Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Parliament Hansard Report – Point of Order – 001487

Source: New Zealand Parliament

POINTS OF ORDER

Recall of the Speaker—Closure Motions and Party Votes

Hon KIERAN McANULTY (Labour): Point of order. I apologise to the Minister; however, this is the first opportunity we’ve had to raise this point of order, given that we’ve just come out of committee. We would have had the opportunity to raise this if our motion to recall the Speaker was approved by the committee. It was not, which is regrettable. Nevertheless, this is the appropriate opportunity to do so.

There are two matters that I wish to raise. One is regarding closure motions and the other is regarding calling for party votes. Specifically, I’m referring to Standing Order 137(1). Now, in that Standing Order, it specifically prescribes what is required when a question is being put around—or should be considered around—the closure motion. And in Standing Orders, it quotes what is required.

Now, last evening, the presiding officer at the time indicated that it doesn’t need to be exactly accurate as outlined in Standing Orders, but it just needs to be there or thereabouts in so far as the presiding officer understands the intent of the motion and therefore can proceed. Now, that is a significant departure from what is outlined in Standing Orders. Now, sir, I’m not asking for you to rule on that now, but what I am asking for is a commitment to report back to the House to provide absolute clarity. In the absence of that, it is possible that a new Speaker’s ruling would be created that is counter to Standing Orders, which I don’t think is in the interest of anyone in this House.

The second point is in regard to calling for party votes when there is a motion to recall the Speaker. It’s not my intention to dispute the decision that was made around the Speaker. I think there’s a fair bit of reflection being made around the House at the moment. There was one instance in the previous Parliament where that was voted against; that was wrong, it should not have happened. There was one in the previous Parliament, there’s now been one in this Parliament, I’m hoping that the House can decide that, “OK, we’ll call it even. We’ll go back to the convention in regard to motions to recall the Speaker.”

However, what is of concern is the decision that was made in committee that a party vote would not be put. So the motion was made to recall the Speaker, the Government members voted No, a party vote was called, and the presiding officer did not allow that to happen. Now, that is actually also counter to Standing Orders. The process for dealing with a motion to recall the Speaker—Standing Order 179 doesn’t indicate that there isn’t to be a party vote. So in the absence of any specified information about that, the only option that we’ve got is to go back to Standing Orders 142(1), which quite clearly outlines the process for a party vote to be considered when it is called for. And so there is nothing else in Standing Orders around that—that is the only thing that we can go for. So all I’m asking for is a commitment for both of those points to be reflected on by the Speaker’s office alongside the Clerk’s Office, and a report back so that the House is very clear around the process on both those things.

JOSEPH MOONEY (National—Southland): Speaking to the point of order. Thank you, Mr Speaker. All of the points that were just made are actually irrelevant because the Clerk—

ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono): I’ll decide if they’re relevant.

JOSEPH MOONEY: Certainly. Well, I just sort of wanted to make the point—I accept absolutely it’s your decision, Mr Speaker, but the point of order was raised by the Opposition after the Chair had decided to commence voting. Voting had commenced and the Opposition disrupted that not once but twice. They disrupted it first when they were of the view that the question hadn’t been completely put. It had been mostly put, but not completely. There were two words, from recollection, that were missing. The Chair then put the vote again, accepted a full closure motion with full wording, and then the Opposition disrupted that again with a point of order. So they disrupted the vote twice. So everything that followed I would suggest is irrelevant.

ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono): —of events. I’ve got three points here and the rest of the points we can go back and reflect on. So just to the points from the Hon Kieran McAnulty: he is correct, but in the heat of the moment the exact words might not have been gotten right. But nothing has changed: the exact words of Standing Order 137 should be used. And just to acknowledge that there is a longstanding custom of the committee agreeing to recall the Speaker— Speaker’s ruling 81/2; it is not an absolute right, but it would be unfortunate if it was opposed and would likely slow down committee stages. So just to note that as well.

