1. Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): Yes.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Does he stand by his statement on becoming Prime Minister two years ago, "We're desperate to get to work to try and make things better for New Zealanders."; if so, why do twice as many New Zealanders think things will be the same or worse in the next 12 months compared to those who think things will get better?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, absolutely, and that's why you've seen this Government restore law and order to this country. We had violent crime up 33 percent, gang membership up 51 percent; we had a four-fold increase in ram raids, and a doubling of retail crime. I'm proud to say there are 29,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime; there's a 16 percent reduction in serious youth offending. If we now move to the area of education, I'm very proud to say that after having got to the basics of teaching our kids maths and reading, I'm very proud of the progress that we're making there. I consider that the member who was the education Minister for 5½ years did a pretty bad job, actually, making sure that over half our kids weren't at school regularly and that half of them couldn't read at the standard they needed to be going into high school, and 80 percent weren't at the standard they needed in maths. On the economic front, I'm proud of the fact that we've got Government spending under control. We didn't increase it 84 percent. We didn't triple the debt to $180 billion, writing out a $9 billion interest rate bill. But what we're doing is lowering inflation, lowering interest rates, getting the economy moving, and actually getting people back to work. And we're cleaning up the mess that that member left.
SPEAKER: I just would express a hope that other Ministers don't take the Prime Minister's example in taking so long to answer.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Does he think New Zealanders are feeling better off or worse off after two years of his leadership compared to before he became Prime Minister?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, look, as I've explained to the member before, when you increase Government spending by 84 percent and you lose control of the immutable laws of economics --
Hon Ginny Andersen: Answer the question.
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: And just look at the front bench across the road. Do you think there are any economically literate people in that front bench? It's unbelievable. But I'll just say to the member, we've actually got a two-speed recovery under way already. We have had record farmer confidence, we have had 12 percent growth in our exports overseas, and our primary industry sectors are doing very well. Just yesterday, you would have seen 86 percent confidence in our tourism operators -- our second biggest industry, at 7.5 percent of our total GDP. That's actually looking good for the year ahead. Yes, there's more work to do in Auckland, but it's coming, too.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Well, does he stand by his statement that the economy is now growing; if so, will he resign as Prime Minister if figures for the September quarter that has just concluded [Interruption]
SPEAKER: No, hang on -- sorry. We'll start again.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Does he stand by his statement that the economy is now growing; if so, will he resign if the figures for the September quarter that has just ended show that the economy has actually been in recession?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: As I've said to the member before, we had good growth in quarter four. We had even stronger growth in quarter one. The brakes were hit on the second day of April due to uncertainty around the Trump tariff. That affects confidence and sentiment, understandably. We're now growing now; we're expected to grow even further in quarter four.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Point of order, Mr Speaker. Pretty straightforward question: if the economy has been in recession over the last two quarters, whether the Prime Minister would resign or not. He hasn't addressed that.
SPEAKER: Well, I think he did address it by talking about the annualising of the stat.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: So that's obviously a no.
SPEAKER: Well, I'm not interpreting any answer, let alone interpret your question.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: Very good. Thank you, Mr Speaker. How has refusing to meaningfully negotiate with firefighters, doctors, nurses, and teachers, contributing to what may well be the largest strike action New Zealand's seen in a generation, made things better for New Zealanders?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, look, I think the Government has been acting in good faith in negotiation with the unions. But what Kiwis are sick of is unions prioritising their interests ahead of kids who haven't been in school, the kids that are about to go into exams over the next wee while, the tens of thousands of patients that have been waiting because they ran up the wait-list like 20 times since they were in power. And so those people there are actually really what we're focused on. I know you might be worried about your union mates, but actually we're not worried about your unions.
SPEAKER: That last comment wasn't at all necessary.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: So why is he willing to accept a pay rise in line with inflation, claim a $50,000 housing allowance, and spend $44,000 on a helicopter ride so he could take a photograph for his Facebook, while his Government makes pay offers to workers like firefighters, nurses, and teachers that amount to pay cuts in real terms?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, that's not true. I reject the characterisation of that question.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: How has scrapping pay equity agreements, therefore cutting the future pay for thousands of New Zealand workers, mostly women, made things better off for New Zealanders?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, I think there's some weirdness in the question. When you say cutting future pay, I don't know what you mean by that. But what I'd just say to the member is that this is a Government that supports pay equity legislation. We supported the initial pay equity legislation that came through the House, but that member took a paper to Cabinet and blew the cost from $3.5 billion up to $12 to $13 billion. Not surprising -- can't do math, so not a surprise, but we're actually making it workable given the complexities around that regime, and it's still available for people today, and we encourage unions and members to make claims under the pay equity legislation that's there.
