Twelve Questions with Nick Smith

Nick Smith. Photo / APN

Former Cabinet minister Nick Smith last month fell on his sword when it was revealed that when he was ACC Minister, he provided his friend Bronwyn Pullar with a letter of support over her ACC grievance. Dr Smith, who is also the MP for Nelson, held the local government, environment and climate change portfolios. His political career has spanned more than 20 years. He has won the Nelson seat - and before that, Tasman - eight times. His greatest fault, he says, is not being able to say 'no'.

What makes you laugh?

Our children - like when our 5-year-old son screamed "Go All Blacks" during the excitement of our election night party last year.

What are your weaknesses?

I have two weaknesses. I try too hard to help people and get myself in serious pickle. I can be in too much of a hurry to get things done. I need to say "no" more often and slow down a bit.

What is your greatest strength?

I'm a civil engineer at heart. It is a bit nerdy but it brings an understanding of nature's laws and a rational approach to managing risk to Parliament. My strength is using these applied science skills to complex problems like water pollution, climate change, leaky homes, earthquake risk and infrastructure issues.

What world leader should we be most fearful of?

Kim Jong Un of North Korea. Closed societies are scary enough but with nukes they are a nightmare.

What world leader/political power figure, living or dead, do you admire?

Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma. She is beautiful, humble and incredibly courageous. She is our generation's Nelson Mandela.

Who are your heroes?

William Wilberforce in 19th century Britain who took a lifetime to abolish slavery and our own Kate Sheppard who led our women's suffrage movement. I admire the way Barack Obama, despite a Muslim-sounding name and his African heritage, stared down prejudice to become the most powerful person in the world.

What has been your greatest adventure?

Doing the Coast to Coast as a team with mate (Finance Minister) Bill English. Bit embarrassing that a one legged guy beat us by himself but still a real sense of achievement.

What literary hero do you most identify with?

I'm of Aussie convict stock and feel a real connection to the writings of Bryce Courtenay of which my favorite character is Danny Dunn.

With Easter in mind, what is your guilty pleasure?

Sunday morning sleep-in followed by blueberry pancake brunch.

What advice would you give to a young Nick Smith, embarking on life?

Chill out and don't be in such a hurry.

What is the thing most misunderstood about politicians?

That they are any different from everybody else. They are mostly well intentioned but have all the same faults that other people have.

What have you yet to conquer?

Delivering better governance and management of New Zealand's abundant freshwater and ocean resources. I've got halfway up the mountain and then made a careless slip.