SUBMISSION OF DAVID FARRAR ON THE
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT (REMUNERATION AND SERVICES) BILL TO THE GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE

 About the Submitter

1. This submission is made by David Farrar in a personal capacity. I would like to appear before the Committee to speak to my submission.

Overall Bill

2. I submit in support of the bill proceeding. I think its provisions represent a welcome and overdue reform, especially in regard to having the Remuneration Authority take responsibility for most allowances and services, as well as salaries.

Timing of Salary Determinations

3. I propose that the bill be amended to legislate that the Remuneration Authority only review MPs salaries every third year, and publish their determination around three to six months before the scheduled election. The new determination should take effect for the term of the next Parliament.
4. I submit this, not because I think MPs are overpaid and should be paid less. Quite the opposite. I think it is important that MPs continue to receive appropriate remuneration. However the current system of annual increases creates a regular self-flagellation exercise as media and members of the public lash “greedy” MPs voting themselves a payrise (even though that is an inaccurate description of the process), and pressure is put on MPs to turn down the payrise, and/or donate it to charity.
5. The public will never like MPs getting payrises during their term of office. However they will accept that the salary for one term of Parliament will be higher than the previous three year term. In the days of high inflation, there may have been a case for annual payrises, but in today’s environment a three yearly adjustment should still not be too large an increase.
6. They key thing is that no MP gains a payrise during their term office. The salary level for an MP is set prior to the election at which they are elected, and stays for that term. So the public know when electing MPs what the remuneration for the job will be – and candidates will know what the salary is they are elected.
7. I would expect that the Remuneration Authority, if making a determination for a three year term, would take into account the fact it is for three years.
8. I think this proposal is a win-win. It gives greater certainty to MPs, removes the annual flagellation around payrises, and still ensures that MPs salaries are set at the appropriate level over time.
9. The formal amendment would be the addition of a Clause 9(5) which says “The Remuneration Authority will make a determination under Subsection (1) no later than 30 September in the year of a scheduled election, and the determination will remain in force for the duration of the next Parliament as detailed in Section 11.
10. It could be prudent to have a clause detailing what should occur if there is a snap or early election. In this case, one could either have no new determination, or authorize the Remuneration Authority to make a determination prior to polling day.

Deductions for Absent MPs

11. I support the increase in the deduction for an MP absent without leave from the House.
12. The deduction is based on sitting days missed. It is worth noting that if the House is in urgency or an extended sitting, then multiple days may be counted as the one sitting day. This means an MP (for example) could attend on a Thursday yet skip a Friday and Saturday extended sitting, yet face no penalty. It may be wise to define a sitting day as any physical day the House of Representatives is sitting, rather than implicitly the definition used by Standing Orders.
13. I think the deduction could be increased from 0.2% per day missed as with only 96 scheduled sitting days, that means (after deducing the nine days which gain no deduction) that an MP who attended not a single sitting day would only be deducted 17.4% of their annual salary (if an ordinary MP).
14. I also think the nine “penalty free” days is too high, as this is only for MPs without leave, which is simple to obtain. I would submit a better threshold is three sitting days (one week) before deductions begin, and then deductions of 0.5% per sitting day. This means an MP who did not turn up to a single sitting day in 2012 would have 46.5% of their salary deducted, instead of 17.4%.

Frequency of Determinations for Services

15. Clause 29 states that determinations for travel and accommodation services under section 18 should be made once per term, in the first two years.
16. As with MPs salaries, I think it is more logical to have this determination made towards the end of the parliamentary term and apply for the following term. Again this removes the perceptions of MPs gaining some extra “advantage” during a term.
17. I propose Clause 29 be amended so that determinations are made in the final year of a term of Parliament, and that they apply for the next term of Parliament.
18. I support retaining 29(4) to allow for emergency amendments if necessary.

Official Information Act status

19. This bill entrenches the welcome increase in transparency introduced by the current Prime Minister and Speaker over spending by Parliament.
20. Some people have submitted in favour of going further, and bringing The Parliamentary Service under the Official Information Act.
21. I can understand the reluctance of some MPs for this to occur, as it could mean that attempts are made to access (for example) internal communications between MPs and staff discussing political strategy and the like. You could end up with each party OIA’ing the communications and documents of all the other parties in Parliament. Draft policy documents could be OIA’d, for example.
22. A pragmatic solution may be to agree to have the Official Information Act apply to The Parliamentary Service, but only for the purpose of financial documents. This would provide full scrutiny of parliamentary expenditure but protect political discussions and strategy.

Thank you for considering this submission. I would like to make an oral submission in support, and look forward to appearing.

Otago University researchers have found:

University of Otago, Wellington researchers have just published a study that estimates for the first time the average cost of producing a new law in New Zealand.

The research shows a new act costs on average $3.5 million, while a regulation is estimated to cost around $530,000.

The researchers developed a method that analysed the number of acts and regulations passed in Parliament from 1999 to 2010. They then considered the costs of running Parliament, particularly ‘sitting days’, when MPs debate new laws. Also taken into account were the costs of policy advice from government agencies related to law-making.

Their full report is here. A quote:

We estimated that, between 1999 and 2010, 26.7% of parliamentary resources and 16.7% of policy advice from government agencies were devoted to generating new laws in New Zealand.

