The NBR invited readers to ask Nikki Kaye anything.
The questions to and answers from the Minsiter for Food Safety, Civil Defence and Youth Affairs and Associate Minister of Immigration and Education are here and include:
One day, down the track, do you want to be Prime Minister?
No, that’s not my goal. I spend quite a bit of time with the PM and I see the hours he puts in and the intensity of the job. I think you really have to want it to get there. My goal is to make the greatest difference I can. At the moment that is in politics. One day it could be in business or charitable sectors. Sounds a bit cheesy, but the main thing is when I walk out of Parliament I want to have little regret that I did my best each day to work hard and have courage to make positive change. I promise not to talk about world peace…
I finished pretty far back and was one of the last women home. I competed in the two-day individual and Nick and Bill competed in the team event. It took me more than 19 hours, which is likely longer than them. I have said before: I think they took the soft option. PS: I hope this does not affect my list ranking, Bill?
Also, I hear there is a swimming pool in the bottom of the Beehive. Is that true? Do MPs use it? Why do you think so many MPs are so unfit/unhealthy looking?
Yes there is, but it is pretty small. I don’t use it. I like my colleagues but have no plans to go swimming regularly with them.
Does everything go better with bacon?
Not if you’re a vegetarian 🙂 I am not – love a good bacon buttie.
As Civil Defence Minister – what was the biggest lesson from the Chch quakes, and what is being done to address it?
Do you think The Big One is still on its way for Chch?
One of the biggest lessons from the Christchurch earthquakes was that we need to strengthen our recovery framework for major emergencies. It was hard for us as government to have to pass a separate piece of legislation which focuses on the rebuild and recovery, but it was absolutely necessary to ensure the rebuild happens. I am focused on delivering more than a 100 recommendations that came out of corrective action plan. I am also looking at a legislative review to ensure whatever major emergency occurs – be that a volcanic eruption, a tsunami or an earthquake – that we have a strong legislative framework. What we learned from Christchurch is that no matter how good our risk management or prediction tools are, we have to plan for the unexpected.
Do Parliament’s crazy hours make it impossible to have a relationship – or to find someone if you’re not in a relationship?
Yes, but this is probably no different to other people in the corporate or charitable sector who work long hours.
When will finally see a cycle race between you and that old man Mallard?
Hopefully not, as unfortunately I think he would win and this would dramatically affect my political career and general standing in the National Party.
Homepaddock 
Where did you finish in Coast to Coast this year? Did you do better than Bill English and Nick Smith?