There should also be no need for a party vote because the recall should be agreed to. Where it’s not, a party vote is the way to decide it. And, also, to note that the presiding officer who was here in the Chair is at the moment having discussions with parties as well. So in terms of the points that I have talked about just before, that has taken care of some of the issues. If there are other prevailing issues outside of that, we will get back to you. I now call the Hon Louise Upston.

Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green): Speaking to the point of order. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I just want to clarify one particular point that the previous person, Joseph Mooney, has mentioned in terms of the voting process. I wanted to get clarification from you, Mr Speaker, that in the context of that, when a vote is called but prior to the vote being called a point of order was raised but then because the mic wasn’t on and the presiding officer couldn’t hear it, in those circumstances would a point of order that was raised be considered before or after a vote has been triggered? Because I don’t think it’s entirely accurate to say that—if we go back and look at the video from last night, when that was done we deliberately and explicitly mentioned to the presiding officer at the time that the point of order was raised prior to the vote being called. But the presiding officer couldn’t hear properly because there was a lot of other noise around the presiding officer at the time. So I just want to get clarification from you, Mr Speaker, in that particular context, when the point of order is raised, would that be considered prior to a vote or do we assume it’s after a vote has commenced?

ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono): I’ll just take some advice on that.

Joseph Mooney: Speaking to the point of order.

ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Teanau Tuiono): Sit down. Look, just to note for the House that these issues are done. I have made a ruling. There are extra things that may be addressed, but that can happen outside of this Chamber. If you do have extra points that need to be revisited, we can do that, but it’s not enough to actually hold up the business of the House.

Posted on

Bupa under scrutiny for tax practices as workers face cuts

Source: Etu Union

A new report from E tū and international tax watchdog CICTAR has raised serious questions about whether aged care giant Bupa is shifting profits offshore to avoid paying its fair share of tax in Aotearoa.

E tū is calling for urgent reform and transparency in aged residential care funding, following the revelations that Bupa – the country’s second-largest provider – has paid just $12 million in income tax over the past decade, despite reporting nearly $300 million in profits.

“We spend billions of dollars each year on aged residential care, but there is very little transparency about whether that money supports decent jobs for workers, or simply subsidises corporate profits,” says Edward Miller, researcher with the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR).

“Our research suggests that over the last decade, Bupa earned $3.3 billion in revenue and $293 million in profit, but only paid a total of $12 million in income tax – an effective tax rate of just four percent.

“In addition, a major intercompany loan appears to have reduced their taxable income by $150 million over the last decade. That could have cost Aotearoa up to $27 million in lost tax revenue over that period.”

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the report reveals a disturbing pattern.

“At the same time as Bupa is sending tens of millions overseas in interest payments on questionable debts to other Bupa subsidiaries, they’re pushing through dangerous new rosters that cut hours and destabilise care,” Rachel says.

“Care workers are rightly asking whether Bupa is putting tax planning ahead of providing safe, decent care for residents. In 2023, for instance, Bupa made $12 million in pre-tax profit but paid just $11,000 in corporate tax – that’s about what a Level 4 care worker pays.”

Rachel says while more funding is urgently needed for the sector, companies must also be held to account.

“We need increased investment in aged care, but with it must come transparency. New Zealanders deserve to know their taxes are going to support quality care, not just boost overseas profits.

“It’s time to put the wellbeing of our elderly and those who care for them at the centre of this system.”

Posted on

Government move to kill pay equity process is an attack on women workers

Source: Etu Union

E tū is slamming the Government’s announcement that it will make it harder for workers to claim pay equity, describing it as an attack on women and a green light to pay them less for work of equal value.

The changes, announced by Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden, will raise the bar for proving historical undervaluation in female-dominated workforces – cutting off current claims and making new ones near impossible.

Marianne Bishop, a retired residential aged care worker, says the move is a slap in the face to workers who have been fighting for fairness for years.

“I am absolutely disgusted. It makes me angry as a woman, and makes me feel like we’re going backwards,” Marianne says.

