Parliament Hansard Report – Tuesday, 1 August 2023 – Volume 769 – 001177

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

Question No. 2—Prime Minister

2. DAVID SEYMOUR (Leader—ACT) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government’s statements and policies?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Prime Minister): Yes, particularly the further $567 million we announced yesterday for immediate works on State highways in regions that are affected by the North Island weather events. That includes State highways in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, Coromandel, and Northland. The funding for these roads is coming from the $6 billion National Resilience Plan that the Government allocated funding for in this year’s Budget. It’ll go to replacing or strengthening and rebuilding damaged bridges and improving road surfaces on major stretches of roads. This, of course, comes on top of the $525 million already provided for roading infrastructure to get those regions back on their feet after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods.

David Seymour: Is the Prime Minister aware that Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti in February, and how is it possibly his go-to boast policy that he has managed, after six months, to announce they’re going to fund rebuilding the roads that were damaged?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: I note the member clearly didn’t listen to the entirety of the answer. We’ve already given them $525 million for the road rebuilding; that was done within weeks of the events happening. We’re now adding another $567 million, because we don’t think they should have to put up with Bailey bridges indefinitely.

David Seymour: Does he stand by his statement that “we don’t have a … money tree in the backyard that means we can continue to indefinitely increase government spending”, and if that’s the case, how does he explain the last six Budgets, where his Government has increased expenditure by 70 percent for no measurable outcome improvements?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well, yes, I do stand by my comments, in the first part of that question, and I utterly reject the second.

David Seymour: Can he, then, explain to New Zealanders in tangible, relatable terms, what actual outcomes have improved—not examples of where the Government spent more, but where the outcomes achieved have got better; 70 percent better?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In fact, I could go on and on about it, but I’ll give the member a few just to get him started. How about 77,000 fewer children living in poverty under this Government? How about an economy that’s grown 6.7 percent under this Government? How about the 12,000 additional public homes that have been put in place under this Government, after the number of public homes went down under the last National-ACT Government? We could talk about the share of renewable electricity being the highest in a very long time—in fact, possibly for ever. We could talk about the fact that we’ve increased paid parental leave entitlements—that is thousands more Kiwi families enjoying extra paid parental leave. And if the member thinks that that’s not leading to better outcomes for those babies, then perhaps he needs to think again about how he measures the value of things.

David Seymour: Does the Prime Minister understand that he just explained the economy grew at a smidgen over 1 percent a year and he built 2,000 houses a year for six years in return for a 70 percent increase in public expenditure—is that what this Government calls success, and is that what they’re taking into the election?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Of course, the population has grown and incomes have grown during that time as well.

David Seymour: Is the Prime Minister now claiming that the population has grown because Government expenditure’s increased, or is he really saying that he’d like to hide from the fact that after inflation and after population growth, the amount spent in real terms per capita is up 28 percent and he’s got nothing tangible to show for it?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: No.

David Seymour: Does he stand by his various statements praising police, and will they receive a 14.5 percent increase in pay this year?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: In answer the first part of the question, I believe the police do an exceptional job on behalf of New Zealanders. In answer to the second part of the question, I don’t intend to get into bargaining in question time—no Prime Minister or Minister would ever do that.

David Seymour: What does it say for this Government’s economic management that they have borrowed an additional $121 billion over the last six Budgets and are now struggling to meet the arbitration recommended offer to pay teachers more?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: With regard to arbitration, of course, the teachers would not be asking for such big pay increases had they had pay increases during the time of the nine years that the National Party was in Government, when their salaries actually went backwards in real terms. But in terms of the Government’s overall level of borrowing, I would note that one of the big contributors to that was supporting New Zealanders through a once-in-a-generation economic shock caused by a global pandemic, and during that time the members opposite, including the member himself, were arguing we should’ve been spending more.

David Seymour: Does the Prime Minister also want to take the credit for spending $100,000 a day to store $531 million—that’s over half a billion bucks—of expired rapid antigen tests (RATs) after the Government, for months and months, in fact over a year, banned anyone else from importing them?

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS: Well, the member can’t seem to get his story straight. He keeps complaining that we didn’t have enough RAT tests; now he’s complaining we’ve got too many of them.

Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001176

Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

TUESDAY, 1 AUGUST 2023

The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

KARAKIA/PRAYERS

SPEAKER: Members, in celebration of Cook Islands Language Week, I’ve asked the Hon Poto Williams to say the prayer in te reo Māori Kuki Airani.

