Nick Smith
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
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
Political reporters in limbo
Expensive new buildings for Parliament were unveiled this week, just after most of the nation's political journalists walked out of their earthquake-prone offices. Is the fourth estate getting… Audio
Political reporters in limbo
Expensive new buildings for Parliament were unveiled this week, just after most of the nation's political journalists walked out of their earthquake-prone offices. Is the fourth estate getting…
AudioEnvironment minister responds to Pike family pleas
Nick Smith says he tried to be as conciliatory and compassionate as possible when he met the Pike River families. Audio
Government counters with its own housing figures
Labour claims only 18 homes sold in Auckland's special housing areas were affordable. The Government calls Labour's figures crazy and publishes its own. Audio
Government counters with its own housing figures
Labour claims only 18 homes sold in Auckland's special housing areas were affordable. The Government calls Labour's figures crazy and publishes its own. Audio
Government counters with its own housing figures
Labour claims only 18 homes sold in Auckland's special housing areas were affordable. The Government calls Labour's figures crazy and publishes its own. Audio
'No take' agreements with Maori need to be written into law
Environment minister Nick Smith is leaving the door open to an agreement on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary - but says any "no-take" agreements with Maori would have to be written into law. Audio
Nick Smith on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill
Evironment Minister Nick Smith joins Checkpoint to discuss the delay to the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill. Audio
Auckland first-home buyers' limits stretched
Owning a home in Auckland is becoming increasingly out of reach for many people as the average house price has tipped $1 million. Housing Minister Nick Smith joins Checkpoint. Audio
Environment Minister accused of GMO beat up
Environment Minister Nick Smith is being accused of blatant scaremongering as he moves to stop local councils from controlling Genetically Modified Organisms in their districts. Video, Audio
Santy Maria launch a watershed moment for Maori fisheries
A large new fishing vessel launched in Nelson today is a watershed moment in Maori fisheries, Ngati Porou Seafoods CEO Mark Ngata says. Video, Audio