“We’ve been fighting for 13 years. To have the rug pulled out from underneath us now is unbelievable. We thought we were going to get there – this just removes our road to fairness.”

Marianne says the impact on the care sector will be severe.

“This will make it even harder to get people working in aged care. People won’t go the extra mile anymore – why would they, if they’re not going to get paid fairly? This announcement is terrible for women and families now and in the future.”

Tamara Baddeley, a home support worker, says the Government’s actions show total contempt for the workers who hold the care system together.

“This makes me feel f***ing angry. This Government is a nest of vipers – they speak with a forked tongue,” Tamara says.

“I challenge every single one of them to come and work with us. On our wages. Getting assaulted at work, paying for travel out of your own pocket. Then tell us why cutting off our pay equity claim is a good idea.”

“Our claim’s been sitting there for 1,040 days. Why the f*** are we still waiting?”

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the decision is cruel, ideological, and deeply anti-women.

“The Government is dismantling one of the most important tools for fixing gender-based pay discrimination,” Rachel says.

“These changes are not about evidence – they are about saving money by keeping women underpaid. It’s a disgraceful reversal of decades of hard-fought progress and an insult to the working women who carried this country through a pandemic.”

Rachel says workers will not stay silent.

“We won’t go back to the days where a woman’s work is automatically worth less just because it’s been done by women in the past. We’re not going to stand quietly while this Government rips up the rules and tells us to be grateful for whatever we get.”

“This is a line in the sand. And women across Aotearoa will fight this every step of the way.”

Posted on

Budget 2025 a betrayal of working people

Source: Etu Union

E tū, Aotearoa’s largest private sector union, is condemning Budget 2025 as a direct attack on working people, particularly women in frontline care and community services.

The Government has slashed nearly $13 billion that would have gone to pay equity claims, gutting the mechanism that ensures fair pay for women in undervalued, female-dominated sectors like care and support. These cuts will pay for their Budget which includes tax breaks for businesses.

“This Budget is a theft of wages from women,” says E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh.

“The Government is paying for its corporate handouts by stealing from the pockets of caregivers, teacher aides, and social workers. It’s a cynical, calculated betrayal.”

The pay equity changes, rushed through under urgency, have extinguished 33 active claims and raised the bar so high that future claims may be impossible.

“The Government has made it clear: if you’re a woman in a caring profession, they don’t care about you.”

The Budget also halves the Government’s contribution to KiwiSaver, dropping the maximum from $521 to just $260.72 per year.

“This is a short-sighted move that undermines the retirement security of working people. It’s a massive barrier to building a future where everyone can retire with dignity.”

Public broadcasting has also been targeted, with RNZ facing an $18 million cut over four years.

“At a time when misinformation is rampant, gutting our public broadcaster is a dangerous step backwards. It looks like the Government is afraid of real scrutiny from the fourth estate.”

Other cuts include the full means-testing of the Best Start child payment, tighter welfare rules for young people, and the removal of pay equity funding for community and iwi providers.

“This Budget punishes the people who hold our communities together. It’s not about fiscal responsibility, it’s about ideological cruelty.”

E tū is calling on the Government to reverse these cuts and engage in genuine dialogue with workers, unions, and communities.

“We will not stand by while the Government dismantles the foundations of fairness in Aotearoa. This fight is far from over.”

Posted on

Notification: E tū Special Conference

Source: Etu Union

E tū is calling for a Special Conference to be held online on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Purpose of the Special Conference

E tū is required under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to register a new set of rules. The National Executive established a Constitutional subcommittee in late 2023 to review and draft a new Constitution. This draft was subsequently approved by the National Executive.

The goal of this review is to ensure compliance with legislative requirements while maintaining the existing powers and obligations under our current rules. Notable changes required by law include:

  • A register of interests for governance members,
  • Inclusion of a National General Meeting, and
  • A disputes-resolution process.

