4. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What impact does she think the final Sea Change strategy announced yesterday will have on coastal shipping?
Hon ANNETTE KING (Minister of Transport) Link to this
First of all, I thank the member and New Zealand First for their support for the Sea Change strategy. It aims to double coastal shipping’s share of total domestic freight carried by 2040. In doing so, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety on the roads, better link our regions to each other, and better utilise all modes of transport, for the benefit of New Zealanders.
Noting that the report states in part: “Improving access to the funding is under way …”, can the Minister assure the House that access to the fund will be straightforward and will apply to more than start-up initiatives?
Yes, I can assure the member of that. The funding that has been dedicated to the shipping strategy needs to be flexible, innovative, and help coastal shipping get moving in New Zealand. That is the aim of the strategy, and that is why it has received widespread support around New Zealand.
Lesley SoperI have seen a report that in 1994 Maurice Williamson, the then Minister of Transport, introduced his shipping reforms, which he assured us would lead to more choice and greater competition. Thanks to National, today just eight New Zealand companies are operating just 13 ships between them, which is about half the number we had in 1994. It is time we rebuilt this important mode of transport, and we are committed to doing that.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
What reports has she received in respect of policies advocating a New Zealand transport system that is cost competitive, that preserves added value for the New Zealand economy, and that also is environmentally sensitive in respect of this country’s ecology and climate change issues, all of which were announced years ago and are now finally being supported by the Government; and which party does she think has been advocating them in this Parliament for so long now?
Can I say to the member that I have enjoyed working with New Zealand First on this strategy. I have had no support from the National Party. The Green Party has also been very supportive—[ Interruption]
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I have asked a simple question to do with a good, sound, forward vision for our environment, and all I hear is a barrage of reports in here, including from, of all people, “Bob the Quitter”. I would have thought by now that he would keep his mouth shut, but no, he is shouting out as loudly as he can, although he does not have the guts to face me in Tauranga any more.
Madam SPEAKERIt was very difficult to hear the Minister’s response. I would also remind members that when they are making their points of order they must refer to members by their correct titles.
Gerry BrownleeI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. Surely Mr Peters should be asked to withdraw and apologise for that remark; otherwise, we will be referring to him as “Winston the Bitter”.
If Mr Clarkson wishes Mr Peters to withdraw and apologise, then, of course, the convention is that he must do so. However, I felt it was dealt with sufficiently.
Bob ClarksonI raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I would just like to mention that, under Speaker’s ruling 36/6, I have been misrepresented. I am not a quitter. I am holding a letter here, which Winston Peters has signed, that talks about my outstanding contribution to Tauranga, New Zealand. I would just like to bring that to members’ attention.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. We have people in all our communities who suffer from the condition of recognition hunger. I thought I would help him, but I did not really mean it.
I know that it is members’ day, but perhaps we could now have the Minister’s answer—if she can remember the question.
I conclude by saying that I believe that the policy now in place is the right one for New Zealand, and that is obvious from the support we have received for it, including from New Zealand First.
Is the Minister able to assure the House and, more particularly, the industry that such funding will continue on a long-term basis and not be at the whim of future Governments or individual politicians?
The only thing I can assure the House and the people of New Zealand of is that the commitment given by Labour, New Zealand First, and the Greens, in particular, will ensure that the funding continues. We have had no such assurance from the National Party. I could not say whether it would support that funding if it were in Government, but its record is not good on this matter.