Oral Questions

1. to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government’s statements and actions?

Yes, particularly my decision to wish the member a very happy birthday! But I particularly stand by the Government’s decision to introduce a new offence to prosecute ram raids: a new Youth Court pathway enabling 12- to 13-year-olds to be brought before the Youth Court for ram-raiding. We’re also extending the successful circuit breaker intervention programme, which has worked for nearly 75 percent of the young people referred to it. The measures introduced to date to combat youth offending have been working for most kids, but we recognise that we need more tools in the tool box to respond to the worst repeat offenders. Nobody wants to see any child or young person locked up, and that’s why these changes are part of a continuum of work focused on prevention, protection, and accountability that breaks the cycle.

Christopher Luxon: When does he expect inflation to return to 3 percent, like in the US and Canada?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: There are a range of forecasts, but if you look at the Government agencies, most of them would be forecasting that in the second half of next year.

Christopher Luxon: Does he agree his rampant spending of an extra billion dollars of spending each and every week has contributed to inflation in New Zealand now being higher than all the major Asia-Pacific economies, including the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, China, and Japan?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Actually, if the member looks at the current Government’s spending and the spending over the forecast period, Government spending as a proportion of GDP is declining—and, actually, the most recent Government spending numbers indicate that Government spending is down.

Christopher Luxon: Does he think spending $200 million on a light rail business case, $1.7 billion on consultants, or $51 million on a cancelled bike bridge are actually good value for money, or are they just more examples of wasteful spending driving up inflation?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well, if we just take one of those figures—the spending on consultants that the member has just mentioned—I would note that those consultants work on a range of different projects, many of which the National Party are arguing we should do more of.

Christopher Luxon: Why, with the country in a recession and inflation at record highs, did he waste months designing a wealth tax when he should have been designing an economic growth plan?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The Government has an economic growth plan. I note, for example, the work that we have done to increase our international trade, including one of the most successful track records of any New Zealand Government in entering trade agreements around the world. Unlike the members opposite, we don’t just talk a big game on trade; we actually deliver results.

Christopher Luxon: Why has this fantastic economic growth plan led to New Zealand being the only country in a recession in the Asia-Pacific region?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: The economy is 6 percent bigger than it was before the global pandemic. Members can take quarter-by-quarter figures if they want to, but, if you look at the totality of the period since COVID-19, our economic performance rates pretty well compared to the other economies that we would typically compare ourselves to.

Christopher Luxon: Why are we the only country in the Asia-Pacific region in a recession, then?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: If you look at the most recent quarterly figures for economic growth, it factors in the severe effects of the cyclone. Without the cyclone, we would not be in recession.

Christopher Luxon: Wouldn’t it have been better, instead of spending millions of dollars and thousands of hours in the bureaucracy developing a wealth tax, for that resource to actually have been focused on stopping wasteful spending so that Kiwis can get to keep more of what they earn?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I note once again that, when the member talks about wasteful spending, he fails to acknowledge what the increase in Government spending has been driven by—by population growth; by increased wages for our teachers, our doctors, and our nurses; and by the introduction of programmes that New Zealanders rely on. And I note that he still isn’t indicating how the National Party is going to make its promises add up. They keep promising to spend more money and cut money at the same time. It’s no wonder Nicola Willis fails to produce an alternative fiscal plan—because she simply can’t make it add up.

Christopher Luxon: Why haven’t we seen an 80 percent improvement in education or an 80 percent improvement in health or infrastructure or roading, given an 80 percent increase in Government spending?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: That is a ridiculous suggestion. The population has grown. Costs have increased. Teachers’ salaries have increased. The run-down nature of the education system that we’ve inherited has required a significant investment to bring it back up to a 21st century standard. Are we focused on improving educational outcomes? Yes, we are. Are we concerned about the disruption that our education system has experienced over the last three years? Yes, we are particularly concerned about that. Has that had an impact on kids’ engagement and kids’ learning? Yes, it has. Do we need to do more in those areas? Yes, we do. Are we doing more in those areas? Yes, we are.