To finalise the adoption of these new rules, E tū will hold a special conference on 26 June 2025, where delegates will vote on the draft constitution.

Who is eligible to attend?

Only delegates who attended the 2024 E tū Conference are eligible to participate in this special conference. This includes:

  • Delegates who were physically present at the 2024 Conference.
  • Delegates who were elected but were unable to attend the 2024 Conference.

Eligible delegates will be contacted by email with more information, including the links to attend the online Special Conference, closer to the time.

Posted on

E tū welcomes defeat of Treaty Principles Bill

Source: Etu Union

E tū, New Zealand’s largest private sector union, welcomes the overwhelming defeat of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill in Parliament yesterday. The bill, which sought to redefine the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, was rejected by 112 votes to 11.​

E tū President Muriel Tunoho expressed immense pride in the union’s active opposition to the bill:​

“I am extremely proud that E tū took a stand and made submissions to oppose the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill too. Thank you all for playing your part in this incredible fightback.​

“It was right to finally see the bill consigned to the past and into the bin. The results show that this is not us.​

“We don’t need to rewrite or re-define the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We just have to live them!”​

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh highlighted the bill’s potential to undermine the foundational agreement between Māori and the Crown:​

“This bill sought to fundamentally alter the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by selectively and incorrectly interpreting the reo Māori text. It tried to undermine the separation of powers under the rule of law by using the power of Parliament to change Aotearoa New Zealand’s constitutional foundation, all based on a legal and historical fiction.​

“This bill has done damage. It has given airtime to false and racist ideas.​

“It also galvanised hundreds of thousands of people to stand up – toitū Te Tiriti. More than 90% of the submissions on the bill called for it to be abandoned. E tū and thousands of our members were among the voices in those submissions. The submissions stood up for the truth of Te Tiriti as the foundation on which we can build a society where tāngata whenua and tau iwi take care of each other.​

“Now that Parliament has voted it down, we can start to repair the damage and to build an Aotearoa where we honour Te Tiriti and respect each other.”​

E tū remains committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advocating for a just and inclusive society.

Posted on

Budget 2025 boosts primary care funding

Source: New Zealand Government

Health New Zealand will deliver a significant increase to primary care funding following investment in Budget 2025, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Primary Care is critical to delivering better health outcomes for all New Zealanders but has not received the investment needed in recent years. That is now changing,” Mr Brown says.
“Budget 2025 provides a significant boost to ensure more New Zealanders can see a GP, get timely care, and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.”
The Government’s record investment in health enables the following key funding uplifts for primary care:

$285 million in performance-based funding over three years, over and above the annual capitation uplift, to support primary practice to be more accessible for patients and deliver more services in the community.
Annual capitation uplift negotiations are now underway between Health New Zealand and primary care providers. The Government provided Health New Zealand with a $1.37 billion uplift in Budget 2025, including to support a primary care capitation funding uplift.
$447 million primary care investment in Budget 2025 in 24/7 digital health services, after-hours and urgent care, and more funding for training doctors and nurses to work in primary care.

“This is the largest increase in primary care funding in many years. It gives providers the opportunity to begin addressing the impacts of years of underfunding by the previous government.”
The $285 million performance improvement package will:

Increase access to general practice for patients.
Incentivise immunisations through targeted performance funding.
Support GPs to carry out minor elective procedures, helping reduce pressure on hospitals.

“This additional investment has been made possible by the Government’s record investment into health which increased health spending by 7.4 per cent in total funding over the next financial year, an increase of 6.2 per cent per capita.
“When patients can see a GP quickly and affordably, the whole system works better. That’s why this funding matters – because it delivers real results for patients and value for taxpayers.
“We are focused on delivery, investing in more doctors, shorter waits, better care, and smarter investment where it’s needed most.
“Our focus remains on strengthening services, reducing pressure on GPs, and ensuring Kiwis can access the care they need, when they need it. I look forward to making further announcements on how we will increase and retain more doctors and nurses as part of this package,” Mr Brown says.