Hon POTO WILLIAMS (Assistant Speaker—Labour): Te Atua Mana, te akameitaki atu nei matou iakoe no toou takinga meitaki taau i riringi mai ki runga ia matou. Te akaruke nei matou i to matou tu tangata, te akamaara nei matou i te Ariki, e te pure nei matou kia arataki koe i ta matou uriuri anga manako, kia rave matou i ta matou angaanga i roto i teia ngutuare na roto i te pakari, te tuatua tika e te akaaka no te meitaki e te au o to matou basileia Aotearoa. Amene.

1 August 2023 New Kāinga Ora housing complex offers unique solar technology Kāinga Ora has completed a new 20-unit development in Christchurch that features world-first solar technology expected to result in significantly lower power bills for people living there.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Construction of the new three-storey public housing complex on Riccarton Road began in June 2022 and took a year to complete.

Liz Krause, Regional Director Canterbury, says customers living in the new one-bedroom units will benefit from the first Allume SolShare unit system to be installed in New Zealand. This is a world-first technology that will take electricity generated by solar panels on the complex’s roof and share it equally among everyone living in the complex.

“This technology monitors when a resident is using energy and will direct solar power to their unit to reduce electricity bills as much as possible,” she says.

“This can increase the amount of solar used in the building by up to 50%, meaning there’s less reliance on expensive grid power, and higher savings for residents. We’re expecting this system to reduce customers’ power bills by around $350-$400 per year.”

The new 20-unit public housing complex on Riccarton Road in Christchurch.

The complex also includes a heat recovery system, which will help to reduce heatpump costs in each unit, and has an 8-Homestar rating, which means it has been built to be warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

Liz says this development will also provide a boost to accessible housing stock in Christchurch. It is the first high-density Full Universal Design complex Kāinga Ora has built in the city. This means the units are more accessible, with features such as wider doors and level entryways, and can be made more accessible in the future if needed.

Five of the new units on Riccarton Road also have another room for a carer, and two have additional accessibility features such as a larger wet area shower and a lowered bench in the kitchen. All the units are serviced by a lift.

Residents will also enjoy living in a well-connected area of the city, Liz says. “We’re aiming to provide more homes for people in need in areas such as Riccarton that are close to transport routes, shops and other amenities.  By building up, more people can enjoy living in a prime location that connects easily to all the services they may need,” she says.

Greta Bond, Age Concern Canterbury Chief Executive, says the complex is a “game changer” for Christchurch people on low incomes who need accessible housing.

“We often find that people need accessible housing but don’t necessarily need to be in residential care. It’s beautifully designed, warm, very accessible, high-quality housing in a great location….it’s just delightful,” she says. 

Rates relief to support Aucklanders in need

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council decided on 27 July to support residents in need with 100 per cent rates relief for uninhabited storm damaged homes, following severe weather events in the first half of 2023. 

Group Recovery Manager for the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office at Auckland Council, Mat Tucker, said for those who require it, we’ll be offering the same 100 per cent rates relief in the following rating year as well.

“We are thinking of those whānau who have been uprooted from their homes and continue to face hardship and uncertainty. Our staff have observed the trauma many of you are feeling, and we recognise its tough right now. Many households are under financial pressure paying mortgages for homes they can’t live in plus additional costs in temporary accommodation. Our support is targeted at those most severely affected to help ease the financial burden they are facing.”

What is available for uninhabitable homes?

Red placarded houses

Red placarded houses as of 30 June 2023 will receive 100 per cent rates relief for the full 2023/2024 rating year.  A credit will be automatically applied to rates invoices, so you don’t need to do anything.

Yellow placarded houses

Every yellow placarded property has a unique situation, and some are habitable while others are not. If your home is uninhabitable, then please apply for rates relief using this online form. Applications will be assessed based on personal circumstances.

Supporting homeowners

A disaster like this can take its toll. The support team in the council’s Recovery Office are ready to offer a helping hand to those who need it. Email the team on recoveryadvisors@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to get connected with agencies who might be able to offer financial, accommodation, insurance or mental health support.

Staff in the council’s Recovery Office have been busy behind the scenes engaging with government agencies, insurers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and banks to advocate for increased financial support for displaced homeowners and tenants. You will find an update on what additional support might be available in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

“We will continue to advocate on behalf of Aucklanders displaced by adverse weather events and will keep you updated on what assistance is available”, says Mr Tucker.

Keep checking the Recovery page for the latest information, news and support on the recovery and repair of Tāmaki Makaurau.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the council offering rates relief?
We are aware of the financial hardship experienced by many of those impacted by extreme weather events during the first half of 2023. This rates relief is targeted at those people with uninhabitable homes who have been affected most. 

