that Pub Charity Chief Executive Martin Cheer has publicly declared that Pub Charity was using gaming machine money to fight the Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill, and what actions has the Department of Internal Affairs taken to enforce its direction that net proceeds were not to be used for lobbying?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “superannuation is an issue, but one thing that is worth noting is that increasing the age of eligibility has much less of an impact than commentators might imagine”?
3. Hon Dr NICK SMITH to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the stability of New Zealand’s financial system?
4. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: Will total superannuation spending be higher than total education spending in the month of June 2016 using the same assumptions as in his latest Budget projections?
5. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Social Development: What reports has she received that show the Government’s work-focused approach to the benefit system is working?
6. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he agree with the business group Pure Advantage that “countries that reduce the carbon dependency of their economies most quickly and develop carbon friendly technologies will be the most prosperous in the 21st century”?
7. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What recent announcement has he made about mineral prospectivity in Northland?
8. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA to the Minister of Education: Does her plan to improve teacher quality include reinstating the $45 million cut from teacher professional development in Budget 2009; if not, why not?
9. SCOTT SIMPSON to the Minister of Transport: What progress has the Government made on the Vehicle Licensing Reform project?
10. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: What responsibility does she take for failures at ACC since the 2011 Election?
11. Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR to the Minister of Corrections: Is she confident that Serco will meet the contracted performance requirements at the new prison in Wiri, despite the fact that Serco has been failing performance targets at Mount Eden Corrections Facility by 40 percent?
12. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Corrections: What steps is the Government taking to improve the safety of staff in prisons?

Patsy of the day goes to Q9 – What progress has the Government made on the Vehicle Licensing Reform project?

Labour are asking on superannuation twice, education and ACC.

Greens are on carbon dependency, Maori Party on pokies and NZ First on private prisons.

General Debate 3 pm – 4 pm

The weekly free for all. 12 speeches of five minutes each on any topic.

Members Bills 4 pm – 6 pm and 7.30 pm – 10 pm 

1. Waitaki District Council Reserves and Other Land Empowering Bill – first reading
2. Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act Repeal Bill – first reading
3. Riccarton Bush Amendment Bill – first reading
4. Fair Trading (Soliciting on Behalf of Charities) Amendment Bill – third reading
5. Register of Pecuniary Interests of Judges Bill – first reading

The three local bills could take up the entire session as the debates can last six hours in total. But if each has only a few speakers, then the next two bills might be progressed.

The Waitaki District Council Reserves and Other Land Empowering Bill was introduced in May 2012 by Jacqui Dean and seeks to to revoke the reservation of 2 pieces of land within the Waitaki District and to clarify the status of a third piece of land in that district.

The Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act Repeal Bill was introduced in May 2012 by Te Ururoa Flavell and seeks to repeal the Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act 1975.

The Riccarton Bush Amendment Bill was introduced in May 2012 by Gerry Brownlee and seeks to modernise and update the governance arrangements for the Board known as the Riccarton Bush Trustees.

The Fair Trading (Soliciting on Behalf of Charities) Amendment Bill was introduced in November 2009 by Amy Adams (Nat) and is now in the name of Michael Woodhouse (Nat). It seeks to increase the transparency and public accountability of third-party businesses that collect funds on behalf of registered charities, by mandating disclosure of how much money actually goes to the charity. It was supported by all parties at first reading, and after amendment by the Commerce Committee also by all parties. It also passed second reading and committee stage on a voice vote.

The Register of Pecuniary Interests of Judges Bill was introduced in November 2010 by Kennedy Graham and seeks to create a register of pecuniary interests for Judges.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. DAVID BENNETT 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 stand by all his statements?
3. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Finance: Does he have confidence in the advice he is receiving from the Treasury; if so, why?
4. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources:What new opportunities for petroleum exploration in New Zealand have recently been opened?
5. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he still stand by his statement that he would resign rather than change superannuation?
6. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister for ACC: Does she have full trust and confidence in John Judge as ACC board chair and, if her confidence is less than full, what is she doing about that?
7. Dr JACKIE BLUE to the Minister of Health: What reports has he received on improvements to midwifery services?
8. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Is it his understanding that the Prime Minister is still committed to his policy of partial asset sales in Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Meridian Energy, Solid Energy, and Air New Zealand?
9. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: How much overdue student loan debt has the Government recovered from overseas-based borrowers in the last two years?
10. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister for Courts: What decrease, if any, in the use of the Family Court after 1 July is expected to result from his decision to introduce fees of $700 plus a daily hearing fee of $1,812 for applications for divisions of assets, and fees of $220 for childcare disputes, both of which applications are at present fee-free?
11. JAN LOGIE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “It is also true that anyone on a benefit actually has a lifestyle choice. If one budgets properly, one can pay one’s bills.”?
12. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: What actions, apart from inviting or observing inquiries from the Privacy Commissioner and the Auditor-General, has she taken since 12 March 2012 to see that issues arising out of the wrongful disclosure of personal information by the Accident Compensation Corporation to Bronwyn Pullar have been remedied or addressed by the Corporation?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q7 – What reports has he received on improvements to midwifery services?

