Nick Smith
West Coasters may harvest trees blown over in April storm
The Conservation Minister is not ruling out a special provision to let West Coasters make money out of the thousands of native trees blown over in April's huge storm. Audio
Insight for 20 April 2014 - Marine Reserves - Protection or Tokenism?
Alison Hossain explores whether NZ's marine reserves are world leading protection or tokenism. Audio
Forest & Bird respond to green light for Ruataniwha Dam
Despite yesterday's granting of resource consent, it could be several weeks before a decision is made whether to proceed with the contentious Ruataniwha dam project in Hawke's Bay. Audio
Major social housing reforms kick off today
New social housing reforms come into effect today. Audio
Kauri dieback disease spreads to Coromandel
A disease which has killed thousands of kauri trees over ten years has spread to the Coromandel, where part of the Whangapoua forest has been closed to try to contain it. Audio
Nick Smith defends 1080 drop plans
The Conservation Minister, Nick Smith's been listening to that and speaks with us. Audio
Outspoken for 30 December 2013: Housing
Why housing has pushed its way so emphatically on to the political agenda. Chris Bramwell and the Minister of Housing, Nick Smith; Labour’s housing spokesperson, Phil Twyford; and Professor Norman… Audio
Smith defends new policies on protecting Maui's dolphins
The Conservation Minister is defending the extra protection for critically endangered Maui's dolphins which comes into force today. Audio
Government extends Maui's dolphin protections
The Government will extend its protections for the critically endangered Maui's dolphin before the end of the year. Audio
Government to phase out dumping of shark carcasses
Despite the fishing industry saying a ban on shark finning in New Zealand waters isn't needed, the Government wants to ensure that killing sharks solely for their fins in our exclusive zone can no… Audio
Government wants to bring down cost of building materials
The government says it is going to act on the high price of building materials by trying to increase competition and reduce excessive margins. Audio
Govt responds to Construction Strategy Group
A new study by the Construction Strategy Group says an overhaul of the house building industry is needed, including re-engineering the way developed land comes to market and auditing and reviewing… Audio
Monorail opponents decry DOC backing it
The Conservation Department has come out backing the Fiordland monorail arguing its impact on conservation land will be minor. Audio
Fiordland monorail wins backing
DOC is backing a monorail that cuts into Fiordland National Park, arguing its impacts on conservation land will be minor. Audio
Govt's $20K subsidy for first home buyers
The Government is selling off 400 state houses in the provinces and offering first home buyers a 20-thousand dollar subsidy to buy them. Only first-home buyers are eligible for the scheme. They have… Audio
Checkpoint Top Stories for Tuesday 1 October 2013
Solid Energy restructure announced; Govt's $20K subsidy for first home buyers; US government shuts down; ACC levies could fall as Corporation posts $4.9 billion surplus. Audio
Nick Smith wanted to see dam proposal before it was lodged
An email circulated to senior Department of Conservation staff says the Minister Nick Smith wanted to see the submission DoC proposed to make on the Ruataniwha dam before it was lodged. Audio
House prices expected to rise for the next year
Housing Minister Nick Smith discusses the rising house prices. Audio
Government plans won't save Maui - Scientist
The Government's latest plan to save the world's rarest dolphin has already been rubbished by some experts who say it will not be enough to keep them from extinction. Audio
Conservation Minister declining a Milford Dart project
More on our top story now - with the Conservation Minister declining a Milford Dart project to put a tunnel through the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Audio
