Nick Smith
Failed building inspections on the rise
More building inspections are failing as new house construction ramps up, the Minister for Housing and Building says.
Politicians urged to hold off on Unitary Plan proposals
The Auckland City Council says it's inappropriate for Wellington politicians to interfere with proposals on how the city should combat spiralling house prices. Audio
Queenstown's working poor continue to struggle
With Auckland and Queenstown struggling with burgeoning housing crises, Housing Minister Nick Smith joins Checkpoint to discuss what can be done. Naomi and her family live in a Queenstown cabin with… Video, Audio
Government housing bought for flood victims
A Franz Josef hotel severely damaged by flooding in March will buy five government-owned units in Kaiapoi, north of Christchurch, to house staff and temporary workers. Audio
Tourist workforce's accommodation struggles
With annual tourist numbers set to rise to over four million within the next six years, the issue of accommodating the workforce that supports them is a hot topic with local mayors for Housing… Audio
Fraction of homes bought by overseas buyers
The Government's move to clarify how many foreigners are buying properties in New Zealand has created even more confusion. Audio
Owning water nonsensical, minister says
The notion of owning a resource such as water is nonsensical and comparable to owning air, Environment Minister Nick Smith says. Audio
Environment Minister fronts up on water
Water: Who owns it? Should there be a `price' on it? And what are the rights and interests of Maori in it? The government insists that no one owns water - and regional councils allocate the right to… Audio
HomeStart scheme given second chance.
The Government's KiwiSaver HomeStart scheme is about to be opened up to people who have already owned homes. Audio
Report released in wake of Six60 balcony accident
Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith has released his Ministry's report into the collapse of a balcony in Dunedin last month which injured 18 students. Audio
Govt to consider mandatory tests on all key building pr
The Government is considering making third party testing of all critical building materials compulsory. Audio
Govt to consider mandatory tests on all key building products
The Government is looking at introducing mandatory third-party testing of all critical building products after revelations seismic steel mesh failed to meet standards. Audio
Government stands firm on Kermadec sanctuary
The Environment Minister Nick Smith believes Maori leaders who claim they have the right to fish the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary are wrong. Audio
Govt to defend Kermadec sanctuary proposal in High Court
The Environment Minister says the Crown will vigorously defend its right to set up an ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands. Audio
Environment Minister speaks on water debate
Environment Minister Nick Smith joins Checkpoint live from Christchurch ahead of a public meeting discussing who owns New Zealand's water. Audio
Building industry calling for compulsory certification
Major building industry bodies have launched their own inquiry into the quality of imported building supplies. Audio
Commercial fishing giant calls for more monitoring
Suggestions people who go out fishing in the Hauraki Gulf or Malborough Sounds will have to fill out a form / tell a govt dept how much they've cuaght is angering many. Audio
Nelson housing to be fast-tracked
Hundreds of new homes will be added to the Nelson landscape in the largest government-authorisation of development in the city in decades.
A new future for marine protected areas in New Zealand
Environment Minister Nick Smith is championing new legislation for marine protected areas, and Raewyn Peart from the Environmental Defence Society has some thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses. Audio
Housing Minister responds to Auckland council vote
The leadership of the Auckland Council has suffered a significant defeat over the push to fit more houses into the inner city suburbs. Audio