A reminder that Parliament is not just about laws.

If a new law costs $3.5m on average, then that should be the minimum test for whether a law is needed. Is the problem the new law seeks to fix so large that it is worth spending $3.5m on fixing (and that is before we even get into the impact of the law).

Hat Tip: Homepaddock

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.

Question 2 in the House today:

DAVID SHEARER (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his statements?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) : Yes, I stand by the statements I make, but, of course, I do not stand by the statements David Farrar makes.

Can I just say that I think it is a pity he doesn’t – I say very sensible things.

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.

In 2010 I blogged two tables (here and here) looking at some “performance” statistics of Labour MPs in 2009. I’ve decided to expand this to include all opposition MPs and make it a regular quarterly feature.

The three criteria are:

1. No of press releases issued, and the associated rank (1 is most, 56 is least). This is based on a search of Scoop for their name in releases from their party.
2. No of news stories mentioning them, and the associated rank. This is based on a search of Google News NZ and counting the number of hits, which roughly corresponds to number of distinct stories. The Voxy and Scoop sites are excluded as these report press releases which are covered in (1).
3. No of written questions asked by them, and the associated rank. This is based on a search of the Parliamentary PQs database. Incidentally this database is seriously stuffed. Each query takes 1 to 2 minutes. Could someone in the Parliamentary Service please fix this. I understand it has been this way for a while. Note that this covers the period from the election to yesterday as the database does not allow you to specify an exact time period.

To some degree the three categories represent inputs, outputs and outcomes. The written PQs are the inputs – the grunt work you do to find out information for your portfolio. Some MPs actually abuse the facility, but overall it is a reasonable indicator of activity.

The media releases are the outputs – how often an MP is actually putting a statement out there for the media to pick up.

The news stories are the outcomes – how often activity by that MP actually makes the news. Of course not all news stories are positive ones, but overall a harder working MP will get more news stories.

I have not surveyed the number of oral questions they ask, or the number of speeches in the House. The reasons for this is that the leadership tend to allocate these out or roster people on for these. It is not the same as MP generated activity.

People may wonder why I have only done these for Opposition MPs. Well Government backbenchers are not actually encouraged to do press releases (except on local issues) or ask PQs. It is only for an Opposition party, these stats make sense. I do plan to publish similar ”league tables” for Ministers.

First looking at the parties, they seem to have a very close average to each other for press releases. For media stories the Greens lag behind Labour and NZ First. And when it comes to PQs Labour is massively higher, but that is more due to what I’d call abusive behaviour by a couple of MPs.

For press releases, the five top MPs are Winston Peters, Hone Harawira, David Shearer, Clare Curran and Russel Norman. Interesting that Peters and Harawira put out more releases than the Leader of the Opposition. Also interesting that Curran has such a high number of releases. Also Norman has put out twice as many PRs as his co-leader.

The MPs who have done the least releases are Rajen Prasad (none) followed by Shane Jones, Trevor Mallard and Rino Tirikatene (one each).

For news stories, the top five MPs are David Shearer, Winston Peters, Russel Norman, Trevor Mallard and Grant Robertson. Interesting that Peters gets twice as many stories as Norman, despite being the smaller party. Also Norman has five times as many stories as Turei. Also of interest is how prominent Mallard is in the media for Labour – second only to their leader.

The MPs with the least news stories (as indexed by Google News) are Raymond Huo (1), Asenati Taylor (1), Rajen Prasad (2), Megan Woods (2).

For PQs, the top five MPs are Trevor Mallard (2,936), Chris Hipkins (1,294), Iain Lees-Galloway (428), Phil Goff (245), David Cunliffe (200). While PQs are a good resource that MPs should use, I believe Mallard and Hipkins are abusing the system with massive fishing expeditions that cost tens of thousands of dollars. I will blog later some examples of that. PQs should be used to get information an MP needs, and most MPs should use them more. But a couple should use them less.

15 Opposition MPs have not asked a single written PQ this term.

This shows the output of each MP compared to the median. The simple average is just that. The weighted average applies a weighting of 1/2 to news stories, 1/3 to press releases and 1/6 to PQs. Also to discourage abuse of PQs, the maximum number of PQs counted is 12 time the median, or 200% weighted.

So overall the top of the league table goes to Opposition Leader David Shearer, which is as expected. Second is Winston Peters, then Phil Goff, Russel Norman and Trevor Mallard.

Down the bottom of the league table is is Rajen Prasad whose activity is 5% of the median. Next lowest is Megan Woods at 21% and Parekura Horomia at 26%. Equal fourth lowest are Andrew Williams, Richard Prosser and Shane Jones at 29%.

I’ll publish in July the stats for the second quarter, and we’ll see if there has been any change. Hope to also publish the ministerial stats within a week or so.

Note that of course these stats are quantitative, not qualitative. Just because an MP is being reported in the media, doesn’t mean it is positive publicity.

Jo Moir at Stuff reports:

A promotion for New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young will keep his finger on the pulse of energy issues affecting the region.

The National Party senior team including Prime Minister John Key, his deputy Bill English and Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee have appointed Mr Young to a new role as chair of the commerce select committee.

This article is correct in substance, but not in process.

The PM can not appoint a Select Committee Chair. The Commerce Committee elects its own chair.