Christopher Luxon: Why is it that he thinks the success of a Government should be measured on how much is spent rather than the results that are achieved?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I don’t.

Christopher Luxon: Why is it that, when the books are looking dodgy, his Government’s only response is to whack Kiwis with new taxes instead of reining in wasteful spending?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I utterly reject the member’s question. The Government has been very focused on balancing the books. We have to recognise that we’ve been dealing with some of the most challenging economic circumstances any Government has faced since the Great Depression, and we have managed to support New Zealanders through that very successfully. Is it a difficult economic environment at the moment? Yes, it is. Will we see New Zealanders through that? Yes, we will.

Question No. 2—Social Development and Employment

2. to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What announcements has she made about supporting people impacted by the extreme weather events?

This morning, I was pleased to announce that the Government is providing support to displaced homeowners impacted by recent extreme weather events. The interim payment will be available from 4 September 2023, made weekly and directly to homeowners, and set at 100 percent of the average rent declared by accommodation supplement recipients in the recipient’s region. Having visited a few of the impacted areas and met informally with residents, I’m hopeful that this is the security and certainty they both need and deserve as they continue to plan and recover from the extreme weather events.

Anna Lorck: How much support will homeowners receive?

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: The amount will be scaled according to the homeowner’s location and household make-up. For example, a two-parent family with three children in Auckland could receive up to $610 per week through this programme. We based the settings for this support on the Canterbury Temporary Accommodation Assistance put in place following the earthquakes, but are making sure that we continue to work on an enduring solution, building on the experience in Canterbury.

Anna Lorck: What further announcements has the Minister made in addition to the Temporary Accommodation Assistance package?

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Yesterday, in Thames-Coromandel, I announced the social sector recovery plan. The plan helps to ensure people’s needs will continue to be met over the next two years through a suite of tangible actions. Some examples of where the funding is going to include personalised support and referral services for people impacted by land-zoning change; support for students who have missed school, so they can catch up on lost learning; education and training for providers to support whānau, rangatahi, and tamariki with anxiety and mental wellbeing; and support for volunteers and community workers suffering burnout.

Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she agree that it’s unacceptable that the civil defence payment has not been updated in 20 years, and, if so, when will she commit to increasing it to adequately support families affected by severe weather events?

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: As I have said to the member in the past, the civil defence payment is attached to hardship grants, and because they haven’t been lifted, neither has the amount that you can access through the civil defence payment. However, numerous families accessed the civil defence payment more than once. It was certainly based on their circumstances and need.

Anna Lorck: How else is the Government supporting regions impacted by the weather events?

Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Whilst in Thames-Coromandel yesterday, I announced a boost in support for local tourism and businesses. Government have committed $200,000 to support promotion efforts to help bring visitors back into a part of the country which was badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. We’re working alongside the council and local businesses to make sure New Zealanders know that the Coromandel is open for business over the coming summer.

Question No. 3—Finance

3. to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his answer to my question yesterday, asking on which date the Prime Minister informed him he would rule out the introduction of a wealth tax, that “In the lead-up to the final Budget paper going to Cabinet, which I believe was on 11 April”; if so, has the Prime Minister asked him to develop any proposals for delivering income tax reduction since 11 April 2023?

In answer to the first part of the question, yes. In answer to the second part of the question, no.

Nicola Willis: Are the rumours correct—[Interruption]

SPEAKER: Order!

Nicola Willis: —the last rumours were correct—that the wealth tax was ruled out for inclusion in this year’s Budget but the Prime Minister kept it under active consideration for future Budgets, stringing the finance Minister on in the false hope that his big tax dreams may yet come true, only to then shatter that hope by way of last week’s press release from Lithuania?

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Storytime with Nicola.

SPEAKER: Order!

Nicola Willis: You strung him along.

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Storytime with Nicola.

SPEAKER: When you’re ready, because I’m going to make a ruling.

Chris Bishop: Were you going to say that to him, too?

SPEAKER: Chris Bishop can stand, withdraw, and apologise. And you are lucky to be staying in the House.