Rt Hon Chris Hipkins: If his Government is so supportive of pay equity, how many of the 33 active pay equity claims that were in the process when he became Prime Minister have been settled during his two years as Prime Minister?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: We have pay equity legislation that's there today. We have made it workable. It was unworkable and complex. We had perverse situations of jobs being compared to other jobs that had no relevance or no consistency. And that member ran up the cost from $3.5 billion to $12 billion. So are you reversing that? Where's the $12 billion coming from?
Hon Kieran McAnulty: Point of order, sir. I've noticed a developing trend amongst Government Ministers, including the Prime Minister in this instance, where they end their response with a question. Successive Speakers have made it very clear that it's not the Government's job to post questions to the Opposition.
SPEAKER: That is quite true, so I hope all Ministers have taken that on board. Rima Nakhle.
2. RIMA NAKHLE (National -- Takanini) to the Minister of Health: What recent progress has been made on the Government's commitment to extend free breast screening for New Zealand women?
Hon SIMEON BROWN (Minister of Health): Good news. From this month, women aged 70 and 74 are now eligible for free breast screening -- the first step in the Government's nationwide age extension for all women aged between 70 and 74. This means more New Zealand women will have the opportunity to detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Once fully rolled out, around 130,000 additional women will be eligible for free screening every two years. We're backing this up with real investment by training and recruiting more staff, purchasing new equipment, opening new screening sites, and delivering mobile screening units. We're delivering practical, life-changing results for New Zealanders.
Rima Nakhle: How will this extension improve early detection and survival rates for women with breast cancer?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: Early detection quite literally saves lives. By extending the eligible age range, women will have access to an additional two to three mammograms over their lifetime, giving them more chances to detect breast cancer before symptoms appear. Once the full extension is implemented, it is expected to result in around 60 more breast cancers being detected early every year. Those early detections mean more women surviving, more families spared heartbreak, and those women given a fighting chance.
Tim Costley: How is the Government ensuring that women across the country, including the Kāpiti Coast, can access these breast screening services?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: I thank the member for his question and for joining Minister Grigg and myself in Kāpiti this morning. Access is at the heart of this programme, and we know that not every woman lives near a major hospital or screening centre. That's why, as part of this roll-out of the age extension, we're also opening new regional screening sites, such as the Waikanae breast screening centre I visited today, as well as delivering four new mobile screening units to serve our smaller towns and rural communities. We're also introducing a modern digital platform that automatically identifies eligible women, sends out the invitation, and allows them to book their appointments online. We're making screening faster, simpler, and more convenient whether you live in a city or a rural community, bringing this to people closer to home.
Rima Nakhle: What steps are being taken to ensure services can meet the increased demand for breast screening?
Hon SIMEON BROWN: We're taking a carefully phased approach to ensure the system grows sustainably. Health New Zealand is recruiting and training more radiographers, technicians, and specialist staff, investing in new mammography and ultrasound machines, and expanding capacity across both fixed and mobile sites. This is a system that has been built for the future with smarter technology, stronger infrastructure, and a clear focus on early detection, accessibility, and quality care. It is yet another example of this Government delivering better health services that make a real difference in New Zealanders' lives.
Question No. 3 -- Finance
3. Hon BARBARA EDMONDS (Labour -- Mana) to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by all her statements and actions?
Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister of Finance): on behalf of the Minister of Finance: Yes, within the context within which the statements were made.
Hon Barbara Edmonds: How can she stand by her statement that she is, "making changes that will set our country up for a better future", when 200 Kiwis a day do not see a better future and are choosing to leave the country?
Hon SHANE JONES: It has long been a rite of passage for Kiwis to venture overseas. The changes that we are making, both of a fiscal and a regulatory character, are both short term and medium term. Green shoots are emerging.
Hon Barbara Edmonds: How can she stand by her statement in April this year that "We've been seeing green shoots across the economy.", when at that time the economy was shrinking by almost 1 percent?
Hon SHANE JONES: As is the case with statistics, they're so backward looking. The actual truth of the matter is that with the reduction and the improvement in terms of monetary policy, more liquidity is coming into the economy, banks are more confident, and the market is talking about yet another further reduction in monetary policy standards from 2.5 percent to some other figure.