Why do yellow stickered households have to apply for rates relief?
Yellow stickered houses include a range of different scenarios that affect liveability depending on the extent and location of damage on the property and the stage of remediation. We need to understand more about your individual situation. 

What does uninhabitable mean?

All properties with red stickers on 30 June 2023 are considered uninhabitable.

If your property has another coloured sticker and you believe it is uninhabitable because of the extreme weather events in the first half of 2023, please apply using this online form and we will assess your situation. All applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

When will my property’s rating valuation be reassessed?
If there has been significant and long-lasting physical damage because of the extreme weather events in the first half of 2023, you can request a rating valuation review by emailing ratesrelief@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Otherwise, your rating valuation will remain as it is until the next city-wide revaluation which is due for publication late 2024 and will be used to set rates for the 2025/2026 rating year.        

I don’t qualify for rates relief, and I’m concerned about my ability to pay?
If you are concerned about your ability to pay rates, and would like to find out more about the flexible financial assistance options on offer, such as a payment plan, you can contact our Credit Control team directly on 09 373 6869 or email rates.collections@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Can I provide feedback about my flooding experience and suggest improvements for the future?
Yes, we encourage everyone to have their say to support the recovery of Auckland and help build flood resilience for the future. From 3 August until 31 August 2023, Auckland Council are running a consultation and we’re keen to hear your feedback. More information can be found here: akhaveyoursay.nz/stormrecovery

What was the outcome in advocating for increased financial support for displaced homeowners and tenants?
During our meetings with banks, they have assured us that they are committed to working with their customers experiencing financial hardship. We urge people to contact their mortgage provider to discuss what support is available.

We encourage residents displaced from their homes to recheck their eligibility for financial assistance through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). You can contact MSD by calling 0800 559 009. You can find out more information on how MSD can support you by visiting workandincome.govt.nz.

From 4 September, those people who left their homes because of extreme weather events earlier this year, will be able to receive interim financial support when their insurance payments for temporary accommodation run out. Find out more here aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rent-assistance.

Do you have any further information about the property categorisation process?
We are hosting two webinars in the near future with an update on property categorisation. Attendees will also have an opportunity to submit questions in advance. More details including how to register will be posted on the Recovery page soon.

Who do I contact if I have more questions that are not answered here?
If you have further questions, please contact our Recovery Office Support team on recoveryadvisors@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Three ways Auckland Council is taking action against climate change

Source: Auckland Council

The impacts of climate change have hit Tāmaki Makaurau hard this year, through more intense rainfall events, rising sea levels and higher temperatures. While reducing emissions is vital to addressing the climate emergency, our climate action plans include a variety of other initiatives. Here are three of them:

Zero-waste by 2040 – Reducing food waste

Whether it’s scraps or uneaten food, food waste often ends up in landfill where it decomposes and releases harmful greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane). Food waste is created in two main ways, both of which we are targeting.

Firstly, Aucklanders throw out tonnes of perfectly good food each year which could have been eaten but, for various reasons, was not. Auckland Council is one of the 52 councils and community groups who support Love Food Hate Waste in their efforts to reduce the amount of edible food thrown out each year.

Secondly, the food scraps we toss out make up nearly half the weight of the average household’s rubbish. If you have a garden, many of these scraps can be turned into compost, but technology now exists in New Zealand for them to be collected and converted into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Parul Sood, General Manager Waste Solutions at the council, says around 180,000 lockable 23-litre food scrap bins with kitchen caddies and compostable liners have so far been distributed to Auckland households. It’s part of the service rollout that aims to cut food scrap waste by 30 per cent.

Since the start of the rollout 1400 tonnes of food scraps have been sent to Ecogas’ organics processing facility in Reporoa, which uses anaerobic digestion to turn food scraps into liquid fertiliser, and biogas that is then converted into renewable energy, which is used in greenhouses to grow more food.

Food scraps are converted into biogas and liquid fertiliser at Ecogas’ organics processing facility in Reporoa.

The Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy – Quantity and quality

As temperatures rise, we need to make our urban areas cooler, and we’ll also require ways to slow water run-off during heavy rain to reduce pressure on stormwater systems. Planting more trees can do both – and more.

Our Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy aims to increase regional tree canopy cover to 30 per cent across urban areas, and at least 15 per cent in every local board area by 2050. The council has an annual tree planting programme and, on average, plants around 10 hectares of new trees each year in regional parks and thousands of trees in the road corridor and local parks. The tree planting effort is enhanced by other initiatives, such as increasing the capacity of local tree nurseries and planting fruit trees in parks. Work is now underway in the central city to turn Victoria Street into a linear park (Te Hā Noa), with a swathe of vegetation creating a green corridor connecting Albert Park to Victoria Park.