Chris Bishop: I withdraw and apologise.

SPEAKER: This week, there’s been a number of questions that have been asked—and answered—with a narrative before they’re asked which are bound to receive disorderly behaviour towards. We witnessed that one right there. I’m going to leave it up to the Minister to decide whether he wants to address any part of that, make any statement about it, or not answer at all.

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: If the member and I spent all of our time listening to and believing the rumours that circulate around this building, she’d be the Leader of the Opposition by now!

Nicola Willis: Does he stand by his statement last week that ultimately the decision was made not to go ahead with a wealth tax “given the significance of the change in difficult and highly uncertain economic conditions”, and, if so, what are the economic conditions in which he believes New Zealand should introduce a wealth tax?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In answer to the first part of the question, yes.

Nicola Willis: What are the economic conditions in which he believes New Zealand should introduce a wealth tax?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: That is a hypothetical question. What I do know is that the economic conditions that New Zealand is in right now are not the ones where a programme of unfunded tax cuts that would proportionately benefit the wealthiest New Zealanders are a good thing to do, as the member would propose.

Nicola Willis: Isn’t it the case that a wealth tax remains firmly on his table, he’s just waiting for the economic conditions which will provide him a handy excuse—and this despite the pages and pages of warnings from taxpayer-funded advisers that introducing a wealth tax would completely undermine the innovation and entrepreneurship needed for a strong economy?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: No, that has been ruled out by the Prime Minister.

Question No. 4—Sport and Recreation

4. to the Minister for Sport and Recreation: What support has the Government given to the hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup?

The Government has invested $55 million to ensure a successful co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 alongside Australia. Of this, around $25 million has been provided to support upgrades at sporting facilities across Aotearoa New Zealand. A further $10 million has been set aside to support a leverage and legacy programme, which includes around 50 activities and projects across the country. New Zealand Football has also received funding to help capitalise on the increase of interest in football off the back of the tournament to grow the game here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sarah Pallett: How has the funding supported the upgrades of facilities at event venues and trading grounds?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well, the upgrades have happened in 30 sporting facilities across the country. They include pitch, lighting, and facility enhancements; unisex changing spaces; and event infrastructure. These upgrades are critical to ensure the success of the tournament, but will also benefit local communities, football clubs, and many different sporting codes that use these facilities for years to come.

Sarah Pallett: What support has been provided to leverage the event to create a long-term legacy for New Zealand?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Well, the decision to invest in this event aligns with the overall Government’s Strategy for Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation, which aims to grow female participation, create new female leaders, and raise the visibility of women’s sport. The $10 million leverage and legacy programme I mentioned is critical to supporting these outcomes. It includes a broad range of projects that drive benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand in education, sport, tourism, international relations, community development, business, health, culture, and conservation. Just one example is the GirlBoss programme, which is a collaboration between GirlBoss New Zealand and the Ministry of Education to use sport and the event as a platform to encourage young women to explore career pathways in psychology, sports science, advanced medicine, surgery, and other related fields.

Sarah Pallett: How does the Government’s support for the FIFA World Cup align with the Government’s women and girls sport strategy?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: In 2018, the Government launched New Zealand’s first ever women and girls in sport strategy, with three themes of participation, leadership, and valuing and visibility. I am proud of the strides that we’ve made in promoting women’s sport across New Zealand in the world. The FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is the third of three World Cups that we have hosted for women—the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Rugby World Cup—along with the International Working Group World Conference on Women in Sport. By creating a platform such as this, we encourage and inspire women and girls to be involved in sport, and these types of events will play a key role in advancing the outcomes of the strategy. I’m looking forward to watching the Football Ferns take on Norway in the opening match at Eden Park tomorrow night, and I’m sure all members in the House will join me in wishing the team all the best.

Hon Gerry Brownlee: Will we be able to go? Will the House be sitting?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: This is a group of wāhine toa who every New Zealander should be proud of. Mr Brownlee, I’ll give you special leave to join me to go and support the Football Ferns.

