10. Dr the Hon LOCKWOOD SMITH (National—Rodney) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
What does he consider to be the three most important developments he has progressed as Minister of Immigration?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Immigration) Link to this
Immigration is essential to New Zealand’s economic transformation and contributes significantly to our evolving national identity. To support this, the Government has been progressing a major change programme across immigration operations, policy, and legislation. This will help us to deliver enhanced skills, security, and settlement outcomes.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
Which of those developments does he consider to be his greatest achievement, and why?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
We will leave that for the public to judge while we get on and do the work.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
What challenges remain to be solved by him as the Minister of Immigration, if any?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
The department is always seeking to self-improve. No organisation that deals with the volume of work that immigration does—nearly half a million decisions each year for over two million border crossings—will get it right all the time. My focus has been on improving the underlying systems that will generate increased performance over time.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
How much, as Minister, did he personally contribute to those claimed achievements?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
As I said earlier, I am happy to let the public judge that, as I am sure the member was when he was the Associate Minister of Immigration in 1999.
Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith Link to this
What reports has the Minister seen about how his achievements as a Minister compare with those of, say, the Hon David Parker as the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues?
Darren HughesIn explaining Government policy around the country, has the Minister been forced to leave any public events via a lavatory window?
Peter BrownDoes the Minister share our view that removing the Immigration Service from under the auspices of the Department of Labour and setting up a separate immigration service would be a very significant development indeed?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
While undoubtedly being significant, it may not assist good labour market outcomes.