Labour are asking on schools (presumably), superannuation, asset sales, court fees and ACC.

Greens are on ACC and welfare.

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

1. Appropriation (2012/13 Estimates) Bill – second reading, two hours left
2. Appropriation (2011/12 Supplementary Estimates) Bill – first reading, no debate
3. Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill – first reading
4. Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill – second reading
5. Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill – second reading continued

The Appropriation (2012/13 Estimates) Bill was introduced in May 2012 and authorises the appropriations in the 2012 Budget.

The Appropriation (2011/12 Supplementary Estimates) Bill was introduced in May 2012 and authorises the additional expenditure for 2011/12 on top of the 2011 Budget.

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill was introduced in May 2012 and seeks to  implement the Government’s decisions  to improve the operation of local government in New Zealand, and defining their purpose as “ to play a broad role in meeting the current and future needs of their communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions”.

The Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to introduce a new system of income support for young people and introduce a stronger work focus to some benefit categories. At first reading it was supported by National, Maori, ACT and United and opposed by Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana. The Social Services Select Committee reported it back, with minority opinions from Labour, Greens and NZ First in opposition.

The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill was introduced in August 2011. It seeks to establish an environmental management regime for New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. At first reading it was supported by National, Greens, ACT, Maori, United and C Carter and opposed by Labour, Progressive and Mana. The Local Government and Environment Committee reported it back, with opposition from Labour, Greens and NZ First.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Is it still a fundamental purpose of his Government to narrow the wage gap between New Zealand and Australia, and to grow local wages in New Zealand?
2. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he received on the economy?
3. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: In dollar terms, what is the shortfall in the tax-take for the nine months to March revealed in yesterday’s Financial Statements compared to October’s pre-election update?
4. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: How much has been raised to date by the Earthquake Kiwi Bonds and, at this rate, how many years will it take to cover the Government’s estimated $5.5 billion liability resulting from the Canterbury earthquakes?
5. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister for Social Development: How will Budget 2012 provide greater support for young people most at risk of long-term welfare dependency?
6. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Does he stand by the Prime Minister’s statement regarding asset sales that “We are not going to do anything tricky there”?
7. Dr JIAN YANG to the Associate Minister of Health: How is the Government expanding its programme to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities?
8. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Housing: Does he stand by all his comments regarding housing?
9. JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: What is the plan to pay for the Government’s transport expenditure given that the Ministry of Transport’s Briefing to the Incoming Minister warns of a funding shortfall of $4.9 billion if high oil prices and low GDP growth continue?
10. MARK MITCHELL to the Minister for Economic Development: How is the Government improving value for money in its procurement of services for the public sector?
11. DARIEN FENTON to the Minister of Labour: Does she stand by her statement that “I do not want to see unnecessary change for change’s sake. Rather I am looking to put in place pragmatic solutions as we implement our manifesto commitments and let employers, employees and business focus on what they do best.”?
12. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he still have confidence in the Minister for Social Development and the Associate Ministers for Social Development; if so, why?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q7 – How is the Government expanding its programme to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities?

Labour are asking on wages, tax revenue, asset sales, housing and employment law.

Greens are on earthquake bonds and transport. NZ First appears tp be on Whanua Ora.

General Debate 3 pm – 4 pm

The weekly free for all. 12 speeches of five minutes each on any topic. Let’s guess how many times Trevor Mallard will mention Simon Lusk!

Members Bills 4 pm – 6 pm and 7.30 pm – 10 pm 

The first bill should get done before the dinner break. The second bill may not take up much time so we should get to the third bill and possibly the fourth.

The Employment Relations (Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill was introduced in February 2010. It seeks to  require unions to hold a secret ballot vote of their members to approve a strike before undertaking any strike action. It passed first reading without dissent on a voice vote. However some MPs have argued the bill is unnecessary as unions are already holding secret ballots.  The Transport and IR committee backed it, but Labour and Greens were against saying it could allow employers to take court action against unions. At second reading National, ACT and United Future backed it with 64 votes and Labour, Green, Maori and Progressive against. It passed committee stage 61 votes to 59.