Question No. 5—Land Information

5. to the Minister for Land Information: Does he think it is acceptable that the Public Works Act continues to allow compulsory acquisition of Māori land; if not, when will Māori land be fully protected?

To the first part of the question: yes. However, I would note to the member that compulsory acquisition of land under the Public Works Act is only ever the final step in a lengthy acquisition process. For Māori land specifically, the Crown recognises the special significance of Māori freehold land and always looks to employ methods other than compulsory acquisition. Compulsory acquisition is a tool to be used when the situation requires it, and without compulsory acquisition significant infrastructure like roads, railways, and schools simply would not happen.

Teanau Tuiono: What work, if any, has LINZ done on preventing compulsory acquisition on Māori land?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: There’s been considerable work under way to consider the issues of Māori land, the views of Māori landowners, and to ensure that acquisition of Māori land does not occur when it is not necessary. We are aware of the issue, we’re working through it very carefully. But I’ll remind the member again: it only ever occurs if a greater good of a public asset is required for all New Zealanders.

Teanau Tuiono: How much Māori land has been compulsorily acquired since the Public Works Act was passed in 1981?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I’m afraid I don’t have that total area. I’m quite happy to answer that question, if you’d like to send it to me in written form.

Teanau Tuiono: Why are there no central records of Māori land taken through compulsory acquisition?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I’m sure there are. It’s just that I don’t have the information with me here now.

Hon David Parker: Can the Minister confirm that in recent years a transmission line was put through in the Northland area on private land, that those that were subject to compulsory acquisition asserted it should go through Māori land instead, that the Crown supported the original position and the court upheld the fact that it shouldn’t go through Māori land, thereby showing that the Crown is actively protecting Māori interests?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I will confirm that and say that the Government is very sensitive to the complex issue of Māori land and the ownership of that. Should acquisition ever occur, it’s only at the end of a very long process involving extensive consultation with all landowners, particularly if they’re Māori landowners.

Teanau Tuiono: Will he direct LINZ to pick up the work programme signalled by Minister Mahuta in late 2019 to address issues with public works acquisitions of Māori land?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I know there’s been a lot of cross-agency discussion on this issue and I know that that work that was undertaken has progressed. At this stage, the one thing that Government has been concerned about is to ensure that the rights of Māori land owners is not overruled. But, at the end of the day, should acquisition of any of that land occur, it’s only for significant public assets and infrastructure that we all need to exist as a country.

Teanau Tuiono: Does he have confidence that all surplus land previously taken for public works is being returned to Māori land owners without financial disadvantage under current processes?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I am aware that the offer-back process is a very robust, open, and transparent one. I have no doubt that everyone is doing their very best to ensure the rights of all landowners, particularly Māori, are upheld through that process. It’s complex, sometimes lengthy, but I have no reason to believe that there are any injustices being imposed upon any Māori land owners.

Question No. 6—Finance

6. to the Minister of Finance: What responsibility, if any, does he take for inflation having been above the Reserve Bank’s 3 percent target every quarter since June 2021?

Just as in the period from the December 2017 quarter to the March 2021 quarter, when inflation sat within the Reserve Bank’s 1 to 3 percent target range, I accept that responsibility for managing that target range sits with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. I also accept responsibility for the Government’s fiscal decisions throughout the largest shock to the New Zealand economy since World War II. This has seen our economy at least 6 percent larger than it was before COVID, unemployment at record lows, and debt lower than many other countries we compare ourselves to. I would note that today’s inflation data reflects a continuation of the downward trend which has seen the annual inflation rate fall over successive quarters from its peak of 7.3 percent in June 2022.

David Seymour: How does the Minister explain to New Zealanders that tradeable inflation—things bought and sold overseas—is 5.2 percent, but non-tradeable inflation—buying and selling things within New Zealand—remains at 6.6 percent, the same as it was a year ago?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Two things that I would explain that with. The first of those is that while I know the member wants to conflate non-tradeables with domestic, it doesn’t always exactly work. For example, the biggest increase we’ve seen in this particular quarter of data is in the construction sector. In the construction sector, 90 percent of the goods used in house-building are either imported or made from imported goods. Secondly, the weather events in the country have undoubtedly led to increases, particularly in food prices.

