Hon Christopher Finlayson

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) : I move, That the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Bill be now read a second time. It was the National Government of Keith Holyoake in the 1960s that created what was then known as the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council of New Zealand, and it was the National Government of Jim Bolger that reformed it in the 1990s, and for some years it has been known as Creative New Zealand.

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) on behalf of the Minister of Justice: I move, That the Bail Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate that the bill be referred to the Law and Order Committee for consideration. This bill makes a series of improvements to bail laws to improve public safety and ensure the overall integrity of New Zealand’s bail system.

CHARLES CHAUVEL (Labour) to the Attorney-General: How many District Court Judges currently hold permanent warrants, and of those Judges, how many are unavailable to sit full-time in the District Courts because they hold other appointments?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage) : I move, That the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Local Government and Environment Committee to consider this bill. It is great to stand here tonight to continue the proud National tradition of providing strong support for arts, culture, and heritage, because National’s arts pedigree is excellent.

Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill) 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?

Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill) 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?

Hon PHIL GOFF (Labour—Mt Roskill) 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?

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I too acknowledge the people of Ngāti Pāhauwera and welcome those who have travelled from the Hawke’s Bay and are here in the gallery to listen to this the third reading of their claims settlement bill, the Ngāti Pāhauwera Treaty Claims Settlement Bill. I acknowledge those who have worked so hard to make this day possible, and I join in what Mr Horomia said about what kind people they are—generous in spirit.

Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I too stand to acknowledge the people of Ngati Porou, and especially those who have travelled from Tai Rāwhiti and are here in the galleries today to listen to this the third reading of the Ngati Porou Claims Settlement Bill. I acknowledge them, and all of those from Ngati Porou who have worked so very hard to make this day possible. I acknowledge the many Ngati Porou who are no longer with us, who provided leadership and inspiration to Ngati Porou negotiators and their people. In saying this, I too want to refer to the great Sir Apirana Ngata, who was such a distinguished member of this House, and I am sure he would be very, very pleased to see the third and final reading of this bill.

LOUISE UPSTON (National—Taupō) to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What progress has the Government made towards enacting deeds of settlement with iwi in legislation?