The Fair Trading (Soliciting on Behalf of Charities) Amendment Bill was introduced in November 2009 by Amy Adams (Nat) and is now in the name of Michael Woodhouse (Nat). It seeks to increase the transparency and public accountability of third-party businesses that collect funds on behalf of registered charities, by mandating disclosure of how much money actually goes to the charity. It was supported by all parties at first reading, and after amendment by the Commerce Committee also by all parties. It also passed second reading on a voice vote.

The Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2010 by Te Ururoa Flavell. It seeks to allow “local authorities, in consultation with their communities, to reduce the number of, or even eliminate, pokies from those suburbs and towns where they are particularly concentrated or doing particular harm”. National and Labour have indicated they will both back it to at least select committee. I expect many references to Sky City in the debate.

The Register of Pecuniary Interests of Judges Bill was introduced in November 2010 by Kennedy Graham and seeks to create a register of pecuniary interests for Judges.

The Depleted Uranium (Prohibition) Bill was introduced in September 2010 by Phil Twyford and seeks to ban the possession, use, sale, manufacture, testing and transit of uranium in all conventional munitions and armour within New Zealand and by agents of the New Zealand government.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Does he agree with National Bank Chief Economist Cameron Bagrie that we are not seeing an export-led recovery, and increased activity in “spending centric” sectors such as housing is “not the stuff of a durable, long-term, sustainable upswing”?
2. JACINDA ARDERN to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: Does the most recent National Employment Indicator show that there are more or fewer jobs now than when his Government came into office in 2008?
3. Hon TAU HENARE to the Minister of Finance: What will be the Government’s approach in the Budget to ensure it remains on track to fiscal surplus in 2014/15?
4. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What is the percentage reduction in foreign policy or diplomatic staff he has set out in his paper to the Cabinet Committee on State Sector Reform and Expenditure Control, dated 26 April 2012?
5. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister of Health: What decisions has the Government made in relation to providing better services at Counties Manukau District Health Board?
6. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister of Education: What support did her Ministry offer to Moerewa School before the decision was made to close the satellite senior class and send in a Commissioner, Mike Eru, and what is the purpose of his appointment?
7. Hon NANAIA MAHUTA to the Associate Minister of Education: Has he read or received the Ministry of Education advice provided to the previous Minister of Education, which states charter schools “have not consistently led to significant increases in achievement”?
8. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister of Defence: Is he satisfied that all issues arising from the 2010 ANZAC Day helicopter accident have been properly dealt with by the Government and the RNZAF?
9. MIKE SABIN to the Associate Minister of Social Development: What steps has the Government recently taken to combat welfare fraud?
10. Hon TREVOR MALLARD to the Prime Minister: Did the assurances that Hon John Banks gave his office regarding his compliance with the Local Electoral Act, which he has accepted, include an assurance that any donations for radio advertising during the 2010 mayoral election were correctly recorded?
11. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE to the Minister of Conservation: What are the likely benefits of the new tourism-conservation partnership with Air New Zealand?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement to the Otago Daily Times on 21 April 2012 that he was not aware of KiwiRail’s decision to sell off the Dunedin Hillside workshop prior to the announcement?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q5 – What decisions has the Government made in relation to providing better services at Counties Manukau District Health Board?

Labour are asking on unemployment, MFAT restructuring, charter schools, John Banks and Kiwirail.

Greens are on the economy, Maori Party on Moerewa School and NZ First on the RNZAF helicopter crash.

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Immigration Amendment Bill – first reading
2. Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill – second reading
3. Juries (Jury Service and Protection of Particulars of Jury List Information) Amendment Bill – second reading
4. Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill - committee stage
5. Sentencing (Aggravating Factors) Amendment Bill - committee stage

The Immigration Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2012 and seeks to enhance New Zealand’s ability to deter people-smuggling to New Zealand.

The Commerce Commission (International Co-operation, and Fees) Bill was introduced in September 2008.

The Juries (Jury Service and Protection of Particulars of Jury List Information) Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2011.

The Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) 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. It passed first reading on a voice vote and the same for the second reading.