David Seymour: Is the Minister aware that non-tradeable inflation, excluding the purchase of new housing and, therefore, construction goods, is 6.3 percent higher than overall inflation, and, therefore, his excuse he’s trotted out so many times that non-tradeables are high because of construction goods simply ain’t true?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I am aware of the definition, as the member is. I stand by my answer and I’d also continue to point out to the member that the period of time that we are dealing with here is one in which the weather events in New Zealand have had a significant impact across the economy, and I note that I’m not the only one saying that—as the member and I have previously discussed—but it’s also the planet on which Sharon Zollner lives.

David Seymour: Does the finance Minister believe that him borrowing and spending a net $121 billion of extra debt in the six years he’s been finance Minister might have just contributed a bit to local inflation, and, if not, why not?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: As I said in my primary answer, I stand by the financial and fiscal decisions the Government has made in the face of the biggest shock to the New Zealand economy since World War II. In this House, consistently over the last few years, members from all sides have called for there to be more spending to support New Zealanders through what has been a very, very challenging time. I’m sure the member will enjoy his role as a professor of hindsight economics; we don’t get to live in that role.

David Seymour: What would the finance Minister say to a family of four who are paying $110 a week more for groceries than they were when he became the Minister of Finance, and who are getting a little bit tired of his smart-arse remarks and excuses blaming everyone else?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: What I would say to that family is that I recognise that for them, and many New Zealanders, these are incredibly difficult times. That is the reason why this Government has stepped up consistently to support families through lifting the family tax credit, through lifting childcare assistance rates, through lifting benefits, and through supporting New Zealanders through this period of time. What I’d also say to that family is that the alternative in an ACT Party - led economic policy would see them much, much worse off.

David Seymour: Does he really believe that if that family had two people on the average wage with them being $4,400 a year better off thanks to paying less tax while not a single front-line service is reduced is worse off—really?

Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Absolutely, I do believe that because they would be entering into an era where, unfortunately, as the member’s former idol would say, there would be a political party in charge that “represents only the wealthy” and has been captured by a “small libertarian element who did not want public super or public healthcare at all”. I can hardly believe I’m quoting Roger Douglas in the House, but that’s what he said.

Question No. 7—Trade and Export Growth

7. to the Minister for Trade and Export Growth: What recent announcements has he made about prospects for New Zealand’s trade?

It was my privilege to travel to Brussels with the Prime Minister last week to officially sign New Zealand’s free-trade agreement with the European Union. This is a groundbreaking free-trade agreement that delivers our exporters unprecedented access to a market of 450 million people and an economy worth around $27 trillion. We expect that the European Union - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (EU-NZ FTA) will increase our exports to the EU by up to $1.8 billion per year by 2035. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the negotiating team, and all the officials who worked so hard to help us secure this fantastic deal for New Zealand.

Ibrahim Omer: How will the EU-NZ FTA benefit New Zealand business?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: I’ll try and summarise it briefly: once the FTA enters into force, 91 percent of New Zealand’s goods exports to the EU will be duty free, and that rises to 97 percent after just seven years. From day one, Kiwi exporters will save $100 million in tariff reductions, the highest immediate tariff savings ever delivered by a New Zealand free-trade agreement. This Government understands that trade is key to our economy and we’re committed to securing high-quality agreements like the EU-NZ FTA, which will cut costs for exporters, boost opportunities for small businesses, and create and protect jobs for Kiwi families.