Hon Barbara Edmonds: Well, what is her responsibility in relation to monetary policy?
Hon SHANE JONES: The Reserve Bank, as you well know, is an independent organisation. It took on a responsibility for coping with inflation driven to stratospheric levels of danger as a consequence of a failed fiscal policy prior to our arrival. We are taking an approach of fiscal policy which is one of consolidation and responsibility.
Hon Barbara Edmonds: How can she stand by her statement that "We have invested more in public infrastructure.", when there are 20,000 fewer people working in construction?
Hon SHANE JONES: It should come as no surprise that when the Government was formed, we inherited a mess in Kāinga Ora. Not only were projects over-costed, not only were we looking at housing options that had grown at levels of recklessness that became unaffordable -- it was not unreasonable for the Government at that particular time to have taken a further look at how robust the costings were for that portion of the construction sector. But as my colleague Mr Bishop has said, over $60 billion has been put aside for infrastructure, including the construction sector, over the next four years.
Hon Barbara Edmonds: Who else is there to blame for her economic mismanagement, given that since she was asked this question last week, her Government has added teachers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and the unions to that list?
Hon SHANE JONES: Well, given that the size of our economy is $440-odd billion, it takes a while to turn the super-tanker around. We are not only very focused on the right navigational bearings but we're leaving the storm and hurricane of destruction that was left to us by the last regime.
Question No. 4 -- Education
4. DANA KIRKPATRICK (National -- East Coast) to the Minister of Education: What recent reports has she seen on education achievement?
Hon ERICA STANFORD (Minister of Education): The Education Review Office (ERO) -- [Interruption]
SPEAKER: Just wait on. Now you may progress.
Hon ERICA STANFORD: Thank you. The Education Review Office released a report today evaluating how the Government's English and maths reforms are being implemented. In less than a year, we are seeing considerable improvement in achievement and engagement in maths and English and increased hours spent in the classroom on reading, writing, and maths, especially in our lower-decile schools. Half of teachers reported that students' English and maths have improved compared to last year. Parents agree, with over three-quarters reporting better progress for their children in both English and maths, and so do our young people. Three-quarters of students agree that they are getting better at English and maths. We had a plan, we're delivering on that plan that places student achievement at the centre, and we are seeing results. This is what delivery looks like.
Dana Kirkpatrick: What does the data say about student outcomes?
Hon ERICA STANFORD: Our reforms are delivering better outcomes for students. Three out of four teachers report that structured literacy approaches have improved literacy for most students. Nine out of 10 students report enjoying learning English and maths. Teachers have said that new approaches are improving attention and behaviour in the classroom. One student is quoted as saying, "My reading is getting better. I am reading faster than usual. My fluency has increased." -- note the word "fluency" from a young student. Another student said: "We have more structure, more explaining, and more help with maths in school.". We know that structured literacy and maths works for students. We know that following the evidence is important in enabling our children to thrive at school, and teaching the basics brilliantly is at the core of everything we're doing.
Dana Kirkpatrick: What does the data say about the impact on teachers?
Hon ERICA STANFORD: We have so many brilliant teachers, and when we back them, we see results. Nearly 80 percent of primary teachers have accessed professional learning and development in delivering structured literacy, and ERO found that teachers who used the 1.1 million maths books, textbooks, workbooks, and teacher guides that we have delivered were four times more likely to change their teaching practice. This quote about structured literacy from one teacher sums it all up: "It has been one of the absolute benefits we've had, and the most impactful things we've had around engagement. We've seen this spin off in other spaces -- in particular with spelling. There is some talk of it being too structured and ending up with robot kids, but I would absolutely disagree. You can still have fun, spread joy and love, and make sure you don't lose the art of teaching."
Question No. 5 -- Education
5. Dr PARMJEET PARMAR (ACT) to the Associate Minister of Education: What recent announcements has he made about the opening of new charter schools across New Zealand?
Hon DAVID SEYMOUR (Associate Minister of Education): Very exciting announcement: three new charter schools announced this week so far, taking the total number to 14, with more to come later in the week. These include Altum in Wellington, a school focused on classical education; Aotearoa Infinite Academy, a school focused on remote education; and Te Aratika High School, a school in Hawke's Bay focused on giving vocational pathways to Māori and Pacific students who have been disengaged from education. That's three quite different aspirations and communities all joined together by the simple idea that one size does not fit all. Many students would like school to be different, and the ideas that exist with within communities can be harnessed within the charter school framework, which gives the same funding, much greater autonomy, and much higher accountability for attendance and achievement so that each child can realise their full potential.
Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Who will benefit from the newly announced schools?
Hon DAVID SEYMOUR: It will be students who have aspirations not met by the system as we currently know it, because one size does not fit all. When I think about this policy, I'm always reminded of Clarence Beeby's quote that the Government's intention, broadly expressed, is that every child, whether they be rich or poor, boy or girl, or from town or country, will have an education that extends them to the fullest extent of their powers. That was an education secretary under a Labour Minister, Peter Fraser, and I would love to see the Labour Party fulfil that kind of aspiration for the students of New Zealand rather than cuddle up to the unions.
Hon Kieran McAnulty: Point of order -- point of order.
SPEAKER: I know what you're going to say, but make your point of order.
Hon Kieran McAnulty: Sir, this is a point that you have ruled on consistently --
SPEAKER: And the member himself actually pointed out to me that that was not acceptable. That last comment is not acceptable in an answer from the Government. It's an accusation that shouldn't be made.
Hon David Seymour: Yes. The Standing Orders prevent members from asking questions with the intent of attacking the Opposition. I don't believe there was any such intent on the part of the member asking the question, nor me, until I faced heckling from the other side, which I responded to very well, I thought.
SPEAKER: Well, you may think so, but I'm going to ask you to withdraw the comment.
Hon David Seymour: Mr Speaker, I withdraw any comment applicable.
Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Are charter schools addressing wider education problems in New Zealand?
Hon DAVID SEYMOUR: Absolutely. The Government has a range of programmes to improve attendance at school; to improve, as we've just heard from the Minister of Education, the curriculum and the pedagogy as well as the assessment in school. But we still see students who are disengaged, and, in the case of charter schools, we are already hearing stories from students who had been disengaged, had not been going to school regularly, and hadn't attended school in some cases, they say, for years. They report that suddenly they can see a pathway where they learn, they turn their learnings into qualifications, they turn their qualifications into careers which enable them to do what we all really want, which is achieve and feel good about themselves. That is the ultimate problem that we're tackling and we're very proud to be doing it.
Dr Parmjeet Parmar: Will more charter schools be announced?
Hon DAVID SEYMOUR: Yes, many more charter schools will be announced. I anticipate as many as three more in the rest of this week, and they are very exciting prospects which continue the theme of communities up and down New Zealand demanding more choice. That's why we had 58 different applications for people to run new schools in this round, and I'm very much looking forward to announcing even more of these new schools as well as a growing number of State schools converting to charter status as the year completes.
Question No. 6 -- Social Development and Employment
6. Hon WILLIE JACKSON (Labour) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How will her introduction of a parental income test for young job seekers impact families struggling with the cost of living?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector): The introduction of the parental income test for 18- and 19-year-olds is a positive step towards ensuring Government support is well targeted and effective. We make no apology for encouraging young people to go into education, training, or employment before welfare. We are focused on easing the cost of living pressures and helping families to keep more of what they earn. This policy comes into effect in November 2026 and reflects the values of fairness and responsibility. We want young Kiwis to build independence and confidence in a growing economy.
Hon Willie Jackson: Does she think it is reasonable to cut jobseeker for young people when over 218 applications for one role at a Tank Juice bar show that there are simply no jobs available?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Well, as I said, this policy comes into effect in November next year, and we want young people to be looking at employment opportunities and, if they're not considering employment opportunities, further education or training. They are the things that set them up for a great future, which is what, I'm sure, I would have thought members opposite would also want.
Hon Willie Jackson: Who is correct: the Prime Minister, who said that young people need to get off the couch, stop playing PlayStation, and go and find a job, or Student Job Search chief executive Louise Saviker, who said applications are outpacing job listings?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: They're both correct, because what we do know is that we have a higher aspiration for young people, clearly, than the Opposition do. Because under their watch, the number of young people that went on to benefit under the age of 25 -- the duration increased to 18 future years on welfare, a 49 percent increase since 2017. We're not willing to accept welfare dependency for young people, and we accept, right now, economic conditions make it challenging. This policy comes into effect in November next year, and our Government is focused on creating more opportunities for young people.
Hon Willie Jackson: Does she agree with the Prime Minister that they're doing everything they can to get them connected to work, when more and more young people just can't find work under her watch?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Well, unfortunately, the reality that we have inherited is a challenging economic environment, and we're dealing with it. What I announced today is that we now have 70,000 people in case management with independent, individual employment plans. Actually, what we're seen is a greater number of people exiting the jobseeker benefit into jobs than a year ago. So, despite it being challenging, we're seeing more people exit the jobseeker benefit into jobs, including 14.4 percent under the age of 25.
