Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Local Press Releases

Here you access all of Nick's local press releases, covering a range of topics in and around Nelson.

Growth for Nelson Tasman in Population Data.
Nelson MP Nick Smith says the latest population data shows the region is growing faster than anywhere else in the country and this is good news for public resources for the area. read more..

Nelson holds jobs in difficult times: Nelson MP Nick Smith is pleased the unemployment rate for the region in the latest Household Labour Force Survey of 3.9% is the lowest in New Zealand and that 2700 additional jobs were created in the last year across Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast.

Smith challenges Labour on Hobbit law: Nelson MP Nick Smith says that changes in Labour's industrial relations policy will be bad for the Nelson economy and remove the opportunity for global film productions like The Hobbit to be filmed and produced in Nelson.

MP advocates new Nelson after-hours facility with Minister: Nelson MP Nick Smith is seeking support from Health Minister Tony Ryall for approval for a new after-hours GPs facility on the Nelson hospital site, replacing the existing old villa at 96 Waimea Road.

Smith wants Council model refined:  Nelson MP Nick Smith has recommended the Local Government Commission refine its model for a single council in the region to reduce costs and to provide better representation.

Street wrong on living costs says Smith: Maryan Street is just playing politics with her claims over living and power costs, standard of living, and who got the lions share of tax changes, Nelson MP Nick Smith says.

Most difficult Budget in a generation, says Smith: Budget 2011 has been the most difficult to put together in a generation with tough choices on how to get New Zealand back in the black, Nelson MP and Cabinet Minister Nick Smith said today.

Opportunities for Nelson in Government Water Package: The Nelson region needs to take up the opportunities of Government support for water infrastructure to support growth of our agricultural and horticultural industries, Nelson MP Nick Smith said today.

New beginning for Heaphy mountain bike track: Mountain biking on the Heaphy Track will help attract new visitors to Nelson at the quietest time of the year, Nelson MP Nick Smith said today as the track season formally opens.

Speech to the Lower North Island Conference in Palmerston North, 1 May 2011

Aussie apple decision welcomed: Nelson MP Nick Smith has welcomed the announcement by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard that they accepted the decision of the World Trade Organisation on New Zealand apple access and would move to promptly implement the practical arrangements to allow exports.

MP welcomes British High Commissioner to Nelson: Nelson MP Nick Smith will tomorrow host a visit from British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell where she will visit Port Nelson, the Nelson Museum, and jointly host a function of Nelson UK migrants.

Nelson backs tougher laws on pokies and alcohol: Nelson MP Nick Smith today released results from his annual survey of constituents on topical issues which showed public support for tougher controls on pokies, national standards of literacy and numeracy, the GST/income tax switch, and a split drinking age.

Smith welcomes $400,000 for Saxton pavilion: The $400,000 grant from the Lottery Community Facilities Fund for the new pavilion at Saxton Field for athletics and cricket is a significant and welcome boost for the Nelson region, Nelson MP Nick Smith said today following the announcement by Internal Affairs Minister Hon Nathan Guy.

Smith welcomes Heaphy mountain bike winter approval: Nelson MP Nick Smith today welcomed the decision from the New Zealand Conservation Authority today to allow winter mountain biking on the Heaphy Track.

Smith to survey Nelson on pokies, National Standards, tax changes & split drinking age: Nelson MP Nick Smith’s 2010 newsletter is to be distributed to homes in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond and Brightwater this week and seeks public views on pokies, National Standards, tax changes and the split drinking age.

Smith confirms he’ll run again in 2011: Nelson MP Nick Smith confirmed today at a function marking 20 years since he was first elected to Parliament that he would again be contesting the Nelson electorate at the 2011 election...

Smith welcomes new courthouse opening: Nelson MP Nick Smith is delighted the upgrade of the Nelson courthouse is complete and ready for the formal opening today by Minister for Courts, Georgina te Heuheu.