Howell Davies, Urban Ngahere Specialist at Auckland Council, says the species of tree selected for planting is now more important than ever. It is essential that only tree species that are climate ready are being planted to ensure the urban forest is resilient to rising temperatures. Council is continuously reviewing the resilience of tree species alongside the impacts of climate.

The council is also now starting to use the i-Tree Eco software developed by the United States Forestry Service and specially adapted for New Zealand to gather information about individual trees. This provides data about the ecosystem benefits the trees provide, including their ability to reduce pollution, sequester carbon, produce oxygen, retain (intercept) stormwater runoff, and enhance the energy savings of nearby buildings.

The software can be downloaded for free and can be used to assess existing trees and predict the benefits of planting in specific areas. The use of the software is expected to assist not only council, but also community groups, volunteer organisations, schools, and housing developers.

Pest Free Auckland – Ensuring natural environments flourish

Planting the right trees in the right places is vital for addressing the climate emergency. To safeguard biodiversity and restore council-managed land, Auckland’s Pest Free initiative collaborates with landowners and groups to control pests and plant native species on public and private land.

Wendy John is one of the cofounders of Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga Friends of Oakley Creek, which has been working since 2004 on restoring central Auckland’s longest stream and its surrounding environment. The group is one of the most successful and busiest in Tāmaki Makaurau, coordinating hundreds of volunteers from community groups, educational institutions and corporate and organisations to plant trees, trap pests, pull out weeds, monitor water quality and grow native plant seedlings.

Wendy John, one of the cofounders of Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga Friends of Oakley Creek.

One of the biggest supporters of Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga is Auckland Council, which allocates funding and provides equipment like animal traps. Wendy says there’s a huge difference in the environment since the group was established in 2004. In the first six months of its trapping programme, around 1150 possums were caught – that’s down to just two or three now.

Planting more native trees also means welcoming more native birds. “Kererū used to be quite rare so the first time I saw them there, I was so excited,” says Wendy. “We’ve even had a couple of kākā who have flown over from the Hauraki Gulf.”

Last year, Ngā Ringa o Te Auaunga ran 271 events – not including trapping and guided walks – providing numerous opportunities for the community to join forces to ensure the natural environment flourishes.

Revegetation and pest trapping at Te Auaunga (Oakely Creek) has seen more kererū return to the area.

Police crackdown on retail crime in South Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are increasing patrols across southern Auckland’s town centres, putting offenders on notice.

The ongoing retail operation is already gaining results, with some prolific offenders facing dozens of charges.

As part of an ongoing commitment to prevent retail crime, Counties Manukau South Police will run the operation focussing on reducing retail theft in the district.

So far 10 people are facing a total of 59 charges of shoplifting, with more charges expected to be laid in coming days.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says Police will be undertaking high visibility patrols in shopping centres and CBD’s, with a specific focus on supermarkets and other major retailers.

Work will continue with retailers and business on simple steps they can take to prevent their businesses being targeted.

“Police are continuing to take offending against retail businesses in our community seriously, identifying offenders and holding them to account.”

Inspector Hoyes says Police are continuing to work alongside our partners to reduce harm on our town centres and retailers.

“Police and retailers cannot prevent crime alone and rely on the help of the community to stop this illegal activity and the social harm it causes.

“Our high visibility patrols in shopping malls and along shopping strips also allow Police to interact with the public who want to see an end to this type of crime in their neighbourhood. By working together we can make our district a place where everybody can be safe and feel safe,” Inspector Hoyes says.

A 39-year-old woman is facing a total of 24 charges relating to shoplifting and trespassing and will appear in Pukekohe District Court on 26 September.

A 28-year-old female will appear in Papakura District Court on 3 August after attempting to leave a supermarket with a trolley full of goods without paying on 25 July.

A 32-year-old woman has been referred to Te Pae Oranga after attempting to steal $91 worth of groceries in her backpack on 24 July.

Counties Manukau Police encourage members of the public to report suspicious behaviour in and around shops and malls to a member of staff, security or Police to prevent retail theft.

People are encouraged to continue report offending as it is occurring by calling 111, or to report matters after the fact by calling 105.

Reports can also be made online by going to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Breastfeeding during Emergencies: A case study from Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

Source: Save The Children

Aminda and Lucia, 1 month old twins sleeping outside their family’s home in Mozambique. Save the Children.

World Breastfeeding Week 2023 aims to promote breastfeeding by making a difference for working mothers and fathers. But what happens when people lose their right to work due to emergency situations? Not only is the right to work lost but also access to education, water, sanitation, hygiene, health, and nutrition services.