Ibrahim Omer: How does the EU-NZ FTA support New Zealand’s primary sector?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: Well, the EU-NZ FTA brings new opportunities and huge benefits for our world-leading primary sector exporters. Our horticultural sector will see $46 million in tariffs slashed from day one; our fish and seafood producers will see immediate removal of $20 million in tariffs; major honey exporting regions like Northland, Hawke’s Bay, and Coromandel will benefit from the phased removal of 17 percent tariff on honey over three years, and for mānuka honey that will be eliminated from day one. Our dairy and red meat sectors will see the opportunity for over $600 million in additional export revenue to the EU per year, once fully implemented, with quotas, that, if filled, could see New Zealand provide 60 percent of the EU’s butter imports, and 96 percent of the EU’s sheep meat imports. This Government understands the role that export earnings play in the success of our primary industries, and the EU-NZ FTA delivers new opportunities for our primary producers.

Ibrahim Omer: How does the EU-NZ FTA support the Government’s Trade Recovery Strategy?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: This Government recognises that trade is crucial to our economic success, and we know that one in four New Zealanders’ jobs depend upon trade. That’s why, as part of our Trade Recovery Strategy, we’re committed to opening as many doors as possible for Kiwi exporters. Since 2017, since this Government came in, this Government has secured seven new or upgraded free-trade agreements: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership—

Hon David Parker: How many did they do?

Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR: Thank you, Mr Parker—Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the EU - NZ FTA, the United Kingdom - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN - Australia - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, and China and Singapore trade upgrades. Labour’s record on trade is historic, and we have delivered time and time again for our exporters and our economy.

Question No. 8—Health

8. to the Minister of Health: How does she explain Health NZ statements that emergency department wait-time data could be “two or three [quarterly] reports away”, and have emergency department wait times increased or decreased this year to date?

In answer to the first part of the question, the statement from Dr Richard Sullivan, interim national medical lead for Te Whatu Ora, was that the publication of emergency department (ED) admissions data will be delayed—not emergency department wait times. To answer the second part of this question about emergency department wait times, Te Whatu Ora recently published its clinical performance metrics for the reporting period January to March 2023. Overall, the proportion of emergency department stays under six hours decreased by 9 percent for the period from January to March 2022, to January to March 2023. ED presentations also increased by 9 percent during the same period. Te Whatu Ora does not yet have validated data available for the April to June 2023 quarter.

Dr Shane Reti: Will all 12 of the health performance indicators be reported going forward, and, if not, which will not be reported?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Indeed, the approach outlined following the publication of the report into these matters is that all 12 will be. However, there is a delay in the data for ED admissions because there is variation—as is gone into in great length in that report—in the way in which the admissions are coded.

Dr Shane Reti: Is the delay in ED admissions and ED wait times?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: If the member had read the last quarterly report, he would be aware that data on the shorter stays in ED figure—commonly called the ED wait times—has been published.

Dr Shane Reti: Has she or her office had any involvement in preventing ED wait times from being publicly reported, and, if so, what involvement?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: Throughout this discussion about the importance of this data, I have maintained that it is incredibly important that this data is available and that this report was undertaken in order to make sure that high-quality data is available, and I back the team to make sure they have the right data before it is published.

Dr Shane Reti: Point of order, Mr Speaker. I asked if her or her office had any involvement in preventing the publication of ED wait time data.

SPEAKER: Does the member want to ask the question again?

Dr Shane Reti: Certainly. Has she or her office had any involvement in preventing ED wait times from being publicly reported, and, if so, what involvement?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: I have, at the time that—no—at the reports that—the role of my office has to be—has been to request that Te Whatu Ora publish the correct data.

SPEAKER: I’ll give the member an additional question, if he wishes to take it.

Dr Shane Reti: Has she issued any instructions to officials to withhold ED wait time data, and, if so, when?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: The member raised concerns publicly about errors in emergency department data. I asked Te Whatu Ora to ensure they publish the correct data.

Hon Michael Woodhouse: Point of order, Mr Speaker. I could see you thinking very carefully about that answer, and I suggest to you that it still wasn’t addressed. Dr Reti asked not whether data should be published when it is accurate, but whether the Minister or her office had an involvement in the delay of that data.

Hon Kieran McAnulty: Speaking to the point of order, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Consistently, you have never required a yes or no answer to such a question. On three occasions, the Minister made quite clear what her involvement was in that process.