However the inevitable process is the PM and senior Ministers and/or advisors decide whom the Government wants as a chair of a select committee, and that person gets elected.

If the Government does not have a majority on a select committee, then the committee can block the proposed nominee, but this is rare.

Generally the Government will consent to some chairs and/or deputy chairs being from non-Government parties. At present these are:

• Commerce Deputy Chair – Clayton Consgrove, Labour
• Foreign Affairs Deputy Chair – Kennedy Graham, Greens
• Govt Admin Chair – Ruth Dyson, Labour
• Local Govt & Environment Deputy Chair – Eugenie Sage, Greens
• Maori Affairs Deputy Chair – Parekura Horomia, Labour
• Primary Production Deputy Chair – Damien O’Connor, Labour
• Regulations Review Chair – Charles Chauvel, Greens Labour

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.

Two members’ bills had their first readings yesterday which means a ballot today for two new bills. The bills in the ballot are:

1. Accident Compensation (Recent Migrants and Returning New Zealanders) Amendment Bill, Melissa Lee
2. Care of Children Law Reform Bill, Jacinda Ardern
3., Children’s Commissioner (Reporting on Legislation) Amendment Bill, Dr Rajen Prasad
4. Climate Change (New Zealand Superannuation Fund) Amendment Bill, Eugenie Sage
5. Commerce (Code of Practice for Supermarket Grocery Suppliers) Amendment Bill, Steffan Browning
6. Conservation (Natural Heritage Protection) Bill, Jacqui Dean
7. Consumers’ Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Bill, Mojo Mathers
8. Continental Shelf (Oil Exploration Safety) Amendment Bill, Moana Mackey
9. Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance (Break Fees Disclosure) Amendment Bill, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
10. Customs and Excise (Prohibition of Imports Made by Slave Labour) Amendment Bill, Hon Maryan Street
11. Defence (Overseas Deployment) Amendment Bill, Iain Lees-Galloway
12. Electoral (Entrenchment of Māori Representation) Amendment Bill, Hon Parekura Horomia
13. Employment Relations (Protection of Young Workers) Bill, Rino Tirikatene
14. Employment Relations (Statutory Minimum Redundancy Entitlements) Amendment Bill, Louisa Wall
15. Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Bill, Dr David Clark
16. Energy Efficiency and Conservation (Warm Healthy Rentals) Amendment Bill, Gareth Hughes
17. Environmental Reporting Bill, Grant Robertson
18. Equal Pay Amendment Bill, Jan Logie
19. Family Proceedings (Paternity Orders and Parentage Tests) Amendment Bill, Nicky Wagner
20. Financial Assistance for Live Organ Donors Bill, Michael Woodhouse
21. Habeas Corpus Amendment Bill, Chris Auchinvole
22. Illegal Contracts (Unlawful Limitation on Regulators’ Powers) Amendment Bill, Hon Lianne Dalziel
23. Immigration (Migrant Levy) Amendment Bill, Raymond Huo
24. Income Tax (Universalisation of In-work Tax Credit) Amendment Bill, Metiria Turei
25. International Non-Aggression and the Lawful Use of Force Bill, Dr Kennedy Graham
26. Kiwi Jobs Bill, Clare Curran
27. Land Transport (Admissibility of Evidential Breath Tests) Amendment Bill, Scott Simpson
28. Land Transport (Give Way to Buses) Bill, Julie Anne Genter
29. Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill, Phil Twyford
30. Lobbying Disclosure Bill, Holly Walker
31. Local Government (Council Controlled Organisations) Amendment Bill, Darien Fenton
32. Local Government (Public Libraries) Amendment Bill, Dr Megan Woods
33. Local Government (Salary Moderation) Amendment Bill, Hon Annette King
34. Local Government (Salary Reform) Amendment Bill, Denis O’Rourke
35. Maritime Transport Amendment Bill, Hon Phil Goff
36. Members of Parliament (Code of Ethical Conduct) Bill, HV Ross Robertson
37. Minimum Wage Amendment Bill, Andrew Little
38. New Zealand Bill of Rights Amendment Bill, David Clendon
39. New Zealand Flag Bill, Charles Chauvel
40. New Zealand Public Health and Disability (Change of Electoral Sytem for District Health Boards) Amendment Bill, Dr Jian Yang
41. Oaths and Declarations (Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill, Su’a William Sio
42. Oaths and Declarations (Upholding the Treaty of Waitangi) Amendment Bill, Te Ururoa Flavell
43. Overseas Investment (Owning Our Own Rural Land) Amendment Bill, David Shearer
44. Overseas Investment (Restriction on Foreign Ownership of Land) Amendment Bill, Dr Russel Norman
45. Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months Paid Leave) Amendment Bill, Sue Moroney
46. Plain Language Bill, Chris Hipkins
47. Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Bill, Todd McClay
48. Public Finance (Sustainable Development Indicators) Amendment Bill, Kevin Hague
49. Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Essential Financial Services) Amendment Bill, Denise Roche
50. Resource Management (Requiring Authorities) Amendment Bill, Hon Ruth Dyson
51. Resource Management (Restricted Duration of Certain Discharge and Coastal Permits) Amendment Bill, Catherine Delahunty
52. Sentencing (Reparation) Amendment Bill, Kris Faafoi
53. Sentencing (Short-sharp Sentences) Amendment Bill, Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor
54. Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal (Shopping Centre Opening Hours) Amendment Bill, Hon Trevor Mallard
55. State-Owned Enterprises and Crown Entities (Protecting New Zealand’s Strategic Assets) Amendment Bill, Hon Clayton Cosgrove
56. Summary Offences (Possession of Hand-held Lasers) Amendment Bill, Dr Cam Calder
57. Summary Proceedings (Warrant for Detention Conditions) Amendment Bill, Jonathan Young
58. Wild Animal Control (Increased Fines and Sentence of Imprisonment) Amendment Bill, Ian McKelvie

I’ll try and blog who won if I hear before I start driving north.

