Nick Smith
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Nick entered parliament in 1990 as the youngest MP ever and the first National MP in Tasman since 1932, then following the MMP reforms in 1996, was elected the first Nelson National MP since 1954. He continues to hold the seat with a comfortable majority. A Minister in the National Government he has held the portfolios of Education, Corrections, Assoc Minister of Immigration, Treaty Negotiations and Social Welfare. At present he is National Party Spokesman for Environment/RMA, Energy and Building & Construction, in addition to being the Caucus representative on the National Party Board nick.smith@national.org.nz
The Government is looking at changes to the way Councils charge for new sections and other developments by today releasing a discussion paper as part of its work on housing affordability and local government reform.
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Conservation Minister Nick Smith today opened a 26 kilometre section of the Old Ghost Road cycle trail in Buller.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards which recognise the achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment.
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CHRISTCHURCH — Local Government Minister Nick Smith and the Christchurch City Council have met today and agreed to the appointment of a Crown Observer to assist the Council.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the environmental recovery plan, to address the long term effects of the Rena disaster on the wider Bay of Plenty region.
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CHRISTCHURCH — The Government will provide $509,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund to help residents in Canterbury’s red zone to dispose of their hazardous household waste safely, Environment Minister Hon Dr Nick Smith announced today.
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Climate Change Minister Nick Smith today announced the Government is banning some international emissions units from New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
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Climate Change Ministers Nick Smith and Tim Groser have warmly welcomed the outcome of the UN Climate Change negotiations which concluded successfully in Durban today.
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The Government will provide $237,500 towards further soil testing in the Thames suburb of Moanataiari, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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The Government has a contestable fund that the Waikato Regional Council and Thames-Coromandel District Council can apply to for further testing of contaminants at the Moanataiari subdivision in Thames, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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BAY OF PLENTY — The release of 60 penguins at Mt Maunganui beach today is a significant milestone in the Bay of Plenty's recovery from the Rena oil spill and environmental disaster, Environment Minister Nick Smith said today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today issued guidance for councils implementing the Government’s two new national policy statements for fresh water management and renewable electricity generation.
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Environment and ACC Minister Nick Smith is encouraging Kiwis to take extra care while enjoying fireworks this Guy Fawkes.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the clean up of New Zealand’s most contaminated site at Tui Mine with the Green Party and announced a new national environmental standard for better managing contaminated sites.
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The Crown and Whanganui iwi have signed a Record of Understanding which will act as the foundation for negotiating a settlement of historical grievances associated with the Whanganui River, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson and Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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ACC levy reductions of more than half a billion dollars a year for workers and businesses have been approved with ACC declaring a healthy surplus for the last year of $3.5 billion.
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CANTERBURY — A report into approvals of subdivisions in Christchurch and Kaiapoi badly affected by Canterbury's earthquakes has resulted in the Government proposing changes to the Resource Management Act to better manage the risk of natural hazards.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced more than $1 million in funding for six projects across the country and the accreditation of a new product stewardship scheme.
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Minister for the Environment Nick Smith today announced that The Great TV Take Back campaign netted 28,000 unwanted TVs for recycling – far exceeding the Government’s expectations.
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The Government today released a discussion document proposing to exclude specific types of international Kyoto units generated from the destruction of industrial gases from the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith and representatives of Ngati Maniapoto today signed an Environment Accord at Parliament that supports the commitment both parties have made to enter a new era of co-management of the Waipa River catchment.
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A 2011 report released today on the performance of councils in administering the Resource Management Act shows consents are being processed more efficiently since the Government reformed the Act, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Latest World Health Organisation figures on air quality released today are out of step with the Government's data, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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An independent review of four regional councils’ freshwater management supports steps being taken by the Government to improve water quality in New Zealand, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Growing partnerships between New Zealand and Chile on environmental issues will provide long-term benefits, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
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An application by TrustPower to vary the Rakaia River Water Conservation Order has been referred to the Environment Canterbury Commissioners by Environment Minister Nick Smith.
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New Zealanders have the opportunity over the next fortnight to responsibly dispose of their old TV for free at The Warehouse as part of the Government’s Love New Zealand recycling programme, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today referred an application for the Transmission Gully roading proposal to an independent Board of Inquiry under the Government's new national consenting process with the Environmental Protection Authority.
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The Government today released the Emissions Trading Scheme Review Panel’s report – Doing New Zealand’s Fair Share – that recommends the implementation of the scheme be slowed down.
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The Land and Water Forum has been engaged by the Government to progress the next stage of policy work on setting limits on water quality, quantity and allocation, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the criteria and assessment panel for the new fund to help councils and communities clean-up nationally significant water bodies that have been polluted.
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Government legislation to manage the environmental effects of activities in New Zealand’s oceans passed its first reading in Parliament today with the support of the Maori, ACT, United Future and Green parties by 76 votes to 44.
