New Zealand Parliamentary Debate

Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill [4471]

the manner he has suggested. I do not take offence at that. I take that as constructive criticism, which I am sure is the way it was meant.

It is good to see the support for my bill in the House. I look forward to the debate on it in the select committee, and I want to repeat, for about the fourth time, that it is not the intention of this bill or of New Zealand First to do away with the clauses of the Treaty of Waitangi. We just want to get rid of one word: principles.

A party vote was called for on the question, That the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill be now read a first time.

Ayes

111

New Zealand Labour 50; New Zealand National 48; New Zealand First 7; United Future 3; ACT New Zealand 2; Progressive 1.

Noes

10

Green Party 6; Maori Party 4. Bill read a first time. Bill referred to the Justice and Electoral Committee.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT( RATING CAP) AMENDMENT BILL

First Reading

RODNEY HIDE( ACT-Epsom):

I move, That the Local Government( Rating Cap) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. This issue will not go away, and it is not something that Parliament can vote away. Rates throughout New Zealand are causing a great deal of heartache, hardship, and distress. In Auckland, residential rates are set to rise this year by 13. 8 percent. No one is getting a salary rise of 13. 8 percent, but people have to find an extra 13. 8 percent for their rates.

In the last 3 years Wellington City Council rates have increased by 20. 5 percent, Christchurch City Council rates by 19. 4 percent, and Hamilton City Council rates by 15. 2 percent. The average increase in rates across the country is 7 percent per year. That sort of increase would make the Sheriff of Nottingham blush if he were taking that money from the poor peasants among the people. Yet we sit idly by while local government is doing that to the citizens of New Zealand.

Parliament cannot duck responsibility for that, because it is this Parliament that has given the power to local government, to the councils, to set those rates. We cannot sit back in Parliament and say that it is an issue for local government; it is an issue for this Parliament. Every member of Parliament knows what an issue it is, because we all have constituents coming to see us who are on fixed incomes and struggling to pay their rate demands.

Hon Brian Donnelly

: In Epsom.

RODNEY HIDE

: Mr Brian Donnelly, whose party does not have any electorate seats-and because New Zealand First did not look after Tauranga and the poor ratepayers there it lost that seat to the venerable Mr Bob Clarkson-calls out: In Epsom. Absolutely in Epsom! People who are retired on fixed incomes are getting hit hard by rate demands and are struggling. I know that might be a surprise to Mr Donnelly and New Zealand First, but it is a fact. People are struggling. The member shakes his head to say it is not possible. Well, I think New Zealand First members should get out amongst the people a bit more and start listening to what people are saying.

Maryan Street

: It's your defence of them, Rodney, that's making people shake their heads.