Hon Willie Jackson: Will she admit that instead of doing her job, she's kicking 18- and 19-year-olds off jobseeker because she's failing to get to her 50,000 jobseeker reduction target?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Definitely not. I look at every single one of those young people -- 18- and 19-year-olds -- I want them to have a greater life, I want them to have greater opportunities, and I'm unwilling to tolerate that 18 future years on welfare is as good as it gets for them.
Hon Willie Jackson: Is she confident that the next quarterly update will show a reduction in jobseeker numbers?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Treasury forecast in Budget Economic and Fiscal Update indicated that we would continue, unfortunately, to see jobseeker numbers rise until December. That is the reality of the trends that we have inherited -- actually, not far off the forecasts that were in place when that member left office. But we're not sitting around waiting and watching for that to happen, which is why we've got 70,000 people in case management, the most effective intervention that is possible. We want to encourage more 18- and 19-year-olds into further education, employment, and further training.
Question No. 7 -- Tourism and Hospitality
7. MAUREEN PUGH (National -- West Coast-Tasman) to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent reports has she seen on tourism in New Zealand?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Minister for Tourism and Hospitality): International visitor arrival numbers released by Stats NZ this week show a 5.5 percent increase, compared to the same time last year. This means our international visitor numbers are currently sitting at 88 percent of our pre-COVID numbers. Tourism is New Zealand's second-largest export earner, and is a crucial part of our Government's focus on economic growth. More visitors mean more tables in our restaurants, more bookings in our hotels, more people visiting our regions and attractions, and more jobs being created.
Maureen Pugh: What recent feedback and indicators suggest growing confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: The Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) survey, also out this week, shows 86 percent of tourism organisations feeling confident about the year ahead. This is an 11 percent increase on last year. TIA chief executive Rebecca Ingram highlighted recent industry-wide announcements as boosting the sector's optimism. Tourism Holdings chief executive Grant Webster told Mike Hosking yesterday that it's the time of year and the success of tourism campaigns working their magic. He says growing air capacity and visas being sorted are other momentum points that mean the next 12 months are looking really positive for tourism and New Zealand.
Maureen Pugh: What is the Government doing to support the tourism industry in New Zealand?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: We know the benefits a thriving tourism and hospitality sector bring to our economy, supporting local regions and communities. That's why our Government has been making a series of investments this year to boost demand and position New Zealand as a go-to destination for people considering their next holiday. It's encouraging to see a bump in Australian visitors from across the Ditch. These positive results show with the right investment, in the right markets, we can drive economic growth.
Maureen Pugh: How will more international visitors support economic growth?
Hon LOUISE UPSTON: By investing in tourism, we are creating opportunities for growth, as tourism directly supports almost 200,000 jobs and contributes $44 billion to the economy. Every time a visitor comes to New Zealand and spends money at a local shop, buys a meal at a local cafe, and stays in our accommodation, it's good for jobs, it's good for growth, and it's good for the incomes of New Zealanders. Our message is clear: New Zealand is open for business and we welcome anyone from anywhere, at any time.
Question No. 8 -- Prime Minister
8. Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader -- Green) to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i ngā kōrero me ngā mahi katoa a tōna Kāwanatanga?
[Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions?]
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON (Prime Minister): Yes.
Hon Marama Davidson: Can the Prime Minister guarantee that Aotearoa will protect 30 percent of our exclusive economic zone by 2030 as committed to under the 2022 global biodiversity framework; if not, why not?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, those are conversations that we haven't had as a Cabinet yet, but I'd just say we're very proud of the work that we have collectively all signed up for to protect the Hauraki Gulf.
Hon Marama Davidson: How much of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone is currently highly protected?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, again, I'd just say we have a lot of focus on making sure we protect our oceans. We're part of the blue Pacific ocean initiative that we do through the Pacific Islands Forum, and we continue to play our role in that and meet our obligations there. But, again, you know, this is a Government that is very focused on economic growth, right? We want to get things done and we want to get things built.