The Sentencing (Aggravating Factors) Amendment Bill was introduced in October 2010 and seeks to ensure that an offence  committed against a Police officer or prison officer acting in the course of his or her duty is taken into account as an aggravating factor at sentencing. It was supported by all parties bar the Maori Party at first reading, and passed second reading on a voice vote. The Government has indicated they will support a Labour amendment to include other emergency service operators in the bill.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he believe that Hon John Banks has behaved in a manner that “upholds, and is seen to uphold the highest ethical standards” as required by the Cabinet Manual?
2. BARBARA STEWART to the Prime Minister: Did Mr Banks explain to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that he would use “obfuscation” in his dealings with the media over the “anonymous” donations from Kim Dotcom?
3. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: How does the Government intend to strengthen the Public Finance Act 1989 in the Budget this month?
4. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: In the most recent World Economic Outlook published by the IMF in April 2012, which of the 34 advanced economies listed is forecast to have a worse current account deficit (as a percentage of GDP) than New Zealand in 2013?
5. METIRIA TUREI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all the answers he gave to Oral Question No 4 yesterday?
6. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister for Economic Development: What action is the Government taking to improve co-ordination of the business growth agenda
7. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What damage, if any, has been done to staff confidence and retention by the change proposals for his Ministry announced on 23 February 2012, and does he intend to announce on 10 May 2012 a reversal of many of the proposals?
8. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister of Labour: What steps is the Government taking to improve workplace health and safety?
9. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Conservation: Does her proposed extension of the Marine Mammal Sanctuary for Maui’s dolphins allow the use of set nets, drift nets, and trawl nets within the sanctuary?
10. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister of Corrections: What reports has she received about trade training within prisons?
11. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Has he required that all his Ministers involved in the Canterbury earthquake recovery read the briefing paper dated 10 May 2011 prepared by Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, into the psychosocial consequences of the Canterbury earthquakes; if not, why not?
12. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Education: What evidence has she seen of excellent achievement in scholarship exams?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q12 – What evidence has she seen of excellent achievement in scholarship exams?

Labour are asking the on John Banks, current account deficit, MFAT restructuring and CERA

Greens are on endangered species – John Banks and Maui dolphins

NZ First on John Banks also

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

1. Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill - first reading
2. Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill - third reading continued
3. Trade (Safeguard Measures) Bill - committee stage
4. Regulatory Reform Bill - committee stage
5. Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill - committee stage

The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was introduced in April 2012 and aims to  extend the restrictions on the awarding of compensation for one more year from 1 July 2012 until 30 June 2013.

The Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill was introduced in December 2010 and aims to replace the land valuation basis for setting rents for pastoral leases with a property-earning-capacity basis for setting rents for pastoral leases. It was supported at first reading by National, Greens, ACT, Maori and United and opposed by Labour.  Labour opposed the bill at select committee saying it “severely compromises the property rights of the land owner, the Crown, to negotiate a fair return on the full value of the land”. At second reading and committee stage it was supported by National, ACT and Maori Party but opposed by all other parties including (unusually) United Future.

The Trade Safeguard Measures Bill was introduced in September 2008, and seeks to repeal the Temporary Safeguard Authorities Act 1987 (which embodies New Zealand’s current safeguards regime) and to replace it with a new regime consistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. ’Safeguards’ are emergency measures applied at New Zealand’s border, such as a duty. It passed first reading on a voice vote and the select committee report back has no minority report. It also passed second reading on a voice vote.

The Regulatory Reform Bill was introduced in December 2010 and seeks to  improve the regulatory environment by amending 13 Acts “to reduce the compliance burden on business by amending ineffective or excessively costly regulation”. It was supported at first reading by all parties except the Greens. There is no minority report from the select committee so appears to have broad support, and passed second reading 107-14 with only the Greens against.

The Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) 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. It passed first reading on a voice vote and the same for the second reading.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his answers to questions in the House this year?
2. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What is the impact on the Crown’s finances of the Government’s tax changes since the 2008 election?
3. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement of 5 July 2010 that “I’d hate to see New Zealanders as tenants in their own country”; if not, why not?
4. Dr JACKIE BLUE to the Associate Minister of Health: What reports has he received about the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project, announced yesterday?
5. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he agree with South Australian Treasurer Paul Snelling in relation to SkyCity that “there cannot and will not be any connection between any change to their regulatory arrangements governing the casino and their investment”, and can he assure the House that a similar standard will be upheld by this Government?
6. JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Did the Government compare the costs and benefits of the Roads of National Significance against those of other transport projects before announcing them to ensure that it is getting best value for public money; if not, why not?
7. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: What recent announcements have been made to improve the way the Government deals with young people who have mental health problems?
8. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What concerns, if any, have been expressed to him that proposed changes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will damage New Zealand’s promotion of its international trade and foreign policy interests?
9. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent announcements has the Government made on the school network upgrade project?
10. PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Finance: Have Treasury officials reviewed Ministry of Transport calculations including projected traffic volume growth, per capita change in volumes over the last seven years and the alignment with GDP, and if so, is he satisfied that the currently planned transport spend is good value for money?
11. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What initiatives has the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority implemented to help support Christchurch’s Recovery?
12. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Has he received advice on the economic impacts of a major oil spill off the coast of Kaikoura?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q9 – What recent announcements has the Government made on the school network upgrade project?

