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Ministerial Portfolios

Minster for the Environment
Minster for Climate Change Issues
Minister of Local Government

Profile

Nick Smith was born and educated in North Canterbury in a bridge construction business family. He subsequently completed a first-class honours degree in civil engineering and a PhD in landslides at Canterbury University.

Nick was politically active from a young age and influenced by a year as an AFS scholar to Delaware, USA. He became a district councillor while studying and has held many offices in Young Nationals and in the senior National Party prior to being selected as the National candidate for Tasman in 1989.

He won the Tasman seat in 1990 and 1993, and following the introduction of MMP, Nelson in 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, and 2008, despite both having a long previous history as Labour areas.

Nick has held nine Ministerial portfolios in the Bolger, Shipley and Key Cabinets, covering Conservation, Education, Immigration, Corrections, Social Welfare, and Treaty Negotiations. He is currently Minister for the Environment, Climate Change, and ACC.

His greatest passion has been improving New Zealand's management of the environment and natural resources. In 1998, he founded the Bluegreens as a group within National that wish to advance policies that support economic prosperity and a clean, green New Zealand.

National achievements in which Nick has played a significant role include the creation of the Kahuranigi and Rakiura National Parks, 12 Marine Reserves, the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, and the Environment Protection Authority.

Nick's recreational interests include kayaking, tramping, tennis, golf, and he plays the left wing in the Parliamentary Rugby team. He completed the Coast to Coast and kayaked the Cook Strait with Bill English.

Nick is married to Linley, and is the proud father of Hazel and Logan, and stepfather of Samantha and Alexander.

Contact Details:

Email: nick.smith@national.org.nz
Website: www.nick4nelson.co.nz
Phone: (04) 817 6805 (Parliament)
Phone: (03) 547 2314 (Electorate)