7. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Associate Minister of Transport
When will she sign off the rule that will impose new emission standards on imported vehicles, and when will the rule come into force?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD (Associate Minister of Transport) Link to this
My colleague the Hon Harry Duynhoven has responsibility for signing ordinary land transport rules. However, I anticipate that the rule will be signed by the end of the year, once the procedural formalities have been completed. These include consideration by the Regulations Review Committee, which is currently taking place. Rules come into force no fewer than 28 days after being signed.
Is the Minister aware that there is huge concern about this rule that the regulation will lead to significant increases in car prices, resulting in owners holding on to their vehicles far longer and thereby defeating the very objective that the rule and the Government wish to attain?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
I have seen that there is criticism; there is also support—for example, from Perry Kerr from the Motor Industries Association. However, what we are saying is almost exactly what we said in 2002, when there was a huge uproar that it would be the end of the used car market. We expect New Zealanders to have the ability to buy safe, affordable vehicles.
Hon Mark GoscheHon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
In 2002 we received the Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand report, which estimated that 399 New Zealanders die prematurely every year as a result of harmful vehicle emissions. The updated report released in July this year estimated that that number had grown to over 500 New Zealanders dying prematurely every year as a result of harmful vehicle emissions. This Labour-led Government is serious about reversing that trend and improving the quality and length of New Zealanders’ lives by improving the quality of our air and the quality of the vehicles we drive.
Does the Minister accept that if car prices increase, it will affect working people first and foremost, and, knowing that, will she sign the regulation, which will effectively say: “Stuff them; let them eat cake!”; is that a reasonable summary of this Government’s attitude to working people?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
The major group who are affected by poor vehicle quality through both impact standards and emission standards tend to be lower-income New Zealanders. We are attacking this issue on three levels: by improving fuel; by giving people operations like the 0800 SMOKEY campaign, so that people maintain and use vehicles better; and by improving vehicle standards. We are also putting major money into public transport and trying to encourage better urban design so that people live closer to where they work. We do a whole lot of things, but I am deeply concerned about the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who are suffering from heart disease, cancer, and bronchial and other problems as a result of the lousy air quality we have, mainly because of the commercial diesel fleet but also because of the whole of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet.
Does the Minister accept that the whole purpose of the regulation-signing process is to remove bureaucratic hurdles and that all regulations signed off by Ministers are meant to be non-controversial, and, knowing that this regulation is very controversial, will she still sign it off, regardless?
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
I pointed out in my answer to the first question that I do not sign the regulations. However, that is at present being reviewed. Cabinet has not yet made a decision on the rule.
Hon JUDITH TIZARD Link to this
The Hon Harry Duynhoven signs the rule. The member should have been listening during my first answer. The Regulations Review Committee is at present reviewing it. I do not believe it is controversial to try to improve New Zealanders’ health and lives.
Madam SPEAKER