Parliament 8 March 2012

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.