Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Levy) Amendment Bill

Thank you, Mr Chair. I would like to take a call on Part 1 of this bill. Basically, there is only one part. In the bill, as originally introduced, it was supposed to change the date of commencement from 1 July 2019 to 1 July 2021. During the select committee, we went through this bill, and the Governance and Administration Committee proposed some amendments which were adopted at the second reading. In those amendments, one of the main things which was resolved was that this levy regime should be taken care of and a number of provisions should be taken up. At that time, I asked the officials whether they had explored any other options; and I appreciate the Minister acknowledging that when the question was raised during the second reading, and some input was given.

Now, we know that the Minister has introduced a Supplementary Order Paper to extend the date further, from 1 July 2021 to 1 July 2024. So, I have a question for the Minister in the chair: please explain what the reasons are that we are extending this date further, and what options she is considering for implementing these levy changes. I know it is very important that fire and emergency services provide a really good service to us as a community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their service during the recent incident in Christchurch, where they were really prominent to provide help to the victims.

The Minister may address this question that the levy, which is right now funded through the insurance policies—and we know there are a few issues, that some of the people don’t insure but they get the same service, and there are a number of other issues, also, as the number of call-outs for road accidents is also increasing from time to time. On the other hand, the call-outs for the fire services are declining. So overall we need to understand how the Minister proposes to change the levy regime which is in place. Extending the same levy regime until 2024, there will be a huge surplus. Where will that surplus be used? We need to understand the surplus is also available in the future, and that is important for us to understand—how this money will be used. I hope the Minister will take a call to explain this.

I raise a point of order, Mr Chair. I seek leave for all provisions to be taken as one debate.

Leave is sought for that purpose. Is there any objection? There appears to be not.

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