The Environmental Risk Management Authority reports to the Minister for the Environment:
The Hon Dr Nick Smith
Nick Smith is:
- Minster for the Environment
- Minster for Climate Change Issues
- Minister for ACC
Dr Smith was born and educated in North Canterbury and first stood for public office at the age of 18 for the Rangiora District Council while still at High School. He attended Canterbury University where he completed a Civil Engineering degree followed by a PhD in Landslides.
Having joined the National Party as a teenager Dr Smith has held governing positions through all levels of the organisation and has been involved in several campaigns.
Dr Smith entered parliament in 1990 and was 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 previous National Government he has held the portfolios of Education, Corrections, Conservation, Assoc Minister of Immigration, Treaty Negotiations and Social Welfare.
Dr Smith is deeply involved in his local Nelson community, and particularly enjoys constituent work. He is the proud father of daughter Hazel and son Logan, and lives with his partner Linley Newport. He has a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoys tramping, kayaking and camping with his family.