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Opposition parties are employing stalling tactics
to delay the GCSB Bill's progress.
The government is hoping to push the bill through this week.
The bill would allow the GCSB
to conduct secret surveillance on civilians,
but Labour, the Greens and NZ1st say
they'll do all they can to delay the bill.
Labour hopes to introduce a clause
that would kill the bill after one year.
Labour and the Greens also want a full and independent inquiry.
The bill hangs on the sole vote of Peter Dunne.
Joining me now from our Wellington studio
is the Minister of Maori Affairs and Tamaki Makaurau MP Pita Sharples.
Tena koe, Pita Sharples.
Labour is going to filibuster the GCSB Bill.
Will you be supporting Labour's delay tactics?
No. We don't support this bill.
We think the bill is really bad, and we just can't support it.
But do you agree with Labour's and the Greens' plan to stall the bill?
That's what opposition parties do if they don't agree, but in the end,
it's up to who has the numbers to pass it.
Speaking of numbers,
it's said the bill is hanging on Peter Dunne's vote.
He was against it, but now he's for it.
What do you think changed his mind?
I can't speak for Peter Dunne, but despite his support,
the bill is still very bad.
His place in the government perhaps influenced him to back the bill.
New topic - you went to a Chinese event last night -
did you speak on the Fonterra debacle?
I didn't speak of that there,
but we're all talking to each other about it.
All in attendance were concerned, Chinese, Maori and Pakeha alike.
What was last night's event about?
It was a meeting to trade with Hong Kong,
who are different to China.
So there is that gap.
Minister, do you think the Fonterra debacle
has highlighted our dependence on the Dairy industry
in keeping our economy up?
The problem is that one shouldn't to put all their eggs in one basket.
You need to spread it out.
That's why we went to China export.
There's a lot we trade with them,
in forestry, education, arts and all those things.
Do you believe Maori dairy interests
will benefit from Fonterra's botch-up?
Well it could be good for Miraka because Miraka is doing so well.
But at the end of the day,
editorials in China are furious with Fonterra and our government
for dragging our good name in trade through the mud.
It's not looking good for us at the moment.
And now, to your school, Hoani Waititi -
the Waitemata DHB has apologised
to some school students for accidental administrations
in their vaccinations.
Were you concerned when you heard of the board's mistake?
When I heard, I was furious because these are my kids!
Babies that grew up in the school, so yes,
I was really angry to hear that.
Lastly, Meka Whaitiri will give her maiden speech tonight
- what's you advice to Parliament's newest member?
I've told her to be strong and say what she believes.
Although she's in Labour, she's Maori, and Kahungunu to boot!
Do your best.
Pita Sharples, thank you for your time.