11. Dr KENNEDY GRAHAM (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Finance
Will the Government be reviewing all the land deemed sensitive in the Overseas Investment Act 2005 in its upcoming review of overseas investment rules; and if not, what particular categories of sensitive land will be exempt from the review?
Hon BILL ENGLISH (Minister of Finance) Link to this
There are no particular exemptions from the review; the terms of reference are deliberately broad. As I said when we issued the review’s terms of reference, we will ensure that land of particular significance or importance to New Zealand continues to be protected.
Dr Kennedy Graham Link to this
What communication has the Minister had with the Minister of Māori Affairs about the implications the review might have for the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, and, specifically, statutory provisions pertaining to the foreshore and seabed; and what was the outcome of any discussions?
We have begun those discussions. As a rule, we will be discussing aspects of the review with a wide range of groups.
Craig FossWe are setting out to reduce the time and the cost of making decisions. The current regime is too complex, too slow, and very expensive. Processing sensitive land applications, for instance, involves assessing 27 different criteria and factors. Over the next few years New Zealand will have to compete for the kind of investment that will replace the jobs that are being lost in this recession. Among those investors will be overseas investors, and we want to make sure they can get a decision quickly, rather than being frustrated by bureaucratic process.
Dr Kennedy Graham Link to this
Can he confirm that in respect of section 17 of the 2005 Act the Government will not relax the provisions pertaining to indigenous fauna, protected wildlife, public walking access, and historic heritage sites?
As I said, the terms of reference are deliberately broad and it would be premature of me to confirm any particular aspect. The member could ask a dozen questions about what I can or cannot confirm; I am unable to do that.
Dr Kennedy Graham Link to this
Does he agree with ACT’s recorded belief: “There is no evidence that foreigners make poor landowners.” or John Key’s admonition of June 2005: “There is a genuine concern, and I think a warranted concern, from New Zealanders, that we do not want to become tenants in our own country. I think the long-term future for New Zealand is not that of a bunch of people running around, serving lattes to foreigners who own our country.”
The member may not be surprised to know that I disagree with ACT and that I agree with the Prime Minister.
Hon David ParkerIs the Minister aware that the amendments to overseas investment rules for land purchases made and enforced by the Labour Government have led to the return of the foreshore and seabed as well as river and lake beds to the Crown, for the benefit of all New Zealanders, and to the creation of legal access to many previously landlocked waterways?
The previous Government, along with its coalition partner, had a wide range of political objectives it was trying to achieve. I would have to say our objectives are focused on protecting those interests that are vital to New Zealanders but also on providing for the opportunity to compete for the kind of investment we will need to replace the jobs that are currently being lost. Over a number of years, changes to the Overseas Investment Act have made it complex, expensive, and confusing. Along with a lot of other changes this Government is making, we want to make it clearer and simpler so decisions can be made quickly, and people can know whether they are welcome.
Will the Minister undertake not to dilute the legislative controls on the purchase of New Zealand land by overseas people; or is the next part of his right-wing agenda to give up New Zealanders’ birthright of free access to our waterways?
The member continues the Labour practice of trying to rerun the 2008 election. Labour members shouted about all those conspiracy theories, and used all those conspiracy theories in election year. Even their own voters are telling us after the election that they have stopped supporting Labour because they think it is all nonsense.