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Environment Canterbury has improved its compliance with resource management consenting timelines from 29% in 2007/08 to 92% in 2010/11, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the first step in a new nationwide programme to encourage the recycling and safe disposal of unwanted televisions.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced and visited new Auckland initiatives to reduce waste and enhance the Auckland environment.
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NORTHLAND — The Government is investing $2.3 million in waste minimisation projects in Northland that will create jobs and boost the local economy, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced yesterday.
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The Government is investing $2.3 million in waste minimisation projects in Northland that will create jobs and boost the local economy, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith has welcomed the collaborative effort being taken by the Kaikōura community in protecting and managing its iconic coastline.
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Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is to be cleaned up with a $11.6 million plan involving Government, Ngāi Tahu, Environment Canterbury, Fonterra, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University and the local community, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today at Ngāti Moki Marae.
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KAIAPOI — The Government is offering to do all it can to ensure the rezoning of land for residential development in Kaiapoi happens as quickly as possible, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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The Government today introduced legislation to manage the environmental effects of activities in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) and announced interim measures to manage the environmental effects of activities before the new law is passed.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today released a discussion document, Measuring Up, seeking public feedback on a proposal for a new Environmental Reporting Act.
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Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation are the lowest in a decade thanks to an increase in renewable energy and reduction in coal generation, the Minister for Climate Change Issues, Nick Smith, and the Acting Minister of Energy and Resources, Hekia Parata, announced today.
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New laws to better manage freedom camping will take affect in time for the Rugby World Cup with the passing of the Freedom Camping Bill tonight, say Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson and Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.
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The Government is to provide more than $1 million to support the recycling of electronic waste such as televisions and computers, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the Government’s accreditation of Resene’s PaintWise recycling and education programme as a product stewardship scheme.
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Minister for the Environment Nick Smith announced the accreditation of Resene's PaintWise paint and packaging recycling programme today, the first accreditation for a paint recycling programme and only the sixth product stewardship scheme he has accredited.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today invited businesses, organisations and individuals with innovative waste minimisation ideas to apply to the Waste Minimisation Fund.
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New Zealand’s average number of air quality exceedances dropped to 3.5 in 2010 – the best level since nationwide records began in 2000, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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An extra 1250 households each year will be able to access Government funding to replace their old solid fuel heaters, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Acting Energy and Resources Minister Hekia Parata announced today.
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New Zealand Climate Change Ministers Nick Smith and Tim Groser and Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus today met in Wellington reaffirming the commitment of both countries to work closely together on climate change.
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The first annual report of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme shows it is working well, emissions are being reduced and it is driving new investment in forestry and renewable electricity, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
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Using recycled plastic bottles to make floating wetlands is helping nature restore water quality in Rotorua’s lakes, Minister for the Environment Nick Smith says.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the Tauranga Environment Centre will receive $60,000 from the Community Environment Fund to help it deal with local environmental issues – a $20,000 increase on last year’s funding.
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ACC Minister Nick Smith today announced the appointment of respected accountant John Meehan to the ACC Board.
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The Government today approved for consultation ACC levy reductions of more than half a billion dollars for workers and businesses from April next year.
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Thousands of tonnes of used disposable nappies in Wellington are to be composted rather than going to landfill as a consequence of an innovative Kiwi business supported by the Government, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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New Zealand needs to consider how it leverages off its clean green brand in global markets and how new technologies can be developed to reduce environmental impacts, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Acting Minister for Economic Development David Carter say.
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The start of the new standalone Environmental Protection Authority tomorrow will provide stronger and better coordinated central government leadership on environmental regulation, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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SOUTHLAND — Greater collaboration from the regional council, farmers, environmentalists, iwi, and the Government is needed to reverse declining water quality in Southland's Waituna Lagoon, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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There is room to reduce levies for wage earners and businesses due to ongoing improvements in ACC's finances, ACC Minister Nick Smith told the Transport and Industrial Relations Committee at Parliament today.
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MANAWATU-WHANGANUI — Environment Minister Nick Smith today visited Foxton to launch an action plan instigated by the Manawatu River Leaders Accord for cleaning up the Manawatu River.
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Minister for the Environment Nick Smith last night announced the 14 winners of the 2011 Green Ribbon Awards, including the Supreme Winner, Eco Stock Supplies.
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New Zealand’s sports clubs will have the incentive to reduce their environmental impact, thanks to a $300,000 grant to Project Litefoot from the Government’s Community Environment Fund, Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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The Board of the new Environmental Protection Authority was today announced by Environment Minister Nick Smith at the Environment Defence Society Conference in Auckland.
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New laws to manage the environmental effects of activities like petroleum exploration and mining within New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) were announced today by Environment Minister Nick Smith at the Environmental Defence Society Conference in Auckland.
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The Government is to invest $9.3 million over the next six years in fresh water research, Environment Minister Nick Smith and Minister of Science and Innovation Wayne Mapp announced today.
