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Speaker of the House

Lockwood Smith is one of New Zealand’s most experienced parliamentarians having, since 1984, represented Kaipara and now the Rodney electorate. He remains passionate that New Zealanders can achieve so much more, but are constrained by increasing government interference in so many aspects of their lives. More taxes and ever more regulations are driving Kiwis in record numbers from our shores.

“The greatest thing a government can do for its people is to protect their freedom to pursue their dreams and aspirations, to achieve their goals in life.”

That’s why Dr Smith supports policies that: 

• Lower taxes and don’t strangle people and their businesses in red tape
• Make our neighborhoods safer through tougher bail, sentencing and parole laws
• Support more doctors, more nurses and fewer bureaucrats
• Provide the transport and telecommunications infrastructure to get us moving
• Help people achieve the education and gain the skills to pursue their dreams

During the 1990s, Dr Smith served as a senior minister in the various National-led Governments. As Minister of Education, he led the first comprehensive re-design of the school curriculum in a generation and developed the qualifications framework that made possible the huge expansion in tertiary education. Later he became Minister of Agriculture, and began the process of encouraging producer boards to develop new industry structures to enable them to better compete in global markets. As Trade Minister, it was Dr Smith’s privilege to lead APEC Trade Ministers through 1999 and initiate with Singapore, New Zealand’s first Free Trade Agreement in Asia.

Dr Smith also served as Deputy Minister of Finance, Minister of Forestry, Minister of Tourism, Minister Responsible for Contact Energy Ltd, Minister Responsible for the Education Review Office and Minister Responsible for the National Library.

Prior to entering politics, Dr Smith was the New Zealand Dairy Board’s marketing manager for Central and South East Asia. He had previously been a university lecturer and also hosted educational children’s television shows in Australia and New Zealand. He continues to run a beef farming operation in Northland.

Dr Smith was born in November 1948 and educated at Matakohe Primary School, Ruawai District High School, Auckland Grammar School and Massey University. A Commonwealth Scholar, he graduated from Adelaide University with a PhD in Animal Science in 1980. He remains a keen sportsman, having represented Adelaide University and South Australia in rowing, winning five state championships. He served as captain of the Adelaide University Boat Club and Chairman of the Lyall Bay Surf Lifesaving Club in Wellington.

Lockwood lives on his farm in Ruawai with his wife, Alexandra.

Contact Details:

Email: lockwood.smith@national.org.nz
Website: www.lockwoodsmith.co.nz
Phone: (04) 817 8234 (Parliament)