Hat Tip: Red Alert

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.

I’ve compiled a table of Internet and social media contact details for the 121 New Zealand Members of Parliament. This list is intended as a public resource. MPs are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to let me know of any corrections or change, via e-mail.

The table is a permanent page on Kiwiblog.

In terms of the data:

• The e-mail addresses come from the official parliamentary contact list.
• The websites come from searching on Google, and my 2011 candidates list.
• The twitter details come from the @nzparliament twitter list of MPs. Incidentially the @nzparliament account has me blocked for some reason, which is strange. So does Charles Chauvel, but I presume that is because he sulked over something I wrote.
• The Facebook details come from searching on Facebook. Sometimes there has been more than one page to choose from. Happy to change pages linked to upon request

I’ve compiled below a table of Internet and social media contact details for the 121 New Zealand Members of Parliament. This list is intended as a public resource. MPs are welcome, and indeed encouraged, to let me know of any corrections or change, via e-mail.

• The e-mail addresses come from the official parliamentary contact list.
• The websites come from searching on Google, and my 2011 candidates list.
• The twitter details come from the @nzparliament twitter list of MPs. Incidentially the @nzparliament account has me blocked for some reason, which is strange. So does Charles Chauvel, but I presume that is because he sulked over something I wrote.
• The Facebook details come from searching on Facebook. Sometimes there has been more than one page to choose from. Happy to change pages linked to upon request

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Prime Minister: Will he agree to the requests of former Minister Hon Dr. Nick Smith and others for an inquiry about the Minister’s role in the ACC case of Bronwyn Pullar and surrounding issues; if not, why not?
2. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he received about the economy’s performance?
3. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Does he have confidence in the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade?
4. KATRINA SHANKS to the Minister for Economic Development:How is the Government helping New Zealand technology companies access the capital and expertise they need to grow?
5. Hon LIANNE DALZIEL to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Does he stand by the Prime Minister’s statement that the Government’s offer to insured residential homeowners, whose properties had been red-zoned by the Government, is “incredibly fair”; if so, why?
6. MARK MITCHELL to the Minister for Social Development: How is the Government providing beneficiaries opportunities for work in Canterbury?
7. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with Treasury that increasing class sizes will assist educational outcomes for students; if so, why?
8. HONE HARAWIRA to the Attorney-General: What is the likely total cost of the “Urewera Four” case to the Crown, from the start of surveillance of suspects to the close of the trial on Tuesday, including all of the different government departments that were involved?
9. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Defence: What reports has he received on recent upgrades to Royal New Zealand Air Force capabilities?
10. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Prime Minister: What was so vastly different in the contents of the first and second letters from Hon Dr. Nick Smith to ACC regarding Bronwyn Pullar that finally made him decide to accept Dr Smith’s resignation?
11. Dr DAVID CLARK to the Minister of Revenue: Given the evidence presented by IRD officials in their briefing for the incoming Minister that significant tax reforms enacted since 2008 have reduced the tax to GDP ratio and that “about 2.5 percentage points of this decline is attributable to policy changes” does he agree with the Minister of Finance that the Government’s tax changes have been “broadly fiscally neutral”; if so, why?
12. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: What support has the Government provided in restoring sporting facilities in Christchurch since the Canterbury earthquakes?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q12 – What support has the Government provided in restoring sporting facilities in Christchurch since the Canterbury earthquakes?

Labour are asking about the ACC issue, MFAT restructuring, CERA, and tax cuts

Greens are on class sizes, NZ First also on ACC, and Mana on the Urewera 4 case.

Government Bills 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm 

1. Search and Surveillance Bill – third reading
2. Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill – committee stage
3. Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) Bill – committee stage
4. Sentencing (Aggravating Factors) Amendment Bill - committee stage
5. Building Amendment Bill (No 4) – first reading

The Search and Surveillance Bill was introduced in July 2009 and aims to implement the Government’s decisions on the legislative reform of search and surveillance powers”, based on the Law Commission’s report, “Search and Surveillance Powers”. It amends 69 different Acts and was supported at first reading by all parties except the Green Party.

The select committee did an interim report in August 2010 and a final report in November 2010. There was considerable opposition to the bill as originally drafted, such as by Tech Liberty.  Significant changes were made by the select committee with the Greens noting “They generally restrict search and surveillance powers more than the original bill, and improve accountability provisions”.  However they still oppose the bill, especially the provisions for Examination and Production Orders. Labour also opposes those two provisions.

