he listed voting against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in 1986 as his biggest regret: I faced the classic dilemma of voting according to my own judgement or the opinion of those I was elected to represent. As a new member, I opted for the latter and I've always regretted it. Smith was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of the House of Representatives. High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Smith began his term as High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom on 25 March 2013, with a powhiri at New Zealand House in London. He stepped down from the role on 25 March 2017. He was replaced by Sir Jerry Mateparae, the former Governor-General. Personal life On 4 July 2009 he married longtime partner, Alexandra Lang, in the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament. Notes References External links National Party Bio Parliamentary page Lockwood Smith marries 1948 births People educated at Auckland Grammar School Living people Massey University faculty Members of the Cabinet of New Zealand New Zealand National Party MPs New Zealand list MPs Speakers of the New Zealand House of Representatives Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives University of Adelaide alumni New Zealand MPs for Auckland electorates New Zealand education ministers High Commissioners of New Zealand to the United Kingdom Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit New Zealand game show hosts 21st-century New Zealand politicians People from the Kaipara District New Zealand politicians awarded knighthoods