Excerpts from In The House: 27th April, 2010
The week began in the House with a motion expressing sympathy and condolences in regards to the deaths of three Royal New Zealand Airforce Personnel who died on Anzac Day. The Prime Minister gave this statement:
Phil Goff also spoke on the motion:
Metiria Turei also extended the Green Party's condolences in regards to Private Te Tahuna Daniel Tahapeehi:
Dr. Pita Sharples commented on the 'poignancy' of the timing of the accident:
In Question Time today, Gareth Hughes questioned the Foreign Minister over recent speculated developments in the approach by the New Zealand Government to the International Whaling Commission, he asked: How many whales, if any, does he believe it is acceptable to have hunted and killed in the Southern Ocean?
The Hon Phil Goff questioned the Prime Minister about the Government's reorganisation of Auckland's local councils, he asked: Does he stand by his statement on the reorganisation of local government in Auckland that “The Government wants Aucklanders to have the maximum impact into the proposals”?
The Hon David Cunliffe continues his questioning of the Government's financial policies with Budget Day coming up, he asked the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement that our total external debt “is clearly New Zealand’s single biggest vulnerability"?
After Question Time, the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Bill completed its committee stage and was reported with amendment.
The Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims (Expiry and Application Dates) Amendment Bill was read a first time by the Minister of Justice, the Hon Simon Power. The bill passed its first reading and was sent to select committee (Justice and Electoral Committee).
The Employment Relations (Rest Breaks and Meal Breaks) Amendment Bill also had its first reading by the Minister of Labour, the Hon Kate Wilkinson. The Minister gives an outline of the bill below:
Debate was interrupted with 2 speeches remaining with the House adjourning for the night.
