Nick Smith
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
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…
AudioStats 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
Caravan classrooms and spook watching
Caravans, dental clinics and gymnasiums as classrooms, and a new law for the national spooks.
AudioUnswimmable 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
Historic monastery could be caught up in quake rules
The Government is cracking down on unsafe masonary facades and although it's not producing an at-risk list, Wellington's St Gerard's Monastery in Mt Victoria fears it could be in the firing line. Audio
Government plans to ban products with microbeads
The government is planning to ban products containing plastic microbeads such as facial scrubs, cleansers, and toothpastes. Audio
Housing portfolio reshuffle amid Auckland crisis
The Government is under fire for disestablishing the ministerial portfolio of housing in the middle of a housing crisis in Auckland. Audio