Hon Marama Davidson: What is his response to our New Zealand sailing great Peter Burling, who said, "we have much further to go to protect more of the coastal and deep ocean ecosystems we are guardians of. I hope this can inspire us to think about greater marine protection beyond the Gulf.", and will he commit to more marine protected areas outside of the Hauraki Gulf - Tīkapa Moana?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, look, it was really great to see Pete's comments supporting the progress that we've made on protecting the Hauraki Gulf. I just want to say to him, thank you for your support and for the conversations that we've had over the last two years about this issue and many others. He cares deeply about the state of our oceans. He cares deeply about the state of the Hauraki Gulf, as do many other Kiwis. It's been good that we've actually made a big step change and actually done something, not just talked about it but delivered it.
Hon Marama Davidson: How does cutting fishing industry levies, enabling ring-net fishing in high protection areas, and blocking our own proposal to restrict bottom trawling show that his Government is protecting our oceans in the interests of all New Zealanders, rather than the interests of the commercial fishing industry?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: Well, we're getting the balance right, aren't we? I mean, we're making sure we can actually maximise the opportunity that exists for aquaculture. We've got an outstanding Minister for fisheries who thinks about these issues very deeply. He's protecting different catches at different times, but he's getting the balance right between economic growth and protecting our oceans.
Hon Marama Davidson: What's more important to his Government: protecting the ability for the industry to harvest the last remaining orange roughy, or protecting the integrity of our vulnerable marine ecosystems?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: It's actually about helping New Zealanders get ahead by lifting the collective living standards of all Kiwis. That's what our Government's focused on. That's why we see huge potential in aquaculture. We want to see it continue to grow very, very strongly like the rest of our primary industries.
Rt Hon Winston Peters: What does the Prime Minister think of the implicit suggestion by the questioner that independent Pacific Island nations be told how to use their waters and resources?
Rt Hon CHRISTOPHER LUXON: I would find that somewhat paternalistic.
Question No. 9 -- Science, Innovation and Technology
9. TIM COSTLEY (National -- Ōtaki) to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: What steps is the Government taking to support science and innovation in order to grow the New Zealand economy?
Hon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology): There are enormous opportunities in New Zealand to utilise our scientific expertise to create higher-paying jobs and to diversify our economy. That's why I have substantively accepted the recommendations of the Science System Advisory Group and am creating a single, independent board, Research Funding New Zealand, which will replace the complex bureaucracy that researchers currently have to navigate. The message from the science and research community has been loud and clear: the current funding system is too complex and too bureaucratic, and it takes time and energy away from actual research. This is about smarter investment in research that grows our economy, protects our environment, and improves New Zealanders' lives.
Tim Costley: How does this new funding organisation differ from how science funding is currently delivered in New Zealand?
Hon Dr SHANE RETI: Research Funding New Zealand will consolidate the fragmented decision-making process we currently have. It will take on the Endeavour Fund, the Marsden Fund, and Strategic Science Investment Fund -- currently administered by three separate funding bodies -- as well as health research from the Health Research Council. We've seen in the past that there is too much duplication across these bodies, with different application processes and unclear alignment with Government priorities. Research Funding New Zealand will be simpler, faster, and more focused on impact.
Tim Costley: What areas of science will the new science funding board focus on?
Hon Dr SHANE RETI: High-quality science is critical to so many parts of our economy and communities. Under this new model, public investment in science will be focused across the economy, the environment, health, and society, as well as on emerging technologies -- an area that we're falling behind in. High-quality science will support our exporters, tackle the environmental challenges we are facing, and improve the health of all New Zealanders. This is about getting the system working better, with less bureaucracy, clearer priorities, and a stronger focus on research that makes a difference.
Tim Costley: What other initiatives does the Government have under way to grow the New Zealand economy through science, innovation, and technology?
Hon Dr SHANE RETI: We are currently undertaking the most comprehensive reform of our science sector in a generation. In the last six months alone, we have already set up new public research organisations. We're also branching out into new areas of research, with $70 million committed to AI technology, $71 million for future materials and magnet technologies, and $42 million to establish a biodiscovery platform, and we've more than doubled investment into our fast-growing gaming sector. We are committed to growing our economy, and having thriving science and technology is a core part of that mission.
Question No. 10 -- Economic Growth
10. Hon GINNY ANDERSEN (Labour) to the Minister for Economic Growth: Does she agree with the statement of Hon Nicola Willis that "On our watch there may be fewer people wearing lanyards on Lambton Quay, but there are going to be a lot more people wearing high-vis and hard hats"; if so, why?
Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Regional Development) on behalf of the Minister for Economic Growth: Yes.
Hon Ginny Andersen: How many of the 200 New Zealanders who leave our shores each day are qualified construction workers?