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ACC Minister Nick Smith today released a Government discussion document on reforms to ACC saying increasing choice in workplace accident compensation will help improve safety, rehabilitation and efficiency.
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ROTORUA — Environment Minister Nick Smith today opened a new plant in Rotorua that uses innovative technology to break down biosolids reducing waste going to landfill and greenhouse gas emissions.
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CANTERBURY — The completion of the Natural Resources Regional Plan and the successful resolution of all appeals a year after Commissioners were appointed is a major step forward for Canterbury, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Traffic lights on dangerous coastal bars are to be trialled as part of a joint injury prevention initiative from ACC, Coastguard New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Maritime New Zealand, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today in Greymouth.
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LYTTELTON — The government has approved the fast-tracking of a 10-hectare reclamation of Lyttelton's Port using rubble from Christchurch's earthquakes, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Environment Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced a new National Environment Standard on contaminated soil saying clear rules are needed for councils to manage public health risks.
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WAIKATO — A $16.2 million clean-up fund for New Zealand’s most dangerous contaminated site at Tui Mine on Mt Te Aroha was announced today by the Government as part of an agreement with local councils and the Green Party.
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Dispute Resolution Services Limited (DRSL) is to become an independent Crown Company on 1 July 2011 as part of the Government’s reforms to improve New Zealand’s system of accident compensation, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today at a conference on work place safety in Wellington.
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KAITERITERI — New laws and policy to better manage freedom camping were announced today by Environment Minister and Acting Conservation Minister Nick Smith at the Motor Caravan Association’s Annual General Meeting in Kaiteriteri, Nelson.
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The passing of the Environmental Protection Authority Act today marks a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen New Zealand’s environmental management, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced the establishment of a new contestable fund to help councils and communities clean-up nationally significant water bodies polluted by poor historic management.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith and Agriculture Minister David Carter today announced the Government's fresh water policy package saying improved water management is needed to grow the economy while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced a National Policy Statement for Fresh Water Management that recognises the value of fresh water to New Zealand and gives stronger national direction to councils.
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Nick Smith, David Carter, Pita Sharples The Government has agreed to a forward work programme on water reform that will involve the Land and Water Forum, iwi and ongoing analysis by officials, Environment Minister Nick Smith, Agriculture Minister David Carter and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples say.
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WELLINGTON CITY — Environment Minister Nick Smith today launched the Love NZ recycling initiative in Wellington to coincide with Rugby World Cup 2011.
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Climate Change Minister Nick Smith today welcomed reports on New Zealand's Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2009 and the projected net position for 2008-2012 that show the Emissions Trading Scheme is working and that New Zealand is on track to meet its Kyoto commitments.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today welcomed the passing of the Second Reading of the Environmental Protection Authority Bill without division saying New Zealand needs to strengthen and improve its environmental management.
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The Government today announced its National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation under the Resource Management Act to encourage investment in wind, geothermal, hydro, and tidal power.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2011 Green Ribbon Awards which honour the outstanding contributions New Zealanders make in caring for the environment.
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Climate Change Issues Minister Nick Smith says Labour should be upfront with New Zealanders that its climate change policy would immediately put up the price of electricity and fuel.
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Claims by Russell Norman in a media release today that the Government is not planning to reduce emissions with its proposed 2050 target are just plain wrong, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith says.
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CHRISTCHURCH — Road cones will soon be made in New Zealand using waste plastic, thanks to local innovation and support from the Government, Minister for the Environment, Nick Smith announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today announced a new initiative to recycle mussel shells in the Nelson-Marlborough region thanks to a Government grant of $200,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund.
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$2 million a year from ACC levies is to be invested in improved motorcycle safety initiatives from a newly formed Advisory Council led by Dr Gareth Morgan, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced today.
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Environment Minister Nick Smith today approved the joint application from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (Ngāi Tahu) and the Department of Conservation (DoC) to amend the Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) Water Conservation Order (WCO) to recognise additional outstanding values.
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The Government today welcomed the election of New Zealander Adrian Macey as Chair of the Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancún, Mexico.
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ACC is prepared to do all it can to assist the families of the 29 Pike River Mine workers, ACC Minister Nick Smith says. "The tragedy at Pike River Mine is expected to be the biggest claim for a workplace accident in the history of the ACC scheme," Dr Smith said.
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New Zealand needs to improve its freshwater management to ensure our lakes measure up to our clean, green reputation, Environment Minister Nick Smith said today in releasing the Status and Trends 2010 Report on Lake Water Quality in New Zealand.
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The Australian and New Zealand Governments have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together on climate change.
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Minister for the Environment Nick Smith today announced grants for three recycling projects from Waikato, Raglan and Kaitaia at the Community Recycling Network Hui in Wellington.
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Environment and ACC Minister Nick Smith is encouraging people to behave responsibly while enjoying Guy Fawkes this week.
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Regulations come into force today that reverse a Labour Government decision to require hundreds of household products like washing powders and household cleaners be sold in child-resistant plastic containers.
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