At second reading Labour, Greens, NZ First, Maori and Mana voted against. An SoP was considered at committee stage and supported by Labour, but they are still voting against the bill as a whole – mainly because the SFO is not included (they want the SFO powers reduced to the same as other agencies). NZ First appear to be voting against also.

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”.

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.

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.

As I am a sad git with no life, I sometimes read the list of papers presented to Parliament for fun. Yes I do need to get out more often. Does an Abba concert tomorrow count? Though not.

Anyway amongst the papers this week, was a response from an Elspeth Buchanan, which had been accepted by the Speaker. This is not widely known but if an MP says stuff about you in Parliament, well you can’t sue them as they have privilege, but you can apply to the Speaker to have a response incorporated into the official record. This is quite rare though, hence I was interested in what it was about, as I had never heard of Elspeth Buchanan. Her response said:

On Tuesday, 6 September 2011, Hon Pete Hodgson referred to me by name during the committee stage of the Trade Marks (International Treaties and Enforcement) Amendment Bill. In his speech, Hon Pete Hodgson mentioned that I had commented on the bill when it was being considered by a select committee. His comments on my professional competence and my alleged opinions about the bill make me out to be both dishonest, as being in favour of sales of infringing and counterfeit products, and incompetent.

Mr Hodgson’s comments about me are incorrect and have considerable potential to damage my professional reputation. At no time have I advocated that there should be no restriction on the importation into New Zealand or sale in New Zealand of counterfeit or infringing goods. Rather, I have simply made submissions on the most effective way to restrain the importation or sale of infringing or counterfeit goods. Further, the derogatory comments made by Mr Hodgson as to my professional responsibilities and professional competence are wrong and completely without foundation.

This got me curious as to what Hodgson had said. While I have time for a lot of Labour MPs, I have to say Pete Hodgson was not one of them, as he was a chief muckraker. Normally though his target is other MPs.

Ms Buchanan’s firm of patent attorneys made a submission on the Trade Marks (International Treaties and Enforcement) Amendment Bill. The submission is here. It seems fairly unremarkable. There is no record of what Ms Buchanan said at her oral submission, but it was obviously something that Hodgson didn’t like.

Now look at Hodgson’s speech during the committee stage of the House debate. He refers to Buchanan no less than nine times, everytime in a derogatory way, such as:

Let me tell members what patent attorney Elspeth Buchanan has to say about these matters. “Patent attorney Elspeth Buchanan”—the newspaper tells us breathlessly—“knows how hard it is to tell knock-offs from the real thing.” It then quotes her as saying this: “ ‘I’ve been judging trademark infringements for 40 years professionally,’ ”—so Elspeth Buchanan is in her later years—“ ‘and I often can’t tell between the genuine and the fake,’ she said.” That is a pity, because that is what she is paid for. It is a bit of a shame, but anyway, there we are. She said that she has devoted her entire life to telling one from the other and she cannot, so I just wish her a really happy retirement, I do. It is just a shame that she has spent her life not being able to do what she is being paid to do.

That is such a nasty characterisation of what she may have said. You have to wonder if she dated him one at high school, and dumped him, he seems so nasty about her. the jibes about her age, how she should retire and the implication of incompetence.

We think Elspeth Buchanan is wrong, with a capital “R”. We think that Elspeth Buchanan should stand in favour of action against counterfeiters and people who are cheats and liars and stuff like that. She is a lawyer! She went to a law school, and she is letting these cheats and liars off. It is a disgrace.

And that is even worse. No wonder the Speaker allowed a response.

I highlight this matter not just to take a swipe at Hodgson (that is just an added bonus). I highlight it because I think Hodgson’s behaviour is hugely against the public interest.

We want citizens to make submissions to select committees. Generally we have an excellent select committee process. I am one of those who often submits on bills, and appreciates it is a bit of a privilege (but also a right) to be able to address MP directly on issues of concern. I have to say too I have always appreciated the fact that generally MPs from other parties have engaged with me on the issues, and I have always felt I got a good hearing.

But if submitters think that merely by saying what they think to a select committee will end up with them being abused and slandered in the House of Representative, it will deter people from submitting. Look at what Hodgson said about Buchanan, and think about whether you would want to risk having comments like that made about you, as a consequence of exercising your right to make a submission? Especially, when Hodgson’s comments come up second highest in a Google NZ search on your name. Hugely damaging.

I am not suggesting that MPs should not comment on what submitters said, and why they disagree with them. But what Hodgson said, and the way he said it, was grossly abusive and unfair. It also confirms all my previous prejudices about him.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. SHANE ARDERN to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy?
2. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he expect all his Ministers to comply with the responsibilities set out in the Cabinet Manual?
3. JONATHAN YOUNG to the Minister of Justice: What steps is the Government taking to improve public services in law and order?
4. GRANT ROBERTSON to the Minister of Local Government: Will he take the same approach to compliance with the Cabinet Manual as Minister for Local Government as he did as Minister for ACC?
5. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Does he stand by all his recent statements?
6. EUGENIE SAGE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement, “I am not going to do something silly with the Department of Conservation estate”?
7. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: What, if any, are the capital costs, write-downs and redundancy costs expected from the merger of the Ministry of Economic Development with the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Department of Labour and Department of Building and Housing?
8. Dr PAUL HUTCHISON to the Minister of Health: What progress is being made in relation to the Government’s key result of increasing infant immunisation rates and reducing the incidence of rheumatic fever?
9. Hon MARYAN STREET to the Minister of Health: Does he support Pharmac’s provisional decision to engage Auckland company, Pharmaco, to be the sole supplier of new diabetic meters?
10. PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA to the Minister for Social Development: Has she received any reports on the Future Focus welfare changes in 2010?
11. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Have New Zealand heads of mission overseas been recalled to a meeting in Wellington on 2 April, and if so what is the cost of holding this meeting?
12. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Is he concerned by a recent report of an international team of scientists that, even with a two degree celsius rise in average global temperature, future generations could face sea levels of up to 12 to 22 metres higher than at present?