Hon SHANE JONES: No doubt their skills are in high demand over in Australian, and if she writes me a letter, I'll consider responding to it.
Hon Ginny Andersen: Why is construction activity the lowest it has been since 2019, when he promised more people wearing high-vis and hard hats?
Hon SHANE JONES: When you create a fiscal perfect storm and the cost of money -- interest rates -- becomes recklessly high, the Reserve Bank intervenes and increases the cost of money -- the interest rate. That has a direct impact on the confidence and the ability of people to fund projects. And therein lies the lesson for that particular member as she struggles to understand economics.
Hon Ginny Andersen: Why did the Government promise more people wearing high-vis and hard hats when there has been $2.9 billion less spent on roads, housing, and hospitals over the past year?
Hon SHANE JONES: On the matter of the hospital, it's this Government that's actually accelerated the delivery of the Dunedin Hospital project. Not only did we resize the project within a defensible fiscal level but we have, as has been announced, entered into a contract. Once again, this is taking some time because of the dreadful fiscal burden that was left on the current Government due to the profligacy of the period of time between 2020 and 2023.
Hon Ginny Andersen: Why did his Government cut Apprenticeship Boost for civil engineers?
Hon SHANE JONES: Obviously, the responsibility for boosting the number of apprentices, highly trained younger people, has to be shared between the public sector and the private sector. We have been running a set of policies that have enabled society to see that we are bringing the books back in order. As matters improve and as the market picks up, who knows what options will be available to us in the future.
Hon Ginny Andersen: Why did he say to New Zealanders that there will be more people wearing hi-vis and hard hats when there has been, under his watch, $2.9 billion less spent on infrastructure and when his Government has cut Apprenticeship Boost for civil engineering, there are 20,000 fewer construction jobs in New Zealand, and 760 construction firms have gone under, under his watch?
Hon SHANE JONES: I repeat: once inflation runs rampant, this is the devastating impact that inflationary policies have upon the confidence of investors, the ability of firms, and, quite frankly, it shrinks the options that New Zealanders have. On the question of hard hats and high-vis, I can assure you coal mining is about to improve those statistics.
Question No. 11 -- Oceans and Fisheries
11. TEANAU TUIONO (Green) to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Has he seen the Our Marine Environment 2025 report, which shows that New Zealand oceans are warming 34 percent faster than the global average; if so, what actions is he taking to address this?
Hon SHANE JONES (Minister for Oceans and Fisheries): Yes, I am aware of that report and will be sharing my thoughts with the Minister for the Environment on that matter. But I have to tell the member that 5.2 million people residing in the South Pacific with an economy of about $440 billion Kiwi dollars have zero control over the direction or the heat being generated by the Pacific Ocean.
Teanau Tuiono: Does he accept the report's finding that climate change is driving significant changes in our oceans, and, if so, does he believe that the attempts to drill for more fossil fuels will help or harm our moana?
Hon SHANE JONES: Obviously, our contribution to global emissions is 0.17 percent -- less than 1 percent! It is the height of conceit to imagine that somehow by closing down New Zealand industry we're going to save the planet. The planet is more than capable of saving itself and we will adapt in good time.
Teanau Tuiono: Point of order, Mr Speaker. I don't believe the Minister addressed the question. It was whether he believed that attempts to drill for more fossil fuels will help or harm.
SPEAKER: Well, I think he did answer it when he used some acceptably colourful language to describe what he thought of the question, I'm sorry to say.
Rt Hon Winston Peters: He hadn't asked for it at that point in time.
Teanau Tuiono: Does he accept that warming oceans pose --
Rt Hon Winston Peters: He had not asked for the question at that point in time.
SPEAKER: With all due respect, I've called Teanau Tuiono.
Rt Hon Winston Peters: Point of order. With all due respect, he had never asked for the supplementary question when you'd given it to him. How does that work? We'd like some old-fashioned rules restored to this place.
SPEAKER: Yes, good. And as the member will have listened carefully to what I said yesterday, all supplementary questions are at the discretion of the Speaker, not the person who wants them. Teanau Tuiono.
Teanau Tuiono: Thank you, Mr Speaker -- thank you. Does the Minister accept that warming oceans pose a risk to the sustainability of the fishing industry and fishers' livelihoods, and, if so, what is he doing to ensure fishing in New Zealand can be a sustainable source of income for years and decades to come?