Labour are asking the PM the normal gotcha question, the Sky City deal, MFAT restructuring, and transport spending

Greens are on highway spending and oil spills and NZ First is on the Crafar farms.

Government Motions 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm (estimate)

Two motions to be debated before we hit Government bills. The first is to appoint Sir David Carruthers as chairperson of the Independent Police Complaints Authority.

The second is on alterations to the appropriations for the Auditor-General, Ombudsmen and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. It is also debatable

Government Bills 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Taxation (International Investment and Remedial Matters) Bill – third reading
2. Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill – committee stage continued (four hour debate)
3. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) - first reading continued

There is no formal time limit on the motions preceding the bill but if they do not drag on, then the Taxation bill may pass its third reading.

The Taxation (International Investment and Remedial Matters) Bill was introduced in October 2010 and seeks to to reform the tax treatment of gains of New Zealand residents from income interests in overseas entities and gains of foreign residents from interests in New Zealand companies. It passed its first and second readings on a voice vote but at committee stage Labour and Greens voted against Part 3.

The Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill seeks to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2010/11 financial year.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) was introduced in November 2011 and seeks to also implement the Building Act reviews decisions, including more comprehensive consumer protection measures and clarifying exemptions from building consent requirements.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. TODD McCLAY to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he received on the Government’s financial position?
2. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement that “if you go and have a look at the tax cuts, they literally were neutral” and, if so, what is the projected net cost of the first four years of the 2010 tax package?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in all his Ministers?
4. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Associate Minister of Health: How will young New Zealanders receive better mental health services under the new Government package announced by the Prime Minister today?
5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister for Land Information: Has he or any other Minister this week sought further information on Shanghai Pengxin’s application for his approval to buy the Crafar farms, and if so, is it coincidence or purpose that this will further delay his decision on the application?
6. NIKKI KAYE to the Minister of Education: What initiatives is she introducing to help schools tackle youth mental health?
7. JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Has the Government reviewed its highway building programme in light of the warning in the briefing to the incoming Minister that there will be a $4.9 billion funding shortfall if oil prices remain high and economic growth remains low; if not, why not?
8. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister of Justice: Does she stand by all the answers she has given to questions asked of her to date?
9. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Economic Development: What action has the Government taken to contribute to the recovery of high-tech businesses in Christchurch?
10. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: When will he approve a Recovery Plan for Christchurch’s CBD in light of the Christchurch City Council’s announcement that it will commence its Annual Plan processes next week?
11. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the Overseas Investment Office and his Ministers, Hon Jonathan Coleman and Hon Maurice Williamson over the issue of the latest Crafar farms deal; if so, why?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Prime Minister: What did he mean when he told the NZ Herald and other media last week that “We are comfortable with the current arrangements we have” with regards to Chinese telco Huawei’s involvement in our national broadband infrastructure, given that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard also said last week that “We’ve taken a decision in the national interest” to ban Huawei from even tendering for its broadband network?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q6 - What initiatives is she introducing to help schools tackle youth mental health?

Labour have their normal gotcha question to the PM, one on Crafar farms, a gotcha to Judith Collins, CERA and Huawei.

Greens are on tax cuts and roads.

NZ First also on the Crafar farms.

General Debate 3 pm – 4 pm

The weekly free for all. 12 speeches of five minutes each on any topic.

