10. DAVE HEREORA (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Economic Development
Has he received any reports on recent developments in New Zealand’s 3-D digital industry?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Acting Minister for Economic Development) Link to this
Yes, I have received a report on Nextspace, the research and innovation centre linked to Right Hemisphere. Nextspace will receive $7 million in funding over the next 3 years for a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering a range of Kiwi 3-D digital content and graphics firms and research institutions. Nextspace will leverage the Government’s agreement with Right Hemisphere by building an online graphics technology cluster for New Zealand.
Has he seen any reports on this Government supporting the development of a 3-D digital industry in New Zealand?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes. I saw one in the New Zealand Herald that stated: “Officials and Ministers should not be searching the country for such opportunities.” The report was from Katherine Rich—who, incidentally, recently sided with Mr Key against Mr English on broadband. Unlike the National Party, this Government actively and unapologetically pursues well-targeted opportunities for New Zealand business. 3-D technology is a multibillion-dollar industry, where New Zealand already has an edge. The Government is committed to building on that edge.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Since the Minister has raised the issue of two members of the same party having a different view, particularly when they come from the front bench, and I know that he has not been in Parliament very long, but can he recall any time in the history of parliamentary parties since, for example, the days of John Marshall and Rob Muldoon, where two leading members of a party constantly and publicly dispute what the other one has said?
Madam SPEAKERRt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The Minister put the matter at issue when he said that two members had sided in one party against their deputy leader. With that being the case, where he has put it at issue, I am trying to think of any time since John Marshall and Rob Muldoon, for example, way back in the 1970s, when that has ever happened. I think it is pretty apposite that the country needs to know.