6. PHIL HEATLEY (National—Whangarei) Link to this
to the Associate Minister for Economic Development
What part has he played in general policy development as an Associate Minister for Economic Development since taking up the role?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD (Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Dover Samuels has been involved in policy development at several levels, with a particular focus on economic policies that have enhanced Māori participation in the New Zealand economy. He notes that Māori unemployment has more than halved under this Labour-led Government so his work is obviously paying off.
Has the Associate Minister seen the statement in the Independent of 22 March by a Mr Dover Samuels, who claims to be a former district councillor, complaining that 400 days after the aquaculture legislation was passed no aquaculture management areas had been established, and that there was “huge frustration” amongst coastal Māori about the unworkability of the legislation, and can he tell the House whether, as Associate Minister for Economic Development, he is able to confirm this sorry state of affairs?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
On behalf of the member, the answer to the first part of the question is yes.
Has he seen the statement in the Independent of 22 March by a Mr Dover Samuels complaining that: “A number of hapu in my area are just so frustrated that nothing is happening,”, and that he “intended to pursue the AMA aquaculture issue further with PPSC members.”, and can he advise the House whether he is able, as Associate Minister for Economic Development, to confirm this sorry state of affairs?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
On behalf of the Hon Dover Samuels, the answer to the first part of the question is yes.
Has he seen a statement in the Independent of 22 March by a Mr Dover Samuels that in relation to aquaculture economic development he “intended to pursue the AMA aquaculture issue further with PPSC members.”, and can he tell the House why he then voted against a committee inquiry into aquaculture only 2 hours ago?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
On behalf of the Associate Minister for Economic Development, the Hon Dover Samuels, in answer to the first part of the question, yes.
Can the Minister explain why he was speaking out in the Independent against the aquaculture legislation for his local hapū in his local area, yet voted against an inquiry on aquaculture only 2 hours ago?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
On behalf of the Associate Minister for Economic Development, yes. [ Interruption] The question was: “Can the Minister explain …”. Yes, he can.
Has the Minister seen the report on Television One’s Te Karere programme last night that said: “His political future looks uncertain and there is a possibility of him losing his ministerial position.”, and is he aware whether this is because his senior colleague the Minister for Economic Development, Trevor Mallard, has no confidence in him?
Hon TREVOR MALLARD Link to this
On behalf of the Hon Dover Samuels, Associate Minister for Economic Development, the answer to the first part of the question is yes. It is also his understanding that the Minister for Economic Development has confidence in him.
I seek leave to table the Independent article in which Dover Samuels speaks out against aquaculture.
Madam SPEAKERI seek leave to table my appeal to the Primary Production Committee for an inquiry into aquaculture, which Dover Samuels voted against.