Members Bills 4 pm – 6 pm and 7.30 pm – 10 pm 

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Has he had any recent discussions with the Prime Minister of Australia over security and intelligence concerns Australia has expressed over Huawei?
2. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the Government’s plan to return to Budget surplus in 2014/15?
3. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all statements made by him and on his behalf?
4. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has she received about reductions in recorded crime?
5. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister of Justice: Why has she declined to accept the Law Commission’s recommendation, supported by the Privacy Commissioner, to increase the Privacy Commissioner’s investigative powers, including by giving her the power to issue compliance notices, and to conduct information-handling audits?
6. COLIN KING to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What action is the Government taking to boost international education promotion for Christchurch?
7. JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Why is the Government prioritising State highway projects with low benefit cost ratios, given that traffic volumes are back to 2004 levels and the Crown is borrowing $12 billion a year?
8. Dr JIAN YANG to the Minister of Immigration: What changes has the Government made to make it easier for low-risk, high-value students to come to New Zealand?
9. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Does he take responsibility for the $9.2 million being spent on the change process in his Ministry this year and does he consider it money well spent?
10. MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Justice: What is the Government doing to reduce knife crime in New Zealand?
11. Hon RUTH DYSON to the Minister for Primary Industries: Will he extend the area of proposed protection for Maui’s dolphins beyond the proposed levels in the consultation document, if submissions are overwhelmingly in favour of larger protection areas?
12. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister for Social Development: What opportunity is there for providers to demonstrate that they have improved practice in order to achieve the Minister’s new “fresh look for Family Start”; and what support has the Ministry for Social Development put in place for providers to understand the ramifications of these changes announced on 24 March?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q4 – What recent reports has she received about reductions in recorded crime?

Labour are also asking on the PM the normal gotcha question, one on the Privacy Act (which I suspect will turn into an ACC question), one of MFAT restructuring and unusually one on Maui’s dolphins.

Greens are on highway spending (they are against), Maori Party on Family Start and NZ First on Huawei which could be very interesting but I suspect few answers will be given.

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

1. Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill – first reading
2. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill – third reading
3. Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill – committee stage (four hour debate)
4. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) - first reading continued
5. Taxation (International Investment and Remedial Matters) Bill – third reading

If debates use their maximum time, then the House should complete the first two bills, and get 90 minutes through the Appropriation Bill.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to  introduce a new regime in relation to Fonterra’s milk price setting, proposed capital restructure, and share valuation.

The Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2011 and seeks to amend the scheme to shorten the repayment holiday from three years to one year and require borrowers to apply for a repayment holiday, plus other changes. It was supported at first reading by National, Labour, ACT, Maori, Progressive and United and opposed by Greens and Chris Carter. It appears to continue to have broad support as there was no minority report back from the select committee. At second reading all parties but the Greens voted for it. However at committee stage, a Labour amendment to increase the repayment holiday was voted down, and they now appear to be voting against also.

The Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill seeks to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2010/11 financial year.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) was introduced in November 2011 and seeks to also implement the Building Act reviews decisions, including more comprehensive consumer protection measures and clarifying exemptions from building consent requirements.

The Taxation (International Investment and Remedial Matters) Bill was introduced in October 2010 and seeks to to reform the tax treatment of gains of New Zealand residents from income interests in overseas entities and gains of foreign residents from interests in New Zealand companies. It passed its first and second readings on a voice vote but at committee stage Labour and Greens voted against Part 3.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the Minister for ACC?
2. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What are the fiscal and economic benefits of selling minority shareholdings in four State-owned energy companies and Air New Zealand?
3. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: When was the email she received between 12 March 2012 and 18 March 2012 from Michelle Boag concerning Bronwyn Pullar and the involvement of both in a meeting over a mass privacy breach first printed by her or a staff member in her office?
4. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Will he implement a nationwide moratorium on new fracking wells until the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment can assure the public it is safe?
5. ALFRED NGARO to the Minister for Social Development: How will this year’s annual general adjustment provide greater certainty to those receiving benefits and New Zealand Superannuation?
6. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: Has he had any recent discussions with the Prime Minister of Australia over security and intelligence concerns Australia has expressed over Huawei?
7. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Minister of Police: Did the Police Commissioner or any of his staff inform the Prime Minister or any of his staff of the decision not to prosecute Mr Bradley Ambrose; if so, on what date?
8. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Energy and Resources: What progress has the Government made towards increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in New Zealand?
9. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: What written reports did he receive from the Treasury during the five months after his appointment as Minister of Finance in late 2008 describing the increases in deposits in finance companies after they entered the Crown guarantee scheme, as referred to in paragraphs 6.2 and 6.5 of the Auditor General’s performance audit report on the Treasury’s handling of the Crown Retail Deposit Scheme, and what did those reports tell him, if anything, about how much the Crown’s exposure to those financial companies had increased?
10. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister for ACC: What advice has she received about when ACC Board Chairman John Judge first became aware of the issues that were the subject of the December meeting between senior ACC managers, Bronwyn Pullar and Michelle Boag; and if she hasn’t asked for that advice, why not?
11. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Housing: What action is the Government taking to make housing more affordable?
12. LOUISE UPSTON to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What progress has the Government made towards enacting deeds of settlement with iwi in legislation?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q11 and unusually is from a Labour MP, Annette King – What action is the Government taking to make housing more affordable?