Hon SHANE JONES: On the question of fisheries, the proposed mining, God willing, to proceed off the coast of Taranaki will have minimal impact on the strength or the vitality of fisheries. Sadly, fish do move around. Consequently, it behoves the Government to change, from time to time, its regulatory approach so that the harvesters, the guardians, and the regulators of our fisheries resource have multiple options in front of them to deal with the changing fortunes of the oceanic environment. But to suggest that a single Minister or a Government or 5.2 million people at the distant end of the South Pacific can effect change when larger climate change emitters are doing zero is fanciful.
Rt Hon Winston Peters: With respect to mining fossils, which is what four countries are doing -- namely, China, USA, India, and Russia -- and contributing to 60 percent of the emissions, what hope have we got to change that?
Hon SHANE JONES: The hope is we will dig our own coal up, starting with 200,000-plus tonnes to reduce our reliance on imported Indonesian coal. The hope is that with the $200 million allocated in the Budget, we will accelerate the development of the oil and gas industry. Sadly, we are unlikely to see unanimity until the former Minister disappears from Parliament.
Teanau Tuiono: Is the Minister at least concerned that warming oceans -- [Interruption]
SPEAKER: Sorry, wait on. Start again.
Teanau Tuiono: Is the Minister at least concerned that warming oceans pose a risk to human health due to toxic algae blooms, and, if not, why not?
Hon SHANE JONES: It's really important that the Minister for Fisheries and Oceans deals in facts, and those facts have to be informed by rationality, science, and technology. Then, when those facts are evident, our society is more than capable of adapting to the challenges. But any suggestion that we're going to hollow out industry, including fisheries, to meet this dreamlike conception of how dangerous climate change is -- it's never going to be agreed to by this Minister.
Teanau Tuiono: Does he stand by his statement from September that catch limits for the Chatham Rise and southern New Zealand orange roughy will be more than halved to support sustainability following a careful scientific assessment, and, if so, what has changed about the best scientific information available since then?
Hon SHANE JONES: I thank the member for that question. Obviously, setting total allowable commercial catch limits for any fish species is a balance, as reflected in the purpose of the Fisheries Act. Not only do we have to be mindful of the scientific evidence and the pressure on stocks, we also have to take account of the statutory status of utilisation. I'm confident that the information fed into that decision will stand the test in good time.
Question No. 12 -- Agriculture
12. JAMIE ARBUCKLE (NZ First) to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What reports, if any, has he received regarding wool?
Hon MARK PATTERSON (Associate Minister of Agriculture): Well, by far the most important reports I have seen are the weekly auction results, which are giving renewed hope to our long-suffering wool growers. Great news: there has been a resurgence in wool prices. Over the last 12 months, the strong wool indicator is up 32 percent, mid micron up 41 percent, and fine wool up 35 percent. These are levels not seen in nine years, and much of this increase has occurred in the last few weeks.
Jamie Arbuckle: What has contributed to the notable rise in strong wool prices?
Hon MARK PATTERSON: Recently, I travelled to China to attend the Nanjing Wool Market Conference, as part of a New Zealand delegation. Nanjing is a major hub for the international wool-textile trade, and China accounts for approximately 40 percent of New Zealand's wool exports. It was evident there that there is a genuine shift in demand for New Zealand wool as part of a global consumer swing to natural fibres, combined with constrained supply out of New Zealand.
Jamie Arbuckle: Can the Minister outline the actions being taken to support the recovery and growth of the wool industry?
Hon MARK PATTERSON: Importantly, via the New Zealand First-National coalition agreement, the Government has sent a clear signal to the market that we are backing wool. We've directed Government departments to prioritise wool and fibres in Government buildings, driving demand and backing our farmers. I'm also pleased to report that industry leadership is coming together. A wool alliance, combined of Wool Impact, Campaign for Wool New Zealand, and the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, has begun consultation with farmers in the formation of a long-overdue leadership model not seen since 2011.
Jamie Arbuckle: What new incentives and innovation are helping to revitalise the New Zealand wool industry?
Hon MARK PATTERSON: I'd like to put on record that I am really proud of the commercial wool sector. They are rallying in support of their farmers. There is a number of initiatives under way from new pathways to market, simplifying supply chains, and cutting costs. There is much investment in innovation, unlocking high-value end uses beyond just carpets and insulation, with wool being now used in filtration, acoustics, pigments and powders, bioagents, and even nutraceuticals. There is investment flowing back into restoring local manufacturing capacity, adding value right here in New Zealand and creating jobs in our regions. This sector is determined to play a part in doubling New Zealand's exports.