Posted on

EIT to host international Work-Integrated Learning conference

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

April 10, 2025

EIT is set to join Work-Integrated Learning New Zealand (WILNZ) in hosting the annual Work-Integrated Learning International Conference, bringing together educators, researchers, and industry leaders from across Aotearoa and beyond.

To be held on April 15 and 16 at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale, the two-day event will explore the theme Transformative Work-Integrated Learning: Preparing for a Changing Future.

The annual Work-Integrated Learning International Conference will be held at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale next week. Pictured is Dr. Ondene van Dulm, EIT’s Executive Director for Student & Academic Services and Vice President of WILNZ.

More than 50 papers will be presented, covering topics from generative AI to community-based projects, with contributions across a wide range of disciplines including architecture, construction, social work, and criminal justice.

Dr. Ondene van Dulm, EIT’s Executive Director for Student & Academic Services and Vice President of WILNZ, says the conference reflects EIT’s strong focus on applied learning.

“Work-integrated learning is deeply embedded in our programmes—from nursing and teaching practicums to automotive and carpentry workshops, to on-site services in hairdressing and beauty therapy,” Ondene says. “These real-world learning experiences help prepare students for the fast-changing world of work and lead to better employment outcomes.”

The conference features roundtable discussions and presentations that reflect a wide range of good practice and research, bringing together both the university and vocational education sectors. Sessions focus, among other things, on enhancing the student experience, supporting effective industry partnerships, and exploring innovative approaches to learning and assessment.

Keynote speakers include EIT graduate and tutor Levi Armstrong (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Australian scholar Dr. Bonnie Dean, a leading figure in the global work-integrated learning community.

Ondene says the event is a timely opportunity to showcase EIT’s commitment to practical, community-led, and future-focused learning.

“It’s also a chance to highlight not only our rebuilt campus post-cyclone in the year we celebrate EIT’s 50th anniversary, but also our long-standing strength in vocational and applied education and training,” she says.

“Work-integrated learning bridges the space between students, industry, and education providers—something that’s more vital than ever as we prepare learners for jobs that may not even exist yet.”

Although based in New Zealand, WILNZ is part of a global network of similar organisations, with strong connections to Australia, Canada, and Europe. The conference fosters conversations informed by international perspectives and grounded in the needs of today’s graduates.

Posted on

Cobham Drive Bridge blocked due to crash

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Waikato

The bridge on Cobham Drive is blocked due to a three-vehicle crash.

At around 1:20pm emergency services received reports of the crash in Hamilton East.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Posted on

Environment – EPA says law changes will streamline applications for new chemicals

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says proposed changes to the rules for hazardous substances will give industry a clearer path for making use of new chemicals in New Zealand.
“We welcome today’s announcement from Ministers about enhancements following the Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review,” says EPA Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth.
“The EPA has worked closely with other agencies to develop the proposed improvements to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) which were given the green light by Cabinet yesterday.
“These changes will reduce the complexity for businesses applying to introduce chemicals while still maintaining strong environmental protections.
“Making these processes simpler means our farmers, horticulturalists and those in other industries who use chemical products will have better access to the products they need,” says Dr Freeth.
The proposed changes will: 
  • make it easier for applicants to apply in cases where chemicals have already been used safely in other countries
  • allow the temporary use of some new products, provided they meet certain criteria, including safe use in other countries
  • improve transparency around application timeframes and processes.
“We have 22 applications for new active ingredients for use in the agricultural / horticultural sector.
“These applications are a top priority for the team, who are currently working on the assessment of eight new active ingredients. Seven of these are for agricultural or horticultural use.”
The proposed changes will proceed as the Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review Omnibus Bill.
“In the meantime, the EPA will continue to progress a raft of other improvements designed to reduce the queue of hazardous substances applications, such as working with industry to find ways to prioritise innovative chemicals, boosting our frontline staff, and investigating a streamlined process where lower-risk substances may not need an assessment,” says Dr Freeth.