Patsy of the day goes to Q3 - What steps is the Government taking to improve public services in law and order?

Labour have two questions on Nick Smith, one on state sector, one on Pharmac and one on MFAT restructuring.

Greens are on the conservation estate and climate change. The climate change question is disgraceful scare-mongering talking of sea rises of 22 metres, when the IPCC projection is for a maximum 0.69 of a metre by 2100.

General Debate 3 pm – 4 pm

All eyes will be on Peters I suspect and what he may say re Nick Smith.

Private and Local Bills 4 pm – 6 pm and 7.30 pm – 10 pm 

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements with regard to asset sales?
2. KEVIN HAGUE to the Minister for ACC: Does she consider an independent inquiry into ACC’s management of the incident in which personal information relating to 6,700 claimants was sent to Bronwyn Pullar is needed; if not, why not?
3. PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Finance: How will the Government’s programme for delivering better public services within tight financial constraints contribute to the Government’s economic plan?
4. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Local Government: What recommendations from at least three government reviews of local government since 2006 are yet to be implemented, and if any have not been implemented yet, why not?
5. NICKY WAGNER to the Minister of Local Government: What steps is the Government taking to address the average national 7% per annum rate increase and the quadrupling of local government debt from $2 billion to $8 billion since the major reforms of 2002?
6. CHRIS HIPKINS to the Minister of State Services: Does he agree that few problems are solved by significant reorganisations – in fact many more tend to be created and it is easy to underestimate the amount of energy and inspiration soaked up by institutional change, as well as the loss of personal and institutional knowledge?
7. TIM MACINDOE to the Minister for Social Development: How will the current welfare reforms support the Government’s better public services programme?
8. ANDREW LITTLE to the Minister for ACC: Will she set up an independent inquiry to reassure all New Zealanders that ACC and its Ministers act with the utmost integrity when in possession of people’s intimate and sensitive information?
9. COLIN KING to the Minister for Economic Development: What actions are the Government taking to drive business growth in New Zealand?
10. HOLLY WALKER to the Minister of Housing: Is he concerned that poor quality and overcrowded housing is contributing to high rates of infectious and respiratory diseases among Māori children?
11. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Associate Minister of Transport: What is the Government doing to raise awareness about upcoming changes to the give way rules?
12. BARBARA STEWART to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by all his statements as Minister of Health?

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 Q3 - How will the Government’s programme for delivering better public services within tight financial constraints contribute to the Government’s economic plan?

Labour are asking about asset sales, local government, state sector restructuring, and ACC. Bit surprised to see them asking on local govt and restructuring as these are areas where I’d say the Govt has popular support.

Greens are on ACC and housing. The ACC question is likely to be the most interesting with the Bronwyn Pullar issue.

NZ First is on Health.

Government Notice of Motion 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm

That under section 8 of the Intelligence and Security Committee Act 1996, this House endorse the following as members of the Intelligence and Security Committee: Hon John Banks and Hon Peter Dunne, nominated by the Prime Minister under section 7(1)(c) of the Act; and Dr Russel Norman, nominated by the Leader of the Opposition under section 7(1)(d) of the Act.

This is a debatable motion, with speeches of up to 10 minutes each. The Speaker will probably put it to a vote after an hour.

This continues the pattern of the last Parliament with the PM and Opposition Leader appointing other party leaders to the ISC, rather than someone from their own party. The only change is Peter Dunne instead of Tariana Turia.

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

1. Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill – first reading (no debate, happens before Govt notice of motion)
2. Search and Surveillance Bill – committee stage continued
3. Regulatory Reform Bill – second reading
4. Regulatory Reform (Repeals) Bill – second reading
5. Trade (Safeguard Measures) Bill – second reading

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

The Search and Surveillance Bill was introduced in July 2009 and aims to implement the Government’s decisions on the legislative reform of search and surveillance powers”, based on the Law Commission’s report, “Search and Surveillance Powers”. It amends 69 different Acts and was supported at first reading by all parties except the Green Party.

The select committee did an interim report in August 2010 and a final report in November 2010. There was considerable opposition to the bill as originally drafted, such as by Tech Liberty.  Significant changes were made by the select committee with the Greens noting “They generally restrict search and surveillance powers more than the original bill, and improve accountability provisions”.  However they still oppose the bill, especially the provisions for Examination and Production Orders. Labour also opposes those two provisions.

At second reading Labour, Greens, NZ First, Maori and Mana voted against. An SoP will be considered at committee stage, which is supported by Labour, but they are still voting against the bill as a whole – mainly because the SFO is not included (they want the SFO powers reduced to the same as other agencies). NZ First appear to be voting against also.