During emergencies the needs of children and their parents do not stop, children will not stop being born in an emergency and therefore health services that support birth should be established from the initial phase of an emergency. Children will also not stop feeding, however, their mothers may be immersed in different concerns that may limit their confidence in their ability to breastfeed, therefore services to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in emergency situations are equally important in the initial phase of emergencies.

As a recent example of this type of intervention, I visited the Save the Children’s Health and Nutrition project in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique which is part of a multi-sectoral programme that implements water, sanitization, hygiene, and protection activities and responds to the humanitarian emergency of internal displacement in the region. Due to the internal conflict, entire families have had to change their place of residence, not only losing their jobs but overwhelming the capacity of the local health system.

Save the Children supports the local health system through mobile health brigades that bring the country’s standard health and nutrition services package to communities located far from health facilities. These are the communities where people displaced by the internal conflict now live. Among the services offered is the health child consultation, where Save the Children detects cases of breastfeeding difficulties and refers them to the staff in charge of promotion, protection, and support for infant and young children feeding (IYCF), who organize support groups in an exclusive space for mothers, caregivers, and children under 2 years of age to solve common difficulties related to breastfeeding, and for specific difficulties that require it, individual counseling is provided.

During this visit I could meet Joana and Paulo who have 7 children, the oldest is 18 years old and the youngest are twins Rui and Estevão who are 17 months old. They recall that when their twins were born, they had difficulties with breastfeeding because the twins did not latch well to the breast, Joana said it was very difficult for her to breastfeed both because they cried at the same time, and she felt that no milk was coming out. They came to Save the Children’s mobile brigade when the emergency response started and they remember that Vania, Save the Children’s infant feeding officer helped them to know how to improve the technique to breastfeed and produce the right amount of breast milk for both twins and the position to be able to breastfeed both at the same time. They kept attending monthly check-ups to monitor the twins’ weight.

These types of interventions save lives.  Breastfeeding could prevent 823,000 deaths of children under 5 years [1], however, it is not easy, offering support, promotion, and protection services is always essential and especially important during emergencies when families lose their usual emotional, economic, or employment stability.

Found this blog interesting? Take a look at our other recent blogs.



[1] Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect, The Lancet Breastfeeding Series Group, 2016

Southland’s first big road reconstruction project for the summer season soon to get underway

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The Highways South highway reconstruction and maintenance team, working for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, will be more visible in coming weeks as the preparation work for the summer construction and resealing season warms up.

The first cab off the rank is a 1 km section of SH1 north-east of Gore, where speed has been reduced for safety after the surface began to “bleed” in the late summer period, leading to potholes and temporary repairs.

This particular reconstruction work is likely to run through into November.

The first big summer project for Highways South this season, west of Pukerau:

There is a large season of planned road reconstructions on state highways programmed for Southland this summer, says Justin Reid, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi in Southland.

The first big project – more than a kilometre of state highway west of Pukerau, north-east of Gore – will be reconstructed to improve people’s journeys, with initial drainage and earthworks starting mid-August, weather dependent. 

“Due to the damage caused to the road surface by hot temperatures earlier this year, this location has been prioritized,” says Mr Reid. “It is important we get this work completed before warmer temperatures closer to summer cause any further damage to the surface.”

Road users should expect delays in this area while the work is completed.  Temporary traffic lights and a temporary speed limit will be in place to protect road workers, road users, vehicles and the road surface.

Highways South acknowledges that this work will cause disruption for road users and appreciates the patience of the community and daily commuters/road users. 

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned maintenance resumes this month

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Regular users of State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, need to be ready for an upcoming night closure of the route.

Contractors will carry out planned maintenance on Sunday, 13 August, between 9 pm and 4 am. The road will be closed to traffic.

People wanting to cross the hill during the closure should book in advance by 4 pm Friday, 11 August, for an escorted crossing.

Full closures allow road crews to work more efficiently and complete repairs faster. It is also much safer as some maintenance work requires large machinery that uses most of the road area.

Waka Kotahi understands these closures do cause travel delays. However, these regular maintenance closures are essential for keeping a vital state highway link open. They also significantly reduce the risk of bigger failures, which could create more disruption for road users. We appreciate your patience and understanding while our contractors carry out their work.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

  • Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
  • Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
  • The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles can’t be accommodated.
  • Full access is always available for emergency services.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill Closure Dates. July-December 2023

Nights Closed

Start 9 pm

Finish 4 am

1

Sunday, 13 August

Monday, 14 August

5

Sunday, 3 September

Friday, 8 September

1

Sunday, 15 October

Monday, 16 October

5

Sunday, 5 November

Friday, 10 November

More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website: