Nick Smith
Green Party to contest Nick Smith's Nelson seat
The Green Party will fight National's Nick Smith for the Nelson seat in this year's election, the first time the party has tried to win a seat since 1999.
Government tackles tyres
The government is to spend $19 million on a range of initiatives to recycle used tyres. Every year five million used car tyres are generated in New Zealand, 70 per cent of which end up in landfills or… Audio
Govt accused of micro managing Pt England housing development
Tensions between Auckland Council and the Government over housing have erupted again, this time over the planned development at Point England. Building and Construction minister Nick Smith denies that… Audio
Building Ministry asks councils to check cladding in NZ
The Minister for Building and Construction said he'd asked his officials to contact councils and check whether any high-rise buildings in New Zealand have been built using these materials. The… Audio
Protection order proposed for Golden Bay's Waikoropupu Springs
Environment Minister Nick Smith has thrown his weight behind a plan to give the Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay the equivalent of National Park status. Audio
Government insists its trying to clean up waterways with new focus on swimmability
The Government's plan to clean up waterways is weaker than the standards it is set to replace, according to an official report released today. Chris Bramwell reports. Audio
Nick Smith defends new home affordability measure
Most renters and potential first home buyers cannot afford their housing costs. But Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith maintains that the government's measures around housing provide a long… Audio
Govt to review latest footage from within Pike River mine
The former chief mines inspector, Tony Forster says the video footage of the Pike River mine should reassure the Government and Solid Energy that the drift is safe to enter. The minister responsible… Audio
Some waterways will take 'more than a century' to recover
Environment Minister Nick Smith describes the report as fair and robust. He doesn't take any "negative spin" from it but says it shows our river pollution isn't a problem that arose yesterday and will… Audio
Kaikoura, Hurunui given $2.6m to manage waste
The Government has made a $2.6m grant available to Kaikoura and Hurunui districts to manage earthquake waste, including hazardous material. Audio
The less sexy chamber
Before a bill passes its third reading it gets debated part by part and pulled apart clause by clause for hours by the committee of the whole house - this week was the Resource Legislation Amendment… Audio
Stats House quake damage could have been fatal, Dr Smith says
An inquiry into the damage Statistics House incurred during the Kaikoura earthquake has found significant design flaws, and now the government wants other buildings to be checked. Video, Audio
Smith rejects petition seeking ban on water exports
Environment Minister Nick Smith responds to the Green Party. Audio
Caravan classrooms and spook watching
Caravans, dental clinics and gymnasiums as classrooms, and a new law for the national spooks. Audio
Unswimmable Canterbury lake now swimmable under new rules
Washdyke in South Canterbury would be classified as swimmable under the new water standards, but locals says it definitely isn't. Video, Audio
Nick Smith defends new swimming standard for rivers and lakes
The Environment Minister, Nick Smith, says the country's water quality is better than any time since the Second World War. He dismisses criticism that one in 20 people could get sick in "swimmable"… Audio
Govt wants new urban authorities to fast track building projects
The Government's proposing to create powerful urban authorities to fast track house construction around the country. It says they've been hugely successful overseas. Audio
Court ruling allows intensification for Auckland on state land
The Government is floating using crown land in Avondale and Mount Roskill to help meet the challenge of building tens of thousands of new homes in Auckland. Building and Construction Minister, Nick… Audio
Fighting for NZ's Rivers and Lakes
Philippa Tolley checks out if enough is being done to clean-up the country’s lakes and rivers. Video, Audio
Environment minister responds to councils' GMO-free campaign
Nick Smith says there's nothing in the reform bill that changes who makes the decisions on GMOs. Audio