Election year has well and truly kicked off, but for some with trouble, questions and suspicion.

Forestry and Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has been trying to talk his way out of criticism of a conflict of interest over a provincial growth fund funding application.

Jones has also been talking up a storm on a number of other issues this week, including climate change and an accusation that Greenpeace is using the Maui dolphin for an 'anti-fishing campaign'.

He joined Mike Hosking to discuss these issues.

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