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.

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.

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. MAGGIE BARRY to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the economy?
2. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Māori Affairs: Is he satisfied with the financial management of the Whānau Integration, Innovation and Engagement Fund, administered by Te Puni Kōkiri?
3. Hon DAVID PARKER to the Minister of Finance: What is the projected growth, if any, of New Zealand’s international liabilities under this Government’s policies, and what are the components of those liabilities?
4. EUGENIE SAGE to the Minister for the Environment: Is water quality in New Zealand being negatively affected by livestock in rivers and lakes?
5. Dr CAM CALDER to the Minister of Corrections: What progress has been made on the proposal to build a public-private prison at Wiri?
6. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Will proposed changes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade undermine its ability to carry out its role in promoting New Zealand’s trade, security and consular interests?
7. LOUISE UPSTON to the Minister of Women’s Affairs: What commitment is the Government willing to make to increase the number of women on State sector boards?
8. DENIS O’ROURKE to the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery: Is he satisfied with the rate of progress of the Christchurch earthquake recovery?
9. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM to the Minister for Climate Change Issues: Did New Zealand meet the 28 February deadline for its submission to the United Nations on increasing the level of ambition in global greenhouse gas mitigation, as agreed by parties in the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action; if not, why not?
10. DARIEN FENTON to the Minister of Labour: Does she stand by her answer to Written Question No 00916 (2012) that “the Government is focused on building a more competitive economy, which will lead to more jobs and higher wages”?
11. JOHN HAYES to the Minister of Defence: What updates can he give on new Defence Force capability?
12. CLARE CURRAN to the Minister of Broadcasting: Is he confident that current Government broadcasting policy upholds the standards of an independent and free press; if so, why?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q11 - What updates can he give on new Defence Force capability?

Labour are asking about projected liabilities or debt, MFAT changes, jobs and (presumably) NZ on Air.

Greens are on water quality and climate change.

NZ First is back on Whanua Ora and Chch recovery.

Government Bills 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm – 10.00 pm (and Friday 9 am to 1 pm)

1. Mixed Ownership Model Bill – first reading
2. Ngāti Manawa and Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Bill - committee stage
3. Nga Wai o Maniapoto (Waipa River) Bill - committee stage
4. Ngati Pahauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill - committee stage
5. Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill - committee stage
6. Maraeroa A and B Blocks Claims Settlement Bill – first reading
7. Maraeroa A and B Blocks Incorporation Bill - first reading
8. Ngāti Manuhiri Claims Settlement Bill - first reading
9. Ngati Whatua Orakei Claims Settlement Bill - first reading
10. Rongowhakaata Claims Settlement 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 is expected to pass first reading 61 – 60 with National, ACT and United voting in favour, and Labour, Greens, NZ First, Maori and Mana against.

The other nine bills give effect to Treaty settlements are are unlikely to be hugely controversial, however it is possible NZ First may oppose some.

Jane Clifton reports from the House yesterday:

Prime Minister John Key hit on a cute method of deflating the Opposition’s ambush question strategy yesterday – though he probably won’t try it again.

Asked by Labour leader David Shearer whether he stood by his recent statements – one of those mystery questions that can lead to follow-up questions on just about anything – Mr Key grinned and said, “Yes, specially the one I said to my wife when I told her I loved her.”

This temporarily took the wind out of Mr Shearer’s sails because it’s hard to ask tough questions in a menacing fashion when you’re laughing.

General laughter was prolonged, including applause from Mr Key’s colleagues, and Speaker Lockwood Smith had trouble restoring order.

When finally he got a word in, he said, “Members would be wise to remember that if they include material in their answers, they can be questioned on it.”

“Yes,” cried Labour’s Annette King. “What did she say?”

The PM may be lucky that Labour didn’t ask supplementary questions about Bronagh

Oral Questions 2 pm – 3 pm

1. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?
2. PAUL GOLDSMITH to the Minister of Finance: What reports has he received on the performance of the public service?
3. Dr RUSSEL NORMAN to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement about asset sales that it was the Governments intention that “every New Zealander who wants shares gets them”?
4. SIMON O’CONNOR to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment: What progress has been made in expanding the Youth Guarantee Scheme to provide more 16 and 17 year-olds with fees-free tertiary training this year?
5. Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he stand by his statement that “the global financial crisis and the Canterbury earthquakes were not projected in any of those forecasts”?
6. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Local Government:Has he been in communication with the Auckland Council over financial management issues, and if so, on what occasions this year?
7. MIKE SABIN to the Minister for Social Development: How will the Government’s recently announced changes target young people not in education, employment or training?
8. DENISE ROCHE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his comment that the Government has a “sinking lid policy” for pokie machines?
9. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by the statement made on his behalf in answer to Oral Question No 1 on 1 March 2012, that “I do know what is in the coalition agreement” and, if so, does he agree that the United Future-National confidence and supply agreement does not require United Future to vote for the Government’s asset sales legislation?
10. TODD McCLAY to the Associate Minister of Conservation: What benefits will the Game Animal Council Bill bring for recreational hunters?
11. Hon ANNETTE KING to the Minister of Housing: What response has he received to the “Smarter. Faster. Fairer” tenancy service which provides an 0800 phone customer service centre response to people with housing needs?
12. JAMI-LEE ROSS to the Minister for ACC: What initiatives are underway to help raise awareness about falls in the home?

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 initiatives are underway to help raise awareness about falls in the home?

Labour are asking about PM standing by statements, financial projections, United Future on asset sales, and Housing NZ.

Greens are on asset sales and pokies.

NZ First is again on confidence in the financial management of the Auckland Council.

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

1. Financial Markets Conduct Bill – first reading continued
2. Building Amendment Bill (No 3) – third reading
3. Search and Surveillance Bill – committee stage
4. Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill – committee stage
5. Taxation (International Investment and Remedial Matters) Bill – third reading

The Financial Markets Conduct Bill was introduced in October 2011. It aims to to provide an enduring financial market conduct regulatory regime that promotes confident and informed participation in New Zealand’s financial markets. Labour and NZ First have indicated they will vote for it at first reading, and Greens will vote against.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 3) was introduced in October 2010 and aims to implement policy decisions from the 2009 Building Act review. It was passed on a voice vote at first reading but at second reading Labour, Greens, NZ First and Mana voted against.

The Search and Surveillance Bill was introduced in July 2009 and aims to implement the Government’s decisions on the legislative reform of search and surveillance powers”, based on the Law Commission’s report, “Search and Surveillance Powers”. It amends 69 different Acts and was supported at first reading by all parties except the Green Party.

The select committee did an interim report in August 2010 and a final report in November 2010. There was considerable opposition to the bill as originally drafted, such as by Tech Liberty.  Significant changes were made by the select committee with the Greens noting “They generally restrict search and surveillance powers more than the original bill, and improve accountability provisions”.  However they still oppose the bill, especially the provisions for Examination and Production Orders. Labour also opposes those two provisions.

At second reading Labour, Greens, NZ First, Maori and Mana voted against. An SoP will be considered at committee stage, which may be supported by Labour.

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”.

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. 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 on the sale of State-owned assets?
3. JACQUI DEAN to the Minister for the Environment: How much funding has the Government committed to the Fresh Start for Fresh Water clean-up fund for the projects announced at the Bluegreens Forum at the weekend for the Manawatu River and the Wairarapa, Wainono and Waituna Lagoons?
4. DAVID SHEARER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his recent statements?
5. CATHERINE DELAHUNTY to the Minister of Energy and Resources: Will the Review of New Zealand Minerals Royalty Rates ensure that royalties are paid on all mines in New Zealand?
6. COLIN KING to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology: What progress has been made to improve access to broadband in New Zealand schools?
7. Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Why is there no provision in the Government’s asset sales legislation to ensure preferential treatment for individual New Zealand buyers despite the Prime Minister’s promise that “Kiwi mums and dads will be at the front of the queue”?
8. TE URUROA FLAVELL to the Minister for the Environment: Have Iwi Māori raised any issues with him about the proposals in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Bill; if so, what?
9. Hon PHIL GOFF to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Why is the Government requiring the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to find operating savings and make cuts of $40 million a year?
10. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Local Government: Does he have confidence in the financial management of the Auckland Council?
11. MELISSA LEE to the Minister for Social Development: How is Government working with the Auckland Council and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce to support young Aucklanders into employment opportunities?
12. KRIS FAAFOI to the Minister of Police: Is it correct that “Police bosses are considering laying off staff and closing some stations in an effort to save $360 million over the next three years” as reported in the NZ Herald?

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

Patsy of the day goes to Q6 - What progress has been made to improve access to broadband in New Zealand schools?

Labour are asking about asset sales, PM standing by statements, MFAT cuts, and Police funding

Greens are on mine royalties. That might be one area I agree with them. There is an arguable case for higher royalties.

NZ First is again on confidence in the financial management of the Auckland Council. It didn’t get anywhere last week but may this week.

The Maori Party is asking on EEZ consultation.

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

1. Customs and Excise (Joint Border Management Information Sharing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill – committee stage continued
2. Building Amendment Bill (No 3) – committee stage
3. Crown Pastoral Land (Rent for Pastoral Leases) Amendment Bill – second reading
4. Defence Amendment Bill – first reading
5. Financial Markets Conduct Bill – first reading

The Customs and Excise (Joint Border Management Information Sharing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill was introduced in September 2010 and seeks to enable border agencies to share information, change the thresholds and processes for administrative and petty offence provisions of the Customs and Excise Act. It passed its first and second reading on voice votes.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 3) was introduced in October 2010 and aims to implement policy decisions from the 2009 Building Act review. It was passed on a voice vote at first reading but the select committee reports that Labour and Greens will now oppose the bill as they see the building reforms as being done piecemeal.

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”.

The Defence Amendment Bill was introduced in October 2011. It aims to amend the Defence Act 1990 to implement government policy as set out in the Defence White Paper 2010, including capability management; information sharing; appointment, removal, and performance management of Chief of Defence Force; Senior New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) appointments and accountabilities; civilianisation; Reserves and Territorial Forces, and the Defence Advisory Board.

The Financial Markets Conduct Bill was introduced in October 2011. It aims to to provide an enduring financial market conduct regulatory regime that promotes confident and informed participation in New Zealand’s financial markets.