JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth) to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What recent announcements has the Government made about supporting the arts in New Plymouth?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) on behalf of the Minister in charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service: I move, That the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill and the Crimes Amendment Bill (No 3) be now read a third time. This legislation makes select changes to the powers of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. In particular, it modernises those parts of the warrant framework that have not kept pace with technology, as the principal Act’s warrant framework is now over 30 years old. That framework was designed at a time when the principal methods of communication were by mail, landline telephone, or facsimile. Although the core surveillance powers contained in the warrant framework have remained relevant, new ways of communicating mean that those powers do not, in all respects, marry up with modern communication methods. Changes must therefore be made to enable the Security Intelligence Service to regain its full functionality before New Zealand hosts an important event like the Rugby World Cup. Changes to the warrant powers will ensure that the Security Intelligence Service is equipped to deal with the now widespread use of computer, mobile phone, and internet technologies, and to take advantage of new surveillance technologies available to it. The legislation also clarifies the protections from liability for persons acting under warrants, and provides for delegation powers. Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : I enjoyed that contribution by Mr Locke. I half expected some kind of rant about Philby, Burgess, and Maclean at one stage, but there we are. NICKY WAGNER (National) to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What reports has he received on recent developments there have been to promote New Zealand literature and culture? General Debate15/06/2011 Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : The thoughts of all of us are with the people of Christchurch. It is very frustrating that so many people’s properties have suffered further damage. Many people are back to square one and are now faced with the task of cleaning up and starting all over again. Once again we witnessed the courage of the people of Christchurch and Lyttelton. For every picture of destruction that we see on our televisions, we also see people helping neighbours, cleaning up, and getting on as best they can with their lives. Unfortunately, both cathedrals and the Arts Centre of Christchurch have sustained more damage this week, and very, very sadly the Lyttelton Timeball Station is in total ruins. Some people who were working on heritage buildings were injured on Monday, and we are all very, very grateful that no one was killed. Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General)on behalf of the Minister in charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service: I move, That the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Amendment Bill be now read a second time. This bill updates the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act 1969 to reflect new technologies. The Act’s warrant framework was designed in 1977, before technologies such as mobile phones and the internet became common. Technological changes have now overtaken the warrant framework, so the bill addresses, first, the prevalent use of computer, mobile phone, and internet technologies, and, second, new surveillance technologies available to the SIS. The bill also clarifies protections from liability for persons acting under warrants, and provides for delegation powers. Budget Debate08/06/2011 Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : It has been very disappointing to listen to members opposite recite what can only be described as a farrago of incoherent bullet points prepared for them by the Labour research unit. I have listened to Clare Curran, Carol Beaumont, Brendon Burns, and Darien Fenton. They have all said the same thing, all with the same lack of enthusiasm and all with the same lack of conviction. It is a pity that the Labour Party research unit minions have to waste their time writing drivel for Labour backbenchers. They would be much more constructively engaged explaining to reporters Mr Goff’s research and development policy, because he certainly cannot explain it. Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations) : I rise to speak to three bills that are being addressed in a novel manner this afternoon so that they can be considered by the Māori Affairs Committee as quickly as possible. That great chair of the committee, the Hon Tau Henare, is a tiger for punishment. He is keen to get on with the job as quickly as he can. Questions for Oral Answer [Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—Government Support]10/05/2011 TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: In what ways has the Government demonstrated its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? |