SPEAKER: The member is correct; I was thinking really carefully about it. In hindsight, I probably should have offered another question. I think it hasn’t been addressed, so I’m going to ask the member to ask it again.

Dr Shane Reti: Has she at any time offered instructions to her office to withhold the public reporting of ED wait time data, and, if so, when?

Hon Dr AYESHA VERRALL: There was a protracted period of time where there were concerns about the accuracy of ED data that Te Whatu Ora held, and consistently throughout that, I maintained a position that the correct data should not be released—sorry, the correct data should be released.

SPEAKER: Question—[Interruption] Order! Be quiet. [Interruption] Quiet!

Question No. 9—Tourism

9. to the Minister of Tourism: What recent announcements has the Government made about increased capacity for international tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Great news: I was recently in China where, alongside the Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, we announced new China to New Zealand direct airline connections, which will significantly increase the capacity of incoming tourists every month. We’re actively working to attract visitors globally, including from China, that match our tourism objectives and who will positively contribute to New Zealand’s economic recovery.

Naisi Chen: What new air routes have been announced?

Hon PEENI HENARE: The new China Southern Airlines itinerary includes the reinstatement of the Guangzhou-Christchurch connection and the introduction of three additional services between Guangzhou and Auckland. The increased capacity will bring approximately 7,000 seats per month. These additional routes add to the direct air connections between our two countries, which are expected to grow to at least 80 percent of pre-COVID levels by September 2023.

Naisi Chen: How is this announcement expected to help drive the economic recovery?

Hon PEENI HENARE: International visitors spent $3.2 billion in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2023, up from $1.8 billion in the December 2022 quarter. This $3.2 billion makes international tourism the second-highest export earner for the quarter, behind dairy exports. For this reason, China remains an important tourist market to New Zealand. With borders open and tourists returning to our shores, this announcement will make visiting from China even easier and will help drive our economic recovery.

Naisi Chen: Why is it important to strengthen the reconnection with China?

Hon PEENI HENARE: Research shows that the Chinese visitors post-pandemic are seeking more open spaces, wildlife, and more immersive experiences. Chinese visitors are increasingly seeking to explore New Zealand through road trips, camping, campervan holidays, and in smaller, more tailored tour groups. There is an increased willingness to spend more for high-quality travel, accommodation, and experiences, which will contribute positively to New Zealand’s economic recovery. Equally, research shows that Chinese visitors are interested in participating in Māori cultural experiences, which Te Matatini champions Te Whānau-a-Apanui successfully promoted as a culture lead for our trade mission to China.

Question No. 10—Justice

10. to the Minister of Justice: Does she stand by all of her statements and actions?

Yes; in the context in which they were made and undertaken.

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Can she explain why she told Parliament yesterday that Cabinet agreed to make a new offence for using a young person to commit a crime, punishable by 10 years in prison, when that was the same mistake the Prime Minister made on Monday, which he had to correct 90 minutes later, since Cabinet actually agreed to make it an aggravating factor for sentencing?

Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: I was referring to Cabinet’s consideration of the two options as part of the package that we considered on Monday. To the latter point, ultimately, the Prime Minister has accepted responsibility and acknowledged the mistake that was made with respect to the announcement of those materials. The fact remains we’re creating a new aggravating factor that would apply when an adult, whether or not connected to an organised crime group, commissions a person under 18 to carry out an offence.

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Why is the Government so muddled about its justice policies three months before an election?

Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: We’re not.

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Does she still stand by her tweet on 18 June: “locking people up and throwing away the key is exactly what gangs want. They want NZers to pay for their university of crime.”; if so, how did it inform her announcement today that certain crimes need tougher consequences?

Hon KIRITAPU ALLAN: Yes, I do stand by that tweet and, in particular, in the full context it was made. I particularly stand by the component that says that the National Party’s law and order policy lacks any evidential foundation.

Question No. 11—Arts, Culture and Heritage

11. to the Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What reports has she seen about how Kiwis around Aotearoa marked Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki 2023?

Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki 2023, the first distinctly New Zealand public holiday, was celebrated last Friday for the second time, and it was exciting to see how people of all backgrounds embraced it and got involved with their local community. This year’s theme was “Matariki Kāinga Hokia - Matariki calls you home”, and this could be clearly seen from the events organised by local marae, hapū, and iwi, family fun gatherings organised by councils, and individual whānau and family coming together. As the Minister, I was honoured to attend the live nationally broadcasted traditional hautapu ceremony at Mount Ngongotahā in Rotorua alongside my colleague the Hon Peeni Henare. The broadcast also featured pre-recorded events from around the country showcasing other tribal variations, such as puanga. I was hugely appreciative of the efforts of Ngāti Whakauē made to host us for the hautapu. They shared their aroha for Matariki with all New Zealanders and helped to increase awareness and education on its significance. As I said on Friday, when I think about Matariki, it’s not necessarily about following rules or regimented traditions but rather about embracing the values and principles of Matariki: remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future. Those values can be as simple and universal as aroha and te taiao, appreciating the people, and respecting our environment.

Arena Williams: What reports has she seen about the success of the Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund for 2023?

Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME: Celebrations across Aotearoa have been significantly enhanced through over $3 million of the Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund, which saw 120 successful applicants receive funding to host events and wānanga in 2023. The fund is inclusive of all unique iwi variations of Matariki that exist, such as puanga, and is inclusive of different iwi having distinct approaches to calculating and acknowledging the timing of the Māori New Year. For 2023, the contestable funding was designed to support Māori communities in leading and delivering Te Kāhui o Matariki - focused initiatives that regenerate mātauranga Matariki in line with the celebration of the public holiday. I have been advised that there were many thoughtful and high-quality applications which demonstrated the deep aroha for Matariki, and so much so that the fund was heavily oversubscribed—receiving a total of 321 applications. This is a real sign of the widespread desire to continue to tautoko and celebrate the public holiday.

Arena Williams: What evidence has she seen of positive impact of Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki as a public holiday for Aotearoa?

Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME: While many of us already have Matariki traditions through Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, this has been shared and embraced right across the country. In 2022, it is estimated that the benefit of Matariki to domestic tourism was up to $160 million, and we anticipate it being similar in 2023. As Kiwis, we’re out and about across the motu, visiting whānau and friends and visiting other rohe—certainly what I saw in Rotorua. The indications from initial social media monitoring are that people were keen to find out about Matariki events near them, with the event pages on matariki.com increasing in views from 6,621 in 2022 to 10,375 in 2023 for the same period, and there were over 15,000 more overall visits or clicks to the website in June and July compared to the same period last year.

Arena Williams: How is the Government supporting Matariki in the years ahead?

Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME: As part of Budget 2023, this Government announced a further investment of $18 million over four years to build on the initial momentum from the inaugural public holiday and to see expanded public awareness and understanding of Matariki. We know that cultural identity has benefits for all New Zealanders as a way of coming together, celebrating our rich history, culture, language, practices, and ceremonies, and as noted by Dr Rangi Mātāmua, Chief Adviser - Mātauranga Matariki, traditions don’t just happen; they need commitment and participation to thrive. I’m proud to be part of a Government that is demonstrating that necessary commitment and is always looking to create new ways to uplift and enhance wellbeing for all. Mānawatia a Matariki!

Question No. 12—Education

12. to the Minister of Education: Does she stand by all of her statements and actions?

Yes, in the context that they were given and taken.

Erica Stanford: How could she possibly believe that leaving chemistry, physics, and biology out of the draft science curriculum was a good idea, leaving the ministry to work on this curriculum for months without her intervention when teachers are now saying it’s embarrassing and will lead to an “appalling” decline in student achievement?

Hon JAN TINETTI: The member is wrong. The final curriculum will include chemistry, physics, biology, and other core science topics. That is not in question.

Erica Stanford: Can she name any other country that doesn’t mention the words “chemistry”, “biology”, and “physics” in their science curriculum?

Hon JAN TINETTI: I refer the member to my first answer.