Labour are also asking on ACC twice, Crown Deposit Guarantee Scheme, and teapotgate,

Greens are on fracking ACC.

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

1. Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill - third reading
2. Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill - third reading
3. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill – third reading
4. Trade (Safeguard Measures) Bill - committee stage
5. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) - first reading continued

The Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2011 and seeks to amend the scheme to shorten the repayment holiday from three years to one year and require borrowers to apply for a repayment holiday, plus other changes. It was supported at first reading by National, Labour, ACT, Maori, Progressive and United and opposed by Greens and Chris Carter. It appears to continue to have broad support as there was no minority report back from the select committee.

The Trade Safeguard Measures Bill was introduced in September 2008, and seeks to repeal the Temporary Safeguard Authorities Act 1987 (which embodies New Zealand’s current safeguards regime) and to replace it with a new regime consistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. ’Safeguards’ are emergency measures applied at New Zealand’s border, such as a duty. It passed first reading on a voice vote and the select committee report back has no minority report.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) was introduced in November 2011 and seeks to also implement the Building Act reviews decisions, including more comprehensive consumer protection measures and clarifying exemptions from building consent requirements.

The Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill was introduced in December 2010 and aims to replace the land valuation basis for setting rents for pastoral leases with a property-earning-capacity basis for setting rents for pastoral leases. It was supported at first reading by National, Greens, ACT, Maori and United and opposed by Labour.  Labour opposed the bill at select committee saying it “severely compromises the property rights of the land owner, the Crown, to negotiate a fair return on the full value of the land”. At second reading and committee stage it was supported by National, ACT and Maori Party but opposed by all other parties including (unusually) United Future.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. SIMON BRIDGES to the Minister of Finance: What measures is the Government taking to responsibly manage its finances and reduce the build-up in debt?
2. CHARLES CHAUVEL to the Attorney-General: Were theProsecution Guidelines dated 1 January 2010 applied to the decision not to prosecute Mr Ambrose over the Tea Tape complaint?
3. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister for Social Development: How will the Government’s proposed welfare changes give greater flexibility to support beneficiaries back into work?
4. Hon TREVOR MALLARD to the Minister for ACC: Does she stand by her answers to all supplementary questions to Oral Questions No. 2 and No. 9 yesterday?
5. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Minister of Finance: Has the Treasury underestimated the forecast lost profits to the Crown from the sale of State-owned energy companies in light of Mighty River Power’s enhanced earnings and dividend announcement?
6. MIKE SABIN to the Minister of Corrections: What reports has she received about the amount of drug use in prisons?
7. RICHARD PROSSER to the Minister for Primary Industries: Does he have confidence in New Zealand’s current biosecurity arrangements?
8. DAVID BENNETT to the Minister of Transport: What is the Government doing to reduce compliance costs for motorists?
9. GARETH HUGHES to the Minister of Conservation: How many adult Maui’s dolphins are estimated to be alive today and can she guarantee that on her watch no more Maui’s dolphins will die of human-induced causes?
10. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What is the cost budgeted for this financial year of the 30 or more positions in the Change Programme Office within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consultants engaged by the Ministry on the change process?
11. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Statistics: What information has he received on preparations for the 2013 Census?
12. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Is the Government considering legislative or regulatory concessions with respect to SkyCity Casino in order to build an international convention centre; if so, why?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q11 – What information has he received on preparations for the 2013 Census?

Labour are asking on teapotgate, ACC, MFAT and Sky City.  Interesting that Mallard not Little (the ACC spokesperson) is asking the ACC questions.

Greens are on asset sales and dolphins. NZ First on biosecurity.

General Debate 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Government Bills 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm (and Thu 9am to 1 pm)

1. Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Bill – first reading
2. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill – committee stage
3. Trade (Safeguard Measures) Bill - second reading continued
4. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) - first reading
5. Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill – third reading

The Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Bill was introduced in October 2011. It implements most of the 2010 Law Commission report, including handing over entitlements of MPs to travel and accommodation services will be determined by an independent body. It also allows an MPs salary to have a 0.2% deduction for every day they are absent without leave, which effectively increases it from $50/day to $270/day.

The Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2011 and seeks to amend the scheme to shorten the repayment holiday from three years to one year and require borrowers to apply for a repayment holiday, plus other changes. It was supported at first reading by National, Labour, ACT, Maori, Progressive and United and opposed by Greens and Chris Carter. It appears to continue to have broad support as there was no minority report back from the select committee.

The Trade Safeguard Measures Bill was introduced in September 2008, and seeks to repeal the Temporary Safeguard Authorities Act 1987 (which embodies New Zealand’s current safeguards regime) and to replace it with a new regime consistent with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. ’Safeguards’ are emergency measures applied at New Zealand’s border, such as a duty. It passed first reading on a voice vote and the select committee report back has no minority report.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) was introduced in November 2011 and seeks to also implement the Building Act reviews decisions, including more comprehensive consumer protection measures and clarifying exemptions from building consent requirements.

The Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill was introduced in December 2010 and aims to replace the land valuation basis for setting rents for pastoral leases with a property-earning-capacity basis for setting rents for pastoral leases. It was supported at first reading by National, Greens, ACT, Maori and United and opposed by Labour.  Labour opposed the bill at select committee saying it “severely compromises the property rights of the land owner, the Crown, to negotiate a fair return on the full value of the land”. At second reading and committee stage it was supported by National, ACT and Maori Party but opposed by all other parties including (unusually) United Future.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. KEVIN HAGUE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by the answers given on his behalf to all my questions in the House on Thursday, 22 March?
2. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister for ACC: Does she have confidence in the Board of ACC?
3. IAN McKELVIE to the Minister for Economic Development: What actions is the Government taking to increase employer confidence to hire new workers?
4. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Prime Minister: Has he received any recent reports or briefings from the Police?
5. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Attorney-General: How often has the Solictor-General appeared in Court representing the Crown in cases involving the interests of a Prime Minister during an election campaign?
6. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister for Social Development: Why is the Government reforming New Zealand’s welfare system?
7. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Finance: What did he mean regarding public sector CEO pay increases when he said “There’s a couple of bigger pay increases, I think three with the energy companies, which will be probably related to the share float that’s coming”?
8. NIKKI KAYE to the Associate Minister of Education: What announcements have been made about the first school property public private partnership in New Zealand?
9. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: Which of the investigations now underway in ACC – the Malcolm Crompton–led investigation into privacy issues or the Police investigation into alleged blackmail – will deal with the disclosure of former ACC Minister Nick Smith’s letter regarding Bronwyn Pullar to the media?
10. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What progress has the Government made to combat the trade of objectionable images of children?
11. DAVID CLENDON to the Minister of Corrections: Does she agree with the United Kingdom Ministry of Justice report that states “there is no evidence that, on average, prison is more cost-effective at preventing reoffending than community sentences.”?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Prime Minister: Why has the New Zealand Government taken a different decision to the Australian Government with regard to security matters relating to Huawei’s involvement in broadband projects?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q6 – Why is the Government reforming New Zealand’s welfare system?

Labour are so many topics to choose from, its is interesting to see whatthey went with – ACC twice , then Teapotgate and asset sales.

Greens are on ACC and prisons. NZ First on teapotgate.

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

1. Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill – second reading (no debate)
2. Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill – first reading
3. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill – second reading
4. Regulatory Reform Bill – second reading continued
5. Regulatory Reform (Repeals) Bill – second reading continued

The Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill seeks to confirm and validate financial matters relating to the 2010/11 financial year.

The Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill was introduced in March 2012 and seeks to introduce a new system of income support for young people and introduce a stronger work focus to some benefit categories.

The Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2011 and seeks to amend the scheme to shorten the repayment holiday from three years to one year and require borrowers to apply for a repayment holiday, plus other changes. It was supported at first reading by National, Labour, ACT, Maori, Progressive and United and opposed by Greens and Chris Carter. It appears to continue to have broad support as there was no minority report back from the select committee.

The Regulatory Reform Bill was introduced in December 2010 and seeks to  improve the regulatory environment by amending 13 Acts “to reduce the compliance burden on business by amending ineffective or excessively costly regulation”. It was supported at first reading by all parties except the Greens. There is no minority report from the select committee so appears to have broad support.

The Regulatory Reform (Repeals) Bill was introduced in November 2010 and seeks to repeal “31 Acts that have been identified as spent, meaning they no longer have any actual effect, or have very limited effect, and are out of date”.  It was passed on a voice vote at first reading, and considered in tandem with the Regulatory Reform Bill by the Commerce Select Committee. There was also no